Hard workers reap rewards

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 06 March 2017, 12:00AM

P.E.L.E.  Life purpose project awarded 13 scholarships to recent graduates from Anoamaa College who are pursuing a higher education at the National University of Samoa.  

Friends, families and upstanding members of the business and educational sector joined to celebrate the milestone occasion at Apaula Heights

Local companies such as Tuaimau Family, Pacific Referral Service, Traders Mecca $amoa, Coast, Hunter, Coffee and Food collectively awarded scholarships worth up to $20,000.  

There to deliver the key note address was the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio.

He told the recipients, “In this life, there is no free lunch.”

“You are the future of our country and be thankful to Ms. Latu for giving you this opportunity.” 

Following the Minister’s inspiring word of encouragement was the presentation of the scholarships.  

Families and friends beamed with pride as their children’s names was called.  

However out of all the recipients, it was Iulianna Maselino who stole the show receiving the Dux award and the Traders Mecca $amoa scholarship.

Ms. Maselino is 19 years of age and is currently attending the National University Samoa majoring in business.  She loves to sing and aspires to be an auditor.

The woman who made this all possible was Ivona Tuaimau  Latu who also set up a scholarship titled, Laufili Tesimale Tuaimau Scholarship in memory of her late father.

The Laufili Tesimale Tuaimau Scholarship was awarded to 18 year old Vaasiitasi Aisoli.  

The ceremony concluded in traditional Samoan fashion with lots of food and dance.  

P.E.L.E life project is about providing disadvantaged young people a platform of hope to develop positive mentality, clarity, focus and direction through financial support, counselling and mentoring. 

They began the initiative at Anoamaa College in 2016.  It was a pilot project that has resulted in a partnership between recipients and sponsors on a mentoring and coaching capacity.

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 06 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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