Fifty-one students from low-income families across Samoa have received a crucial lifeline to continue their education, thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Samoa Vibes to the Samoa Outreach Community Centre.

The donation was officially handed over on Wednesday at the National University of Samoa’s Fale, where students, parents, teachers, and supporters gathered to celebrate the milestone.

In total, 51 students from 14 schools, eight in Upolu and six in Savai’i, will have their entire year of school fees fully covered. The recipients include students at the primary and secondary levels, as well as one university student currently studying at Tesese Institute.

Originally, the support was intended for just 40 students, but additional backing allowed the Centre to expand sponsorship to 51.

Stacey Salasalamaua Tuiletufuga, the co-founder of the Samoa Outreach Community Centre, said this was more than a donation, it was hope for families who are doing their best. 

Students from schools such as Falefitu, Magiagi Primary School, and Vaimauga College attended the ceremony, where they also received school bags, umbrellas, and water bottles donated by SSAB.

One emotional teacher from Magiagi Primary School, herself a former student, tearfully expressed gratitude on behalf of her school.  “This is something we never had growing up. So many of my students struggle because of their school fees. But today, these kids have been blessed. This opportunity gives them a real chance,” she said. 

The selection of the students is done through referrals by school principals, who help identify the most in-need families.

The donation comes in the lead-up to the Samoa Vibes Concert 2025, with artist Aaradhna attending the handover to meet the students and show her support. 

The donation will be processed in full before the end of the current school term to ensure all students are prepared for the next academic period. “It came at the perfect time,” the Centre added. “No child will be left behind.”