Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Kunia played host to the ASG Hawaii Office’s Town Hall meeting last week. The event aimed to celebrate Samoan heritage and discuss vital community initiatives, with a special focus on the year 2024.
One of the highlights of the evening was a detailed presentation on the planned Samoan heritage events for 2024. These events are designed to honor traditional Samoan values and practices and will include cultural festivals, language workshops, Samoan dance entertainments, and arts exhibitions.
SSG Rani Tiatia, a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, took the stage to discuss career opportunities for the youth and the community. In addition, Sue Miller and Eseta Saole, members of the Kirikiti Tournament, discussed the opportunities for a non-profit organization celebrating the Samoan sport to host a one-day tournament for the community in the 40 and above age groups.
Updates on upcoming matches were provided by league organizers, who also invited community and church organizations to participate.
The meeting shed light on the ASG E Lelei Le Atua (ELLA) scholarship, including the application process and eligibility requirements. The scholarship is an initiative by the Governor’s Office to assist Samoan students residing in Hawaii in excelling in education.
A question and answer session allowed participants to seek advice on how to best take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Deputy Director Tuifagaloa Dr. Afu Lefaoseu shared opening remarks, and the invocation was led by Pastor Hedrick Hunkin, while the benediction was given by Pastor Alualu.
The town hall meeting concluded with light refreshments, providing an opportunity for attendees to network and further discuss the topics presented throughout the evening.
This Town Hall meeting held by the ASG Hawaii Office served as a platform to not only celebrate Samoan heritage but also promote valuable community initiatives. With a focus on the upcoming 2024 Samoan heritage events, the evening showcased various aspects of Samoan culture, including language, dance, and art exhibitions.
Additionally, the meeting addressed important topics such as career opportunities for the youth, the non-profit organization promoting the Samoan sport of Kirikiti, and the ASG E Lelei Le Atua (ELLA) scholarship. Participants had the chance to engage in a question and answer session, gaining insight into how to capitalize on educational opportunities.
The event received positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to connect with their community and delve deeper into aspects of Samoan culture. It was a testament to the dedication of the ASG Hawaii Office in fostering a sense of pride and unity within the Samoan community residing in Hawaii.
Moving forward, the ASG Hawaii Office plans to continue organizing events that celebrate Samoan heritage and support the community in various areas, including education and career opportunities. With a commitment to preserving traditional values and practices, they aim to strengthen the bonds within the Samoan community and further their collective growth and success.
Overall, the Town Hall meeting was a resounding success, providing a platform for the Samoan community to come together, celebrate their cultural heritage, and discuss key initiatives, all while creating a sense of unity and camaraderie for a brighter future.
