The National University of Samoa Students Association has turned its attention to a handwashing campaign project following the cancellation of all sporting activities this year due to the coronavirus global pandemic.

The Association President, Junior Ofisa, advised the student body on campus of the change in a live talanoa session on the university's Facebook page on Wednesday. 

"N.U.S.S.A. will now be funding the handwashing campaign project," Mr Ofisa said. "This way, the students and parents know that their money that was deducted from their registration is used wisely for the university's development. So we’ll be funding all the signboards for the project and we also wanted to create an advertisement regarding the project and we want this completed in time for semester two."

The Association is funded by contributions made by the students as part of their university fees. Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Mr Ofisa said the handwash project was previously handled by the N.U.S. Committee when classes resumed, but they will now be taking over.

"The campaign will go on until everything that we’re doing is complete in terms of what’s being built like the sinks and signs and so forth," he added. "The proposal was handed in last Thursday and was approved on Wednesday. We’re now taking over the campaign because at first, it was the NUS committee that was doing it but now it will be fully funded by N.U.S.S.A.”

Part of the project included awareness promoting the washing of hands upon entry at the university gates with Mr Ofisa revealing that the total cost of the project is estimated to be T$40,00 and will be processed by the finance committee.

Part of the project includes the setting up of sinks, signboards, the university logo board as well as merchandise promoting the campaign. The campaign will target all students and staff on campus. 

The Association will also fund the activities of the ‘Peer to Peer Initiative Group’, which Mr Ofisa revealed is a collaboration between the university’s Faculties of Arts and Commerce. It provides support to students who are struggling and stressed with their studies as well as provides a safe space where they can get together and encourage each other.

"The activity this Friday is a trivia blast, a final activity for the students to enjoy before they go off into study week to prepare for exams," Mr Ofisa added.

Every year the event runs under a different theme with this year's being: "face your fears without your peers."