[Source: Government Press Secretariat]
"It's not the amount that matters but the thought and genuine gesture to help that counts," says Fire and Emergency Service's Authority Chief Executive Lelevaga Faafouina Mupo.
The Fire Chief acknowledgement follows the announcement of scholarship grants close to $8,000 tala exclusively to assist Police and FESA staff with the education costs for their children by Faalogo Sissy Situtuila Vuki, a Samoa based in St George, Utah.
"It's not every day that you have a Samoan living overseas donating unselfishly for a great cause," added Lelevaga.
Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil also complimented the brandchild of the assistance.
"The assistance will go a long way for staff who are the benefactors," said the Commissioner. "I have nothing by administration for these loyal Samoans living overseas who have returned to give back ot our people."
"Our hope is that we as a country continue to set Education as a top priority for our children and leave no child behind", said Faalogo in announcing the assistance which she and her husband Tupuola Sione Vuki have initiated, quoting David O McKay. "That no other success can compensate for failure in the home."
The grants is a pilot program designed to lighten the burden on FESA and Police staff and the target is to assist in their children's education.
After meeting with FESA and 911 Staff members, Faalogo and Tupuola were inspired to seek ways to help their children and to reaffirm the importance of Education and be Advocates for Education and Literacy.
Because of their passion and determination they believe in the power of education that Tupuola and Faalogo made the first donation for this cause $2,500 US dollars and $100 donation from their Dentist Dr. Richard Denos converted from US dollars to $7,5962.28 Samoa tala.
Fundraisers will continue in the United States, (USA) to raise more funds to help meet their goals set out to help with this pilot project.
They also want to continue their focus on the National Emergency Call Center 911 that the couples call Samoa 911 Call Center because this is the heart of the community outreach
They hope to raise some additional funds to make another donation to SFESA towards National Emergency Call Centre 911 so that this program can be at its best and efficient to serve Samoa in any emergency needs.
To get the grant system rolling, a committee panel in Samoa will assist.
The committee members are:
- Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga, Press Secretary Press & Communications Division, Ministry of the Prime Minister & Cabinet
- Seuamuli Sarona Ponifasio, Attorney and Local Sponsors, Owner and Partner: Ponifasio Lawyers & Barristers & Solicitors, Notary Public & Legal Consultants, Owner: Travellers Point Hotel.
18 applicants that will be awarded with monetary scholarships include:
Primary students:
- 10 winners will be selected to receive $100 Samoa tala = $1,000 scholarships towards education
College students - 6 winners will be selected to receive $250 Samoa tala= $1,500 scholarship towards education
University students - 2 winners will be selected to receive $1,000 Samoa tala= $2,000 scholarship towards education
Also 150 pack bags and school supplies (estimated value over $5,500 Samoa tala) will be awarded to selected winners, so over 168 students will receive either monetary or a pack bag and school supplies.
"We express our gratitude to the Minister of Fire and Police and Prime Minister Tuilaepa for his continual and full support for the education opportunities for FESA/ Samoa Police," says Faalogo.
"Thank you also to FESA Commissioner Lelevaga Faafouina Mupo and Samoa Police Commissioner Fuiava Egon Keil for your time and support and the services and dedication in service. Also thank you to all the staff in these two ministries for their service as first responders: fire and police.
We want to wish each of the applicants best wishes as we will do our best to select the winners. God bless and always believe you can be anything you want to be with faith, hard work, and wisdom in Education."