Rosalina Leiofi Satuala's vision of funding the education of 220 students from Aleipata became a reality. 

The 220 students are from preschool to secondary school and from 14 schools. Their 2026 education is being fully funded by the Satuala Kenneth Foundation.

"This initiative is named after my son, who is autistic - the Satuala Kenneth Foundation. This is part of our community work," said Mrs Satuala.

Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Litara Ieremia-Allan was the ambassador for the program as she hails from the district. 

Mrs Satuala said autism is not understood in Samoa, as she explained her son's condition.

"We try our very best to be with him. He is not the type of child you tell what to do, then he'll do it. He only speaks one word, not a full sentence. He communicates by showing us what he wants; he takes my hand and just points it to what he wants," she said. 

"If your child is autistic, I would recommend that parents come forward to get assistance. I also advise them to let the teachers know so that they can prepare themselves beforehand."

Mrs Satuala said she hopes that by sharing her son's story, she can increase awareness of autism, minimise criticism, judgment and build more understanding. 

She explained that children with autism, like her son, face difficulties in communities with acceptance of who they are and what they are.

Reigning Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Island, Litara Ieremia Allan presented the students with their certificates. She left a powerful message.

"What makes me different from you? How are you different from me? Is it my face, mind, hair, or skin colour? God has made me unique, just as he has made you unique. So we must celebrate the difference that makes us unique," she said in his remarks. 

The organisation was named after her son, Satuala Kenneth Satuala, who at just three years old was diagnosed with stage two autism, exhibiting hyperactivity and hypersensitivity.