She merely heard about the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG)
from a good friend. Still, it was enough to get the late Carolyn
Rogers to fly 20 hours from Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates
to Samoa to volunteer at the School of Hope, for the abused
children under SVSG’s shelter care.
Carolyn was a New Zealander and a qualified primary school
teacher.
Carolyn arrived in Samoa in late July 2018 and volunteered at the
School of Hope until late August. Her teaching and caregiver
experience were obvious in how she dealt with the children. The
children were drawn to her motherly approach to teaching, and

she immediately became part of the family.
When Carolyn left in 2018, she promised to return and continue to support the abused children at the
School of Hope, with their education. She kept in touch with her SVSG aiga while planning her return to
volunteer teaching.
Sadly, Carolyn encountered an illness that was too severe for her to keep her promise.
Lately, SVSG received an email noting “We act for the Estate of the late Carolyn Jane Rogers. It was a
bequest in her Will to donate $5,000 to your organization.”
It was devastating news for the SVSG family; especially the children at the School of Hope who would have
benefited from the motherly teaching of such a beautiful soul.
Carolyn’s volunteer spirit has impacted the lives of abused children she has taught at the School of Hope,
and are now successfully reintegrated into their families; some have pursued careers outside of Samoa,
while others have started families of their own.
SVSG President Silliniu Lina Chang joined the SVSG aiga in mourning the loss of a dear family
member.“Rest in love, dearest Carolyn. Thank you for serving the Lord cheerfully as a volunteer for the
abused and the most vulnerable in the Samoan community. You have blessed us with your cheerful spirit
right to the end.”
“Thank you also for including a donation to the Samoa Victim Support Group in your Will, a testament to
your promise to support the cause you’ve helped champion.”