Six colleges around Upolu Island received monetary and in-kind assistance courtesy of Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B.) and its customers.

Samoa College received $400 cash, $300 stationery voucher plus a blender, toaster and kettle. 

Leifiifi College received $200 cash, a kettle and sandwich maker, whereas St. Mary’s College was given $300 cash and $200 stationery voucher.

Other colleges include: Avele College received $100; St. Joseph’s College - $250 cash plus kettle and toaster; Church College at Pesega - $500 cash, $500 worth of stationery voucher plus kettle, sandwich maker and blender.

Last Friday, S.S.A.B. staff distributed the assistance to all six schools to assist with the start to another academic year. 

According to the S.S.A.B. Marketing Manager, Asomua Asia Stanley, this assistance is part of their “donate back to school promotion.”

“We previously had all S.S.A.B. staff came in their school uniforms and we had donation boxes at the store for all our customers to put their receipts in. 

“A total of 5 per cent from all purchases on stationery and educational products by customers will be donated to their respective schools.” 

Asomua highlighted that giving back to the schools is significant as a way to honour the contributions that the selected schools have made to S.S.A.B. staff.

“It is also a branch of our educational support for the children.”

The Deputy Principal of St. Joseph’s College, I’asa Lisale told the Samoa Observer that the assistance from S.S.A.B. is much needed. 

“On behalf of the school, I would like to thank Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai and her staff for their heart to help schools. 

“I have to admit this is a shock to receive this monetary and in-kind help but we are grateful for everything.

“We do work in partnership with S.S.A.B. in other areas but they have helped us a lot in so many ways.” 

Mr. Lisale added that so far, there are 455 students in the school.

“One of the most common problems faced by some of the students is financial support in terms of their school fees.

“There are some students that are facing difficulties in paying for their fees but S.S.A.B. has assisted through scholarship platforms."