Celebrating Investment in Lefaga and Falease’ela’s future

By Lise SCHMIDT/

Apia, Samoa – 24 December 2024 – The District Council – Fono Faavae of Lefaga & Faleaseela, celebrated the success of eight outstanding students from the district that the Council sponsored at the National University of Samoa and the University of the South Pacific.

The event was attended by the proud parents, families, and key figures from the District Council, including the Member of Parliament Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Loau Donina Tili Vaa, and Project Coordinator Unasa Viane Toala.

The ceremony began with a prayer led by Reverend Taulagi To’osavili of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, who encouraged the students to remain honest and diligent in their studies, reminding them of the love and support that funded their educational journey.

Masinalupe, who is the Chairman of the District Council, echoed the Reverend’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of integrity in their academic pursuits. He reminded the students that their success is a direct return on the investment made by the community and the government through the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.

“You are the hope for a successful future for our constituency,” he said. He urged them to remember the financial support they received and to strive to give back to their families and community upon achieving their goals.

Highlighting the significance of education, Masinalupe noted, “Who knows? Some of you sitting here might be Members of Parliament, lawyers, doctors, or even a Prime Minister.”

His remarks served as a powerful reminder of the potential that each student holds.

He further stressed the council’s commitment to ensuring no young person misses out on education due to financial constraints.

The financial support for these students comes from the government’s $1 million District Development Project, which has enabled them to pursue higher education. According to Leausalilo Sanerivi Le’uo, the secretary of the District Council, this initiative initially assisted 15 students with funding for their first and second semesters, although not all were able to attend the ceremony.

During the event, the students were presented with gifts by Treasurer Leausalilo Leilani Duffy as a token of appreciation for their hard work. Loau offered her congratulations and shared valuable lifelong advice, reinforcing the significance of integrity, wisdom, and discernment.

She also opened doors for work experience opportunities through the Ministry, encouraging the students to consider how they can utilize funds from the District Development Project for the betterment of their community.

Among the honored students were Sapi Ofisa, Lalotoa Muliaga, and Naomi Wendt from NUS, along with several others from both NUS and USP, each representing the hopes and aspirations of their families and the wider community. With the support of their local leaders and the government, these students stand as a testament to the power of education as a tool for personal and communal advancement.