The children of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) at Vaiala have celebrated the waning of the measles epidemic and the recovery mode that the country now finds itself in.

The celebration, to honour the children, took place at the church’s hall where over 100 members of the congregation gathered.

Reverend Iese Uele said the celebration was to lift the spirits of the children after the country went through a challenge period with the measles epidemic last year.

“It is because we have we just been through a time of mourning and sadness throughout our country over the loss of so many lives to measles,” he said.

Rev. Uele added that due to the Government-imposed state of emergency, children were prohibited from being in public gatherings.

“The ban meant the children would not have fun or celebrate like we normally would every year.

“We wanted to commemorate the children’s educational journey spiritually through the Sunday School prize giving because more than a hundred children sat the exams but we never had time to officially give out the prizes.

“We also divided up the children to perform various dances representing countries such as Papua New Guinea, Africa, Solomon Islands, and New Zealand.”

He added that seeing the joy on the children’s faces was more than a reward for them.

“We wanted to celebrate their effort and hard work.

“A child’s journey of learning continues whether it is through school, at home or within the church but we must help foster their ability to learn and understand that the spiritual life is just as important.

“And so that they can grow up and contribute to a better future for their families, villages, churches and country.”

The Vaiala C.C.C.S. church minister also said that children are important as they are the future of every church and the country.

“The total number of students amounts to more than 120 children. It is with our hope that every child grows up educated through schools and also spiritually.

“I believe that if you want knowledge you must love or strive to be constantly in a learning process.

“The bible is correct on the sense that ‘A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.’

He added that if we have good citizens we can also have a safe and secure community.

“All our preparations were supposed to be carried out at the end of 2019 but due to the measles epidemic and state of emergency we had no choice but to put everything on hold.”