A dream come true

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 02 March 2016, 12:00AM

The Senese Secondary Programme at Vaitele opened the doors to a new computer lab yesterday, made possible through generous donations from many great helpers.

Senese Chairperson, Fua Hazelman, recalled that in October last year, they had five days to put together an event to fundraise for the project. She acknowledged the Parents and Teachers Association President, Eli Kapu who worked on the proposal to get things rolling.  “The computer lab is a token of appreciation and we thank those that made it possible,” said Mrs. Hazelman. 

“This will open up opportunities to empower the students to move forward with the world of I.T. With the click of a button, they can see and explore the world.”

Mr. Kapu was equally thankful. 

When he first became involved, Mr. Kapu said he asked Sagato Vaoliko of Senese about what the school needed. Mr. Vaoliko came up with a long list of things, costing about $400,000.

However, Mr. Kapu said they prioritized the computer lab.

The challenge was finding the funds for it.

One of the first places they sought help from was the Bank of South Pacific, which did not hesitate to offer assistance.

Next was a couple from Australia and a friend of Sylvia Craig-Kapu.They came and inspected the school and when they returned, they shipped over 12 laptops, two computers, a sewing machine and other stationery materials. The Craig Group also built tables, security windows and installed an air condition.

Yesterday, Mr. Kapu acknowledged the great support from the businesses and the individuals who assisted. In blessing the project, Reverend Mafi Oloapu spoke about three types of people. There are people who refuse to settle for yesterday, people who refuse to sit around waiting for tomorrow and then there are people who refuse to let the beginning dictate the end.

Rev. Oloapu encouraged students and guests that they can do better.

He reminded that the world is blessed through people who work hard. “The opening of the computer lab will be chance for us to open our eyes and achieve better things,” he said. 

Other companies that had contributed and assisted in furnishing the computer lab were Samoa Stationery and Books, the Tank Guy, Digicel, Ree’s Hirage, Bluebird Lumber and Samoa Beverage Company. 

Edward Yee, of the Bank South Pacific, cut the ribbon to open the lab.

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 02 March 2016, 12:00AM
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