A group of students at The University of South Pacific [U.S.P.] Alafua Campus have made donations to the Samoa Cancer Society, Home of the Elderly at Mapuifagalele and the Samoa Victim Support Group.

The students, who are part of the 2020 professional diploma of business management class, gave $500 cash and over $800 tala worth of goods to the three humanitarian and non-profit organisations.

The course’s 2020 Class President, Lei Ngau Chun, told the Samoa Observer in a telephone interview that they raised the funds at a fundraising event they hosted at the Fagalii golf course a fortnight ago.

Having previously lived in the Solomon Islands where she also did charity work, Ms Chun said her background compelled her to think about raising funds and making donations to the three organisations. 

She added that learning the dynamics of management and leadership during the course were also major factors behind their donation.

“If we want to be leaders what can we do as leaders? What examples do we set for our community? We all have grandmothers and grandfathers, it’s only natural we help them.

“People that want to go and learn leadership, management and things like that, what's your vision? What's your aim and what's your goal as a leader?”

Ms. Chun acknowledged the assistance of their lecturers, Dr. Mataafa Desmond Amosa and Leota Oliver Taituuga, as well as the support of the National Bank of Samoa, Bank South Pacific and Vodafone Samoa.

In a response to questions from the Samoa Observer, Samoa Cancer Society’s Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Verona Parker said last year the U.S.P. Alafua Campus introduced the first professional diploma of business management cohort course, which close to 30 students completed and funded their own travel to Fiji for their graduation.

“This year saw an increased number of students  predominantly female sign up for the same course. The professional diploma of business management class [of] 2020 is composed of mature students who serve the country through the various executive roles that they hold at all sectors in the community,” she said.

“To foster the spirit of unity and collaboration during this academic journey, the class has a social club executive that organises activities to network. The president Eterei Ng Chun and class decided to put together a donation as their contribution towards Pinktober through the Samoa Cancer Society and its awareness activities. 

“It is also a way for the professional diploma of business management class [of] 2020 to honor the women of their class who are women leaders of their respective workplaces or businesses, wives, mothers and women that live full lives yet are seeking further education together with their male counterparts, to excel academically, professionally or just to refresh the studious mind, on top of their already crazy schedules!”

“Most importantly they acknowledge the need to empower themselves and our fellow women to get those breasts checked and live healthy lives to keep serving the various roles in our community.”