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Letter From the Founder |
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Ao Pauga, Co-Founder of CERF |
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I grew up in Laulii, Samoa (formally known as Western Samoa). As a child I witnessed families struggle to send their children to school. Although education is compulsory in Samoa we had to pay for tuition and fees, supply our own uniforms, pay for transportation, and bring our own lunch (oftentimes going without). Education is considered a luxury when families are struggling with the basic need of food. There was then, and still is, little hope for children to attend a college or university. So, parents send their children to work in the plantations, on the fishing boats, or on the streets selling goods. Children are pulled out of school even before the end of their elementary years to assist the family with basic survival needs. The parents’ best hope for their children is that they will leave the island to live with an Auntie or Uncle in New Zealand, Australia, or America where they can then send money home. This has been the story for over forty years. The families who were poor when I grew up are still poor. The attitudes are the same and there has been no change. Samoa is a beautiful place with friendly and happy people, but it struggles to provide hope for its future. |
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