Avele College Honours 30 Years Since Admitting Female Students

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 13 June 2026 – Avele College marked two important milestones this week; its 102nd anniversary since establishment and 30 years since it began accepting female students at the college.

The first female Head Girl of Avele College, Lemalu Ruta Masinalupe, shared her experience with Talamua.

In 1996, she said, there were not many girls in the school. However, she expressed gratitude for witnessing the growing number of female students over the years.

“It’s inspiring to see how much the school has changed and how more girls are now part of Avele,” she said.

Former and longest-serving Principal, Lafaitele Aiga Esera had a major influence in shaping the school’s inclusive future.

In a video message played during the celebrations, she explained the significance of the “Three A’s”: Atua (God), Avele, and Aiga (Family).

“Avele is a family of God,” she emphasized.

Avele College’s longest serving principal, Lafaitele Aiga Esera in a video message played during the celebration.

Aiga was the first to push for the idea of accepting female students, despite facing many challenges along the way.

She described the journey as rocky but believed that faith helped her overcome obstacles.

Her vision became a reality in 1996 when female students were officially admitted.

Though there were difficulties initially, Aiga highlighted that Avele grew stronger as a family and built a strong bond among students and staff.

Lemalu Ruta Masinalupe recalled the early challenges faced by female students but noted that these issues did not discourage them from pursuing their education.

“I encourage female students to invest in their education,” Lemalu said.

“They can have a successful future and good careers; the school’s spiritual nurturing played a key role in shaping the students’ bright futures,” she added.

In 1996, Avele College had its first female Head Girl, Lemalu Ruta Masinalupe.

During the celebration, Wellington based lawyer and a former student, Leiataualesā Ken Ah-Kuoi donated two scholarships worth $5,000 each, aimed at supporting female students.

These scholarships will be awarded to students who progress to the University Preparatory Year (UPY), helping them with tuition fees.

The proud Avele alumnus who studied there in 1980 is the President of the ACOPA Wellington.

Avele College alumnus Puipui Frost, President of the ACOPA Wellington, Leiataualesa Ken Ah Kuoi , Lafaitele Ah Kuoi (far right) celebrating the college’s historic achievements this week.

According to Leiataualesā Avele College Old Pupils Association (ACOPA) aims to create more scholarship opportunities to help students succeed and develop into future leaders for Samoa.

The organization is also working on various projects to improve the school’s facilities, including building accommodations near the Fale Samoa and the Old Pupils Hall.

Plans are underway to construct a fence around Fale Samoa and raise funds for further school development.

The event featured student academic competitions and showcases of their talents in various fields of study.

It concluded with the ceremonial blowing of a special candle symbolizing 30 and 120 years of the school’s history, and capped off with the traditional Taualuga dance, celebrating the school’s enduring legacy.

The celebration brought together students, staff and alumni to honor the school’s rich history and bright future.

Avele College has contributed immensely to Samoa’s development pre and post independence as an educational institution that shaped the country’s leaders over its 120 year history.