Boy scout troop unites Fagae'e youth

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 08 July 2020, 9:00AM

The motto of the Fagae'e's Boy Scouts is: "Unity is our strength".

The boy scout troop, which was first established on 29 July 1989, and it's the only boy scout troop remaining on the big island of Savai'i. 

Recently, they received a new uniform, courtesy of their Member of Parliament, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt. 

They practise every week with the hope to unite the youths of the village. 

Reverend Afatia Afualo, of the Congregational Christian Church at Fagae'e, said having a boy scout in the village is adventurous. 

"We haven't been here for a long time," said Reverend Afatia. 

"But to see the boys and the youths of the village including matai and untitled men come and work together under the boy scout (auatama) is such a great thing for us.

"Every time we have ceremonies to bestow titles and funerals in the village, it is always good to see the boy scout do their usual parade and stand in two-line to 

"Another amazing thing about it is that they are under the supervision of the elders and the matai of the village. 

"So the boys are well-behaved and are unlikely to go against the village rules."

The Captain of the boy scouts, Fa'atoatoa Fa'aoso said with so many issues affecting youths nowadays, it is crucial that they revive their boy scout troop and carry on the tradition:

"The boy scouts [are] something we've had for some time. It's more like a tradition for this village and we have to carry it on. 

"In the past, there were a lot of villages who had a boy scout to help unite the youths and help them behave well in the villages."

Moreover, Captain Fa'atoatoa said with so many issues affecting young people lately, having a boy scout troop led by the elders and matai, is a must.

"Every village has its own regulations, and it helps to keep our youths on the ground and make them behave a certain way that is expected of them," he said.  

"For us, we have a band and we host practice whenever there are special events in the village. We have rules that guide all the boys and everyone in the village. 

"And I tell you, no one dares go against these rules or behave in a manner that is not expected of them.

"As I said, the importance of this is to unite our youths. It also provides a platform for them to come in together as one and carry out work for the betterment of the village and church."

Captain Fa'atoatoa expressed his gratitude to their local M.P for being a strong supporter of their boy scout troop. 

"As we said in Samoan oratory, Blessings for the village starts from on top of the mountains," he said.  

"This was the foundation that was set up by our ancestors for us and our children. We carry on the legacy and tradition because we know it's very important. 

"Thanks to La'auli, our M.P for being a strong supporter and for encouraging us to continue on this tradition. 

"He has also helped out with the new uniform which is great and the boys love their uniform."


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Savaii
By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 08 July 2020, 9:00AM

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