The Saoluafata Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) Youth prepared for the 58th birthday of the Saoluafata Youth Ministry by holding sporting activities and dismantling their Fautasi and Kulula (traditional boats).

The young church members dismantled the Fautasi and Kulula which were created to take part in the races during the commemoration of Samoa's 50th independence in 2012.

Reverend Elder Limuaa Samuelu said that the Saoluafata youth were engaged in several projects, one of them being the dismantling of the Fautasi and the Kulula.

The Fautasi and the Kulula had been purchased years ago as part of a planned contribution to Samoa’s 50th Independence celebrations.

But due to their current condition, the boats cannot be sold and Rev. Elder Samuelu explained that they currently have no plans to purchase replacements. 

Rev. Elder Samuelu noted that the boats were expensive acquisitions: the Fautasi came at a cost of $35,000 while the Kulula cost $10,000, paid for by a 2012 fundraising. 

The Saoluafata C.C.C.S Youth also took part in sports activities such as basketball and volleyball, divided into 4 teams which were called Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Rev. Elder Samuelu stated that there are currently 55 people in the youth ministry.

The activities on Saturday are part of the youth's 58th celebration anniversary which will be celebrated next Saturday.

"We usually celebrate the birthday on the 24th of July but due to the lockdown, we had to postpone it," he said.

The Reverend said they usually host the celebrations in Apia but they have instead decided to host the celebrations at Saoluafata and they will only invite a few people.