Samoa Blind Persons Association to celebrate International White Cane Day

By Lise Schmidt/

Apia, Samoa – 09 October 2024 – The Samoa Blind Persons Association, in collaboration with Nuanua O le Alofa, is preparing for a vibrant celebration of International White Cane Day on 15 October 2024.

This year’s events will focus on raising awareness and fostering independence for individuals who are blind through engaging poetry competitions, cane distributions, and educational initiatives.

The NOLA’s General Manager, Mataafa Faatino Utumapu said the white cane not only facilitates mobility but also symbolizes freedom and self-reliance for many blind persons.

“It allows us to move freely and safely from place to place – whether it’s at work, at school, or around our neighbourhood,” Utumapu stated.

Leading up to the event, the SBPA will launch the “My White Cane, My Life, My Freedom” poem competition, encouraging participants across three age categories—8-12 years, 13-18 years, and 19-35 years—to submit poems written in Samoan that reflect the theme of independence through the use of the white cane. The poems will be shared across various media platforms to amplify their messages and engage the community.

On the actual International White Cane Day, participants will witness the distribution of white canes to Care VCA beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of these tools in navigating daily life and emergencies.

“These canes reflect independence and mobility,” said Mataafa, highlighting their role in aiding blind individuals during natural disasters.

Currently, approximately 400 blind individuals are registered with the SBPA, though many others remain unregistered for personal reasons.

Isaako Tuato, President of the SBPA, hopes that these celebrations will encourage more people to acknowledge their disabilities and seek support.

In addition to the poem competition and cane distribution, the association plans to unveil short video clips showcasing the talents and challenges faced by blind persons. These clips will serve as training tools for cane usage in public spaces and will also be part of an awards ceremony on October 18, where individuals recognized for their advocacy work will be honoured.

The week-long festivities will culminate in church awareness programs on October 20, showcasing the contributions of blind individuals within religious communities.

The canes distributed during the event have been procured through Cane International and generous donations from donors. The SBPA is also negotiating with the government for additional support to ensure that every individual who needs a white cane can receive one.

As the Samoa Blind Persons Association prepares for this important event, the focus remains on empowering blind individuals and fostering a community that values accessibility and independence.