“In early childhood you may lay the foundation of poverty or riches, industry of idleness, good or evil, by the habits to which you train your children. Teach them right habits then, and their future life is safe.”

This famous quote by Lydia Sigourney was echoed through a small service, which was held to start the celebration of this year’s academic journey at Faletagaloa Pre-School. 

The service was conducted by Reverend Poloma Eteuati of the Methodist Church at Faleolo. 

Reverend Poloma continued his sermon comparing the life of a child to that of building a house. 

“Whenever you build a new house, you always need to have a strong foundation. The biggest reason for this is that any mistakes you make in the foundation will only get worse as it develops. 

“Another reason why your foundation deserves the highest focus and attention is because your entire house sits on top of it! If you skimp here and something fails, it’s not an easy fix. Therefore, ensuring that the foundation is built to the very best standards possible is very much worth it.

“And that’s the same for our children. We as parents and as a village should all work together to build strong foundations for our children. Yes, it takes a whole village to raise a child and each and everyone one of us has a part to play. 

“So today is a very special day for we are celebrating the end of another school year for our children at the pre-school. The graduating students will now embark on the next chapter of their lives and hopefully the foundation that has been laid out for them will remain firm and strong as they grow up.”

Nine students graduated from the Faletagaloa Pre-School yesterday and are ready for Primary School next year. 

Vine Kapeneta was named the dux of the graduating class. She is the daughter of Pa’ulina and Kapeneta Sauaso of Faletagaloa. 

Fanolua Pepe Esera was second to dux and Sofranna Fale Ionatana was third to class.