The Vaovai Primary School and Satitoa Catholic Church are the recipients of Digicel’s Go Big community grants this year.

Digicel Samoa Chairman, Pepe Christian Fruean, presented the grants and said he is humbled and happy to see the community propose ideas that focus on helping with the development of villages, families, and churches as well as voice their choices and concerns on how and what they need to make their communities better.

Thanks to the grant from the telecommunications firm, the primary school has received three new tents, five desktop computers and four solar lights. 

The submission for assistance was entered by Sara Aleaga Fiva, a parent whose child attends the school, who requested specifically for the items to help out with the school’s programs and studies as well as the safety of the compound.

The Satitoa Catholic Church in Aleipata District was presented with three new electric sewing machines. The submission was entered by the deacon and his wife, Rev Ameto and Aukusitina. Both requested specifically for the items as a tool to effectively develop sewing skills for the young men and women in their church, in order to prepare them should they consider this as a career option to earn a steady income.

Total grants distributed by Digicel’s Big On Community Project initiative is valued at $64,000 and will be checked within the next three months – especially Vaovai Primary School and Satitoa Catholic Church – to check on the progress of the projects. 

“We have been doing more community based projects with the objective to impact and change the lives of our people,” he said. “It is that time of year where hearts are turned towards home and the joy in it for us is to see the Christmas spirit rise for our people and delight them.”

Vaovai Primary School teacher, Pologa Tuisamoa, said they have been trying to source funds to pay for the items and they were humbled to be called to be advised of their request being successful and he gave thanks to the Digicel team.

Rev. Ameto of the Satitoa Catholic Church explained that their Mafutaga a Tina will lead their programmes in January for basic skills in sewing and to start with school uniforms, clothing, and much more.

“Thank you Digicel for your consideration and for your community outreach programs, the gifts you have presented for us today will render a steady income for families and shape up our women to be skillful individuals,” he added.