I grew up in the village of Lauliʻi, Samoa, where I saw families struggle daily to keep their children in school. Although education is considered compulsory, parents must pay for tuition, uniforms, transportation, and meals. For many, these costs are impossible. When families are focused on survival, education becomes a luxury. Children often leave school early to work, and for generations, many families have seen migration overseas as the only path to opportunity.

Samoa is rich in culture and community, but opportunities remain limited. I was fortunate. My parents believed in education, and through their sacrifice, I attended top schools in Samoa and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an MBA in the United States. That education changed my life, and I have always felt called to give back.

In 2004, my wife Karen and I co-founded the Children’s Educational Relief Foundation (CERF) to help children build better futures through education. Over the years, CERF has provided school supplies, uniforms, shoes, laptops, and tuition assistance to students across Samoa. While elementary tuition is now government-supported, families still struggle to cover other essential costs, and overcrowded classrooms and rising dropout rates remain serious challenges.

In 2027, CERF will provide books and laptops to four elementary schools, directly impacting hundreds of children. With your support, we can give students the tools they need to stay in school, dream bigger, and create lasting change.

Your donation is more than financial support, it is hope and opportunity. Together, we can change the future of Samoa.

With gratitude, Children’s Educational Relief Foundation (CERF)