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The contribution of volunteers to the underdeveloped Pacific Island countries is quite remarkable. With the lack of well-trained and qualified citizens, volunteers from developed countries such as the United States of America, New Zealand, Australia and Japan continue to provide the essential skills to help with the social and economic development of these countries.
This is however fast changing for countries like Samoa, currently making huge progress in the development of the country’s infrastructure with the constant increase in the number of educated locals over the last 30 years.
Much of this success is credited to the ongoing promotion of education, and the up-skilling of Samoa’s work force. This has been achieved mainly through the ongoing training of locals by expatiates, support by volunteers and by further studies overseas.
Wednesday the 5th of December 2001 marked the International Year of
Volunteer. In Apia, the event brought together all international and
national volunteers along with the different volunteer agencies and
organisations, to commemorate and celebrate volunteers' contributions
in Samoa.
While volunteers have been active in all government sectors as well as community developments, their contribution to the education system is rated the most influential contribution. It is a matter of fact that most of Samoa’s academics become Government public servants and in the private sector have all been taught by a volunteer at one stage of their school years.
Every
year, volunteer teachers are distributed to schools through out the islands
of Samoa. Government schools along with the church schools have benefited
greatly from the international input, facilitating a more expansive curriculum.
Their input spreads throughout the education sector from the humble village
primary schools to the lecture rooms of the recently established National
University of Samoa (NUS) at Papaigalagala.
The schools in Samoa, many times understaffed and under resource, have gained a lot of support and assistance from the international volunteers while working in Samoa, and continue to maintain ties with returning volunteers.
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Returning scholarship students bring home a breath of fresh air to the development of the country; and promoting the aspirations of the Samoan people to govern its own affairs. However, Samoa recognises that greater success is attributed to international volunteers and will continue to engage their service.
The celebrations in Samoa supports the UN General Assembly resolution, proclaiming the year 2001 as the International Year of the Volunteers.
To the many volunteers that have contributed to the development of Samoa as a country, we thank you and will always remember the sacrifices that you made.
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