Samoan children benefit scholarship award programme

By Soli Wilson 23 January 2020, 3:00PM

The children of staff working for the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A.) and the Ministry of Police will benefit from an annual privately-funded scholarship and awards programme.

Faalogo Sissy Situtuila Vuki, who is based in Utah U.S., presented scholarships to 32 children of S.F.E.S.A. and Ministry of Police personnel under the Sione Heleti Vuki Legacy Scholarship and Awards Programme.

The presentation to the children marked the second time for the programme to be run with Faalogo revealing that a total of  $120,720 was raised with supporters and members of the local business community in St. George Utah stepping forward to support the initiative.

This year, the children received scholarship awards, laptops and tablets as well as shoes and school packs for primary, secondary and tertiary education.

"The focus has always been the 911 Call Center and because we continue to believe that it will improve as the life line for our first responders here, we wanted to continue to provide opportunities for the children," said Faalogo.

"From that, of course, we continue to have love for Samoan people as the St. George community reached out together with the organisation of S.U.S.I.C. reached out to combine so we can raise as much money for the Samoa measles epidemic."

Proponents of the programme opted not to give their donations through the National Emergency Operation Center (N.E.O.C.) and chose F.E.S.A., according to Fa'alogo.

The F.E.S.A. Chairman, Maiava Leta'a Tanielu, said the programme was timely with parents beginning preparations for the start of the 2020 academic year.

Speaking on behalf of the F.E.S.A. Minister and Board of Directors, he conveyed their appreciation for their continued support for the children of SFESA and Ministry of Police as well as donations for the National Emergency Call Centre 911 (NECC911).

"These donations will not only benefit our children but also the Authority," he said.

The recipients of the support comprised nine college students who received $600 each with 23 primary school students receiving $250. The Parent Award of $500 went to Ronnie Wong Soon of F.E.S.A. 

The Sione Heleti Vuki Legacy Awards totalled up to $2,500 and was divided amongst five recipients. Four recipients received the honorary award in honor of Ence Homes/Quentin Ence of St George, Utah Award valued at $1000 while Situtuila Sissy Vuki also sponsored a student for $1,000.

The NECC911 was awarded a donation of $15,000 plus medical supplies donation for Measles Epidemic Medical Supplies Drive worth $5,709.

By Soli Wilson 23 January 2020, 3:00PM

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