Two Samoan women in Australia are raising money to send school supplies and classroom furniture to Samoa, looking to support students and teachers facing ongoing shortages in educational resources.

The initiative, called “Weaving For Our Future,” was started by Lamauta Dr Vaoiva Natapu-Ponton and Laurissa Pona-Baker to support students and teachers working with limited classroom resources.

“Right now, many schools across Samoa continue to face major shortages in educational resources and infrastructure,” Dr Vaoiva said.

The two women are now working towards their final fundraising goal of $10,000 to ship the container to Samoa.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports a student’s access to education, opportunity, and a brighter future.”

Dr Vaoiva, from the villages of Moata’a, Apolima, and Iva ma Saipipi, has been an educator for nearly 30 years. She said her time teaching in Samoa shaped her belief in education and community service.

She said the fundraiser was inspired by a visit to Samoa in October last year, where she saw firsthand the challenges many schools are still facing.

“I saw how hard students and teachers continue to work despite limited resources,” she said.

She later connected with Laurissa Pona-Baker, and together they developed the “Weaving For Our Future” initiative.

Laurissa, who is studying a double degree in Business and Design, said the project was inspired by the belief that education can help create change for future generations.

“The inspiration behind the Samoan School Supply Drop is the belief that education can be used as a vehicle for change,” she said.

“I believe that through education, we will find the leaders of tomorrow.”

Laurissa said she hopes the initiative will help young Samoans become future leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and advocates for their communities.

She said the campaign has received strong support from Samoans and Pacific communities overseas.

“We have been overwhelmed by such heartwarming support and love for the initiative,” she said.

The collected supplies will first be distributed to Vaimauga College and Faatuatua College before being shared with other schools based on identified needs.

Dr Ponton thanked donors and supporters in Samoa and overseas for contributing to the campaign.

“To everyone considering supporting this cause, fa’afetai tele lava,” she said. 

“Your support is more than a donation; it is an investment in the education, confidence, and future of our young people.”

Laurissa said even small contributions can make a difference.

“One book can support literacy. One desk can create space for learning,” she said. 

“One donation can remind a child they are seen and valued.”