Another Samoan is making it big in the world of academia. Leali’ie’e Dr Tufulasi Taleni from the village of Vaiafai, Iva became the University of Canterbury (UC) Faculty of Education's first Pacific staff member with a doctorate.

Who would have thought that a man from humble beginnings during a time when hardship was just a way of life, could make it this far? He has and it has been through sheer hard work and the power of education.

This is what education can do for the many Samoan children living in poverty and struggling daily just to have enough to eat. Leali’ie’e’s story tells us that these things are not new and not an excuse to shun away from the path that could lead our children to success and ensure economic prosperity for families.

In his words, Leali’ie’e said: “A colleague recently rephrased it as ‘it takes a village to raise a doctor’ and that’s how I feel. My PhD achievement belongs to my community, village and my family. In sharing my story, I hope to motivate my nieces, nephews, my young people in the village back home in Samoa, and also young Pacific people here in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

His childhood wasn’t easy, and he recalled often going to school without food. Local families worked hard but earned very little. This motivated him to do well at school and then train as a teacher to earn enough money to support his family.

As a young teacher in Samoa, Leali’ie’e earned a paltry $47 a fortnight, and in 1985, he left to find better-paying work in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to further his education. He continued supporting his family in Samoa as he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Otago, majoring in Education.

This man’s achievement should be a motivation for district councils to use the district grants to fund education for the children in their constituency. That is the only use of the grants that would bear real fruits. District grants should pay fees for children across the board, including, all primary schools, all secondary schools, tertiary education for those from struggling families, and bus fares for those whose families cannot afford it.

Education should be free and accessible to everyone. Quality education is a basic human right that can drive economic growth, promote social equality, and benefit society as a whole. When education is affordable, it can help break down barriers and create opportunities for all individuals to achieve their full potential. By investing in education, we can create a more equitable and just society for future generations.

Education is one of the fundamental rights of every human being. It's an essential tool for personal and social development, and it's a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty. However, the cost of education has become increasingly expensive, making it inaccessible for many individuals and families.

Education is a fundamental human right that should be available to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Quality education can help individuals break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential. Education is also crucial for personal and social development, as it helps individuals develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Affordable education is essential for economic growth and development. Education can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to create and innovate, drive technological advancements, and develop sustainable solutions. A well-educated workforce can also attract businesses and investments, creating job opportunities and driving economic growth.

Education can play a critical role in promoting social equality. It can provide individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. When education is accessible to everyone, it can help break down social and economic barriers and create a more equal and just society.

The benefits of education extend beyond the individual level. A well-educated society can lead to better health outcomes, reduced crime rates, and a more engaged and informed citizenry. Education can also lead to increased civic participation and promote democratic values.

The high cost of education is a significant barrier to access for many individuals and families. Rising tuition fees, expensive textbooks, and the cost of living can make it impossible for many students to attend college or university. This can create a vicious cycle of debt and financial hardship, limiting opportunities for personal and social development.

We need the children of Samoa to be able to make a better living in the future and this is only achievable through education. This will also reduce crime and take children off the streets.

For our leaders to understand the importance of investing in education to take a look at the life of Leali’ie’e, the young man from Iva and now a master educator.