One of the first schools established in Samoa, which has been the cornerstone and pioneer of informal education being woven into the education system, celebrated its 135th anniversary at the Malua compound. 

Leulumoega Fou College is the product of a vision realised in 1888 by the then London Missionary Society (LMS) Board of Directors to set up a formal education to prepare boys and men before entering the Malua Theological College.   

Led by Rev. J W Hills, the school’s first structure was set up in Leuluifi Apia and was called Maluafou, where Samoan boys studied various topics known as normal training in high school. 

The Congregational Christian Church Samoa (CCCS) General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Taipisia Leilua said the school was intended to educate men not only for theological work but to become teachers to lead schools in villages. 

But the establishment in Maluafou did not last long when disaster struck in 1889, destroying the coast of Apia, followed by civil war in Luatuanuu, disrupting the school’s future plans. 

 This led tothe  relocation of the school from Maluafou in 1889 to Nuuausala with a 40-year agreement to continue the initiative. 

On 25 August 1890, the school officially began in Leulumoega with a roll of 71 males and nine teachers. In August 1894, the Tineiafi school building was built. 

Rev. Leilua said the school continued to grow with the introduction of carpentry in 1899, providing boys with trade skills and work on the plantation on top of their preparations to enter the theological school. 

He acknowledged the motherly affection shown by the mothers of the Aana district, who supported the school in its early days. 

In January 1925, the school was relocated again from Malua to where it is currently located at Malua Tafatolu, marking 100 years since its relocation. 

As the school made progress, it also brought changes in 1932, when married men were no longer accepted. 

In 1958, the school finally opened its doors for girls and by that time, the school had lifted its requirements and standards.      

Rev. Leilua noted that by 1972, during the CCCS Annual General Meeting, the church accepted a proposal to transition the school into a college in Samoa. 

Over the years, the school had to make changes as part of education reforms by removing form six (year 13) in 1990 and reinstating it later in 2002. 

The school has undergone major infrastructure changes with the construction of its College Hall in 2022, funded by the church.

A commemorative headstone funded by SIFA to remember the 135th anniversary of Leulumoega Fou College was officially unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday. 

Minister of Education and Culture, Seuula presented a $20,000 monetary gift for the school. 

A former student of Leulumoega Fou, Seuula paid tribute to the church and its leaders’ foresight that saw the need to establish the school that has been the origin of the growing education sector and has nurtured many pioneers. 

He recalled that the school has bred many of Samoa’s leaders in government, village, church, musicians and sports like the rugby legend Lolani Koko.     

Seuula added that the Lord has continued to bless the school, and its contribution to the development of the country is immeasurable. 

The Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo attended the celebration with many other former pupils who have pivotal roles in their respective professions. 

The celebration started with a parade early morning, presentation of awards and continued on with entertainment from Papauta Girls, Nuuausala College, Maluafou College and Leulumoega Fou College. 

The school roll has since grown from 71 when it was established to around 700 students. 

Leulumoega Fou College students are often credited for how they present themselves neatly in their uniform and the girls' braided hair.