The 20 year old Miss Leitu Afasene of Satalo Falealili is counting her blessings, when a group of Samoan women based in New Zealand, who called themselves the Alofa Club, put together a donation that covers her first semester tuition at the National University of Samoa.
As a second year Faculty of Arts student, Leitu and her parents overcame the financial challenges of the 2020 COVID by successfully completing her first year. However, the financial struggle for Leitu’s parents, who rely solely on farming for a living, continued into 2021.
Being an SVSG Village Representative for Satalo, Leitu’s father, Onofiatele Afasene reached out to SVSG for any help with regards to his daughter’s tuition for this year. And the answer came through a group of committed Samoan mothers, who have been supporting SVSG’s educational welfare for children of underprivileged families, the Alofa Club.
The total Sememster 1 tuition of ST1176 was fully covered by the Alofa Club coordinated by Levaoatuamaaana-Aati Schuster, a former director of the SVSG Auckland sub-group.
And as the eldest of 8 children, Leitu’s commitment to complete her education despite all odds, is her expression of love for her 7 younger siblings. “I am studying harder so that I can get a job to support my siblings through their education.” says Leitu.
What a great lesson learnt from this struggling family; as the Alofa Club gave out of their love for the Samoan children; and the recipient of such generosity, is being inspired to complete her education because of her love for her siblings. “The giving of love is an education itself.” Elenor Roosevelt
“Thank yo so much Levā and the team for always reaching out to support the educational needs of children from underprivileged families here at home. We greatly appreciate you all.” Georgina Lui, Chair of the SVSG Board.