Falealili 2 Fonofa’avae Rolls Out Sponsorships for Students

2026-03-20 - 01:34

By: Jasmine Netzler. The Falealili 2 Fonofaavae (District Development Office) on Thursday rolled out its sponsorship agreements for students from the constituency requiring financial assistance for accessing higher education. Principal Executive Officer Fuimaono Alalatoa Kevin Aiomata told the Savali Newspaper that this support has been going on since the $1million District Development project was launched. “This is not the first time the Fonofaavae has supported students; however, this formal signing agreement structure strengthens accountability and transparency.” He said ...” it ensures that both the district and the students clearly understand their roles, expectations, and commitments, making the sponsorship program more effective and sustainable.” The sponsorship agreement is a formal arrangement between the Fonofaavae Falealili 2 District Development Office, students, and their parents or guardians. “It outlines the financial support provided by the district to assist eligible students with their education, as well as the responsibilities and academic expectations that students must meet to continue receiving that support.” All students eligible must maintain 80 per cent (%) marks in their studies to continue to receive this support from the Fonofaavae Falealili 2 District Development Office, he pointed out. The agreement is between the fonofaave and the sponsored students, students under the ages of 21 however require their parents and legal guardians to also be part of the agreement, and to sign accordingly, according to Fuimaono. “This initiative is a significant investment in the future of Falealili 2.” This is because it provides the much-needed financial assistance to families and helps ensure that more young people can access higher education. “With a total allocation of $40,000 under the 1.8 million tala fund, the district is currently supporting 32 students at the National University of Samoa, 3 at Tesese Institute, 1 at USP, and 1 at Malua Theological College, with total sponsorship costs amounting to $35,198.70.” Since the initiative was rolled out, there have been 100 students who have received support to continue their educational pursuits under this arrangement. Fuimaono pointed out that many have graduated and have moved on to continuing their studies still but to continue to receive this assistance from the Falealili 2 Fonofaavae they just maintain that 80 per cent (%) grade. He said this is a requirement that all students who are part of the agreement must meet to ensure if they plan to seek this support for the following school year, they are eligible. According to Fuimaono, this program has great benefit for the district as it empowers its youth through education. At the same time the program helps reduce financial burdens on parents and builds a more skilled and capable community for the future. “The Fonofaavae Falealili 2 acknowledges and sincerely thanks the Government for the opportunity to implement this initiative under the 1 Million Tala Project. This support has made it possible to invest directly in the education and future of our district’s young people.” The Chair for the Falealili 2 District Development Office is Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.) and Member of Parliament for this district Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo.