By Vatapuia Maiava, Samoa Observer
HAPPY TO HELP: Rotarians Ronna Lee and Lenora Leota, with Librarian Fitifiti Faiumu and NZ High Commissioner David Nicholson. (Photo: Misiona Simo)
A publication, which features high achieving Samoans, called “Samoan Heroes” is now available for the reading pleasure of the public.
Ten copies of the book were donated to the Nelson Memorial Library.
They were presented by the New Zealand High Commissioner, David Nicholson.
The National University of Samoa, University of the South Pacific and various schools around the country were also given copies of the book in an attempt to inspire and create role models for young people.
“This was a publication that was developed in N.Z. and it features people from all aspects of life. The arts, culture, academics, politicians and sports people,” Mr. Nicholson said.
“The idea of it being printed then circulated to all schools in Upolu, Savaii and the library is so that there is a book that young people can refer to, and to look at role models, so they can see that they could be successful in all walks of life.
“It will also help people to read about others and aspire to those same things.”
Mr. Nicholson also provided some examples of stories people may look forward to read.
“It is a very simple collection of stories about various individuals,” he said.
“An example would be one of my favorite sports heroes, Tana Umaga, who captained the All Blacks and coaches Auckland rugby. He is featured there on how he grew up in NZ and how he became an All Black.
“There are other people like associate professor, Damon Salesa, who was the first Pacific Rhodes Scholar, he is Samoan in decent and has recently published a book. He’s featured there and his journey through growing up in New Zealand, becoming a good sports player and academic.
“Then of course there’s the Rock being successful with his movies and perhaps everyone’s favorite movie star in Samoa.”
Mr. Nicholson explains that the collection of stories is made easy to understand for the sake of the young people who are interested in learning about the lives of Samoa’s very own role models.
He added that one hero he believes wasn’t included in the publication was Samoa’s Prime Minister.
“This is about creating role models,” he said. “You can flick through this book which has a photograph of the people and a page of literature. It’s very easy and simple to read.
“You can go through and pick out people you know first then you can read more about other people. The one hero that is missing is the Prime Minister.
“I think that’s a bit of a shame because he’s a hero that’s still working. After 19 years as a Prime Minister, that’s a magnificent feat that not many others can attest to.”
Mr. Nicholson gave credit of the publication, distribution and funding of ‘Samoan Heroes’ to the three-way collaboration between the Rotary Club of Apia, S.S.A.B. and the NZ High Commission.
“The Rotary club has done a great job in identifying this,” he said. “The NZ High Commission under the previous High Commissioner, Jackie Frizelle, funded the publication and the Rotary Club did the distribution and the organization.
“S.S.A.B. was very helpful in terms of distribution and publication as well. So it’s a three-way collaboration and it’s a great opportunity to have this small publication out for people to see and be inspired by.”