Bahá’í Faith responds to threat of coronavirus pandemic

By Adel Fruean 22 May 2020, 5:08PM

An awareness programme to educate on the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of personal hygiene especially hand washing and offer supplies has helped over 300 families.

The programme was spearheaded by a group from the Bahá’í Faith at Tiapapata and composed mostly of young people.

This was highlighted in a statement issued by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Samoa Inc. 


The Group took matters into their hands towards the end of March of this year, as countries were beginning to come to terms with a rapidly evolving health crisis and Samoa declared a State of Emergency.

Small groups of Bahá’ís, began to distribute bars of soap and informative posters and brochures developed by the Ministry of Health.

The kit also included Bahá’í prayers for protection for, as recently written in a message from the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing council of the international Bahá’í community, the world stands more and more in need of the hope and the strength of spirit that faith imparts. 

Around 300 families were assisted with over 2,000 bars of soap being distributed to families in villages covering an area from Letava to Afiamalu and Tiavī within a month.

According to a representative of the Group, Lauvī Taligalu Gordon said that they have been working with families in the mentioned villages for many years.

“On the moral education of their children and in junior youth spiritual empowerment programs,” he added.

Lauvi also stated that with regular classes for children and junior youth suspended under the lockdown, they decided that the best service they can offer is to help the government in its efforts to educate people about how we may prevent the spread of infection should the virus enter Samoa.

With flights into the country resuming this week, the Bahá’ís at Tiapapata will continue to explore ways to assist local communities.

A Bahá’í in Australia has recently developed an activity book for children about the Coronavirus Pandemic [www.MomentsADay.com/covid19]. 

The local governing council at Tiapapata is currently reviewing the Samoan translation and, when approved, the activity book will be offered as another resource that may assist families prepare their children should the virus enter the country.

The need for families to establish home vegetable gardens is also of concern given the important role of vegetables in maintaining a healthy diet and a strong immune system. 

The group added that what is clear is that the government alone cannot keep Samoa safe.

Families need to be well informed about how to be protected from the virus and all sectors of society must work together if Samoa is to remain protected and the impacts are to be minimized. 

By Adel Fruean 22 May 2020, 5:08PM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>