The Marist Old Pupils Association (M.B.O.P.A.) donated $50,000 to Saint Joseph’s College, Alafua on Friday.

A large part of the proceeds for this donation were collected during the Marist Excellence Service Awards Ball, which was held during their recent 130th year anniversary celebrations. 

These funds were presented as part of M.B.O.P.A’s contribution to the development of the school that taught them so much during their respective years of education.

Principal of Saint Joseph’s College, Susitina Maletino expressed her immense gratitude to the generous donation.

“Every year the M.B.O.P.A. assists our school in any way they can, it is truly inspirational to see them come back to their roots where it all started for them,” Ms. Maletino said. 

“Education is the key to a successful future and it is evident with how the successful graduates who came from the Marist schools, which in my opinion have given them a sense of obligation to give back to where they were first educated.”

“The donation will go into helping with teachers’ salaries and resources needed by students for learning.” 

M.B.O.P.A’s President, Tuatagaloa Ming Leung Wai was grateful to the support shown by the Marist fraternity, supporters and families.  

“The aim is to help with provide more resources for the Marist schools and for our teachers to be adequately paid.”

“M.B.O.P.A. stands firmly in fundraising activities that look to maintain and develop the Marist schools in Samoa in order to provide better opportunities for all its students, in both education and sports,” Tuatagaloa added. 

M.B.O.P.A. will also donate $3,000 to the Sisters’ of the Poor at Mapuifagalele Home, and $2,000 will also be donated to the Carmelites at Vailima as part of their community service.