A Christmas virtual concert organised by the Gems of the South Pacific aims to give back to the community by funding student scholarships in Samoa. 

Gems of the South Pacific comprises some of Samoa’s best known artists and is an online platform whose mission is to share vision and talent as well as encourage others to share their ideas and dreams.

For the Gems of the South Pacific founder, Luana Nauer, she said it is all about giving back to the people in the country.

“Our people have so much talent and you will be surprised that many of them want to help out and give back to our people,” she said.

“All the performers are so excited to do this, it is a privilege for them to perform for free, to use their talent to help our people so yes the purpose is to give back to our people in the country, and especially to help fund scholarships for some of the students in the island.

That is our Goal. It did not take me too long to plan. When God is in the midst of everything, anything is possible, so like I mentioned it didn't take me that long.”

Donations are made anytime and during the concert, which will fund scholarships offered by the not-for-profit group Brown Girl Woke (B.G.W.).

According to Ms Nauer, there are about 20 Samoan singers including individual singers, groups and dance groups.

When asked if similar events will be held in the near future, she said: “Of course it is in me to give.”

“There is a principle called seedtime and harvest, and it is planting a seed in good soil. I believe that we were put here on this earth to manage it for our God and support each other in a way that our Heavenly Fathers want us to do.

“If you have a talent or if any singers or dancing groups out there would like to donate their time for our people in Samoa, we still have a lot of availability. 

“Just contact me or the Gems of the South Pacific.”

Ms Nauer also thanked their sponsors and supporters for continuing to support them.

“I also would like to thank all of those that are donating their precious time for this cause, I can only pray to God to bless you, your talents, your family and keep all of you safe. 

You are truly the Gems of our Pacific. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

“I also want to thank Doris Tulifau and the Brown Girl Woke for what they do. May God continue to bless you and your Foundation for doing the work of his Kingdom.”

B.G.W. founder and director, Maluseu Doris Tulifau, told the Samoa Observer that she is always grateful and hopeful when partnering with organisations from abroad who want to give back to the community the efforts of the B.G.W.

Their goal, according to Maluseu, is to give at least 10 scholarships a year and when funding becomes available they will know how many students they could assist.

She further stated that the scholarship offered by the B.G.W. can be found on their website and applications will open this week.