Alo Paopao Academy Receives 20 Laptops And Books From NZ Schools

“Children thrive when they feel seen, supported, and valued. Back home in the islands, resources are often limited, investing in our young people becomes even more essential.”

That belief sits at the heart of a generous act of alofa from Mr and Mrs Tofilau, who teamed up with Finlayson Park School and Leabank Primary School to gift laptops and books to Alo Paopao Academy in Maninoa, Samoa. What began as a simple intention to support the village has grown into something much bigger: a community-led effort to open new learning pathways for Samoan children.

For years, the Tofilau family have spent time in Miti Maninoa, watching the Alopaopao programme in action. They saw the way Su’a Jay and Tasi Schuster worked with local kids, teaching Siva Afi, Samoan Siva, paddling, crafting, and water safety. They saw children showing up day after day, committed to their culture and to each other. And felt compelled to help strengthen that journey.

“I hope this donation of books and computers helps open doors not only to better learning environments and resources, but to bigger dreams,” says Mrs Tofilau.  Her hope is for the children to see themselves as “culturally capable, physically well, intelligent, and worthy of every opportunity.”

With more than 25 years in education, she’s watched how the smallest investment can shift the direction of a child’s life. For her, giving back to the islands is personal. “When we pour into them our time, guidance, resources, and love we strengthen not only individual lives, but entire communities.”

At Alo Paopao Academy, the excitement is immediate. Staff say the new resources will weave straight into their daily programme.

“These new laptops and books will become a treasured part of our day. The laptops will allow them to explore the world beyond our shoreline, to research, to write, to dream in ways that only technology can unlock. The books will give them stories to carry, knowledge to hold, and a quiet space to imagine a future full of possibilities.”

They describe this moment not just as a donation, but as a message: that these kids matter, their dreams matter, and their village is backed by people both near and far.

“This donation touches us deeply. It is more than laptops and books, it is an expression of alofa, a reminder that our children are seen, valued, and supported.”

For the wider Maninoa community, that support has sparked a new sense of hope. Families feel encouraged. Elders feel affirmed. And the kids walk with more pride, knowing their hard work is recognised.

The Tofilau family also acknowledge the partners who helped make this possible: Finlayson Park School, who donated 20 computers and paid for shipping; Leabank Primary School, who provided books; GVI Logistics and Molida Shipping, who helped bring everything across the ocean.

Each contribution carries its own ripple of change.

As the academy continues its long-term dream of expanding into more villages and growing access to safety equipment and boats, this moment is a significant step. A reminder that when communities come together for their tamaiti, the future gets wider.

Alo Paopao Academy now moves forward with new tools, renewed energy, and the same strong cultural backbone that has shaped its journey from the start.