Fa'apaia is the unofficial cheerleader of St Joseph's College in Alafua Samoa. Comedians are highly prized in Samoa and Fa'apaia is a comic genius, able to entertain the entire student body for hours at a time with his antics.
This photograph was taken on the island of Manono in Western Samoa in 1975, during my time as a Peace Corps Volunteer (1974-1977) in that country. My host family lived on Manono and I would try to visit them whenever I was able to get away, and...
This photo was taken after some students helped me plant new fruit trees on their school compound. Hopefully when these trees yield fruit the kids can eat it at lunch instead of chips! The students loved helping me and were shocked that I let...
This photo was taken at St Joseph’s College in Alafua, Samoa in 2004. The Samoans take great pride in the fact that they have maintained a rich cultural heritage in the face of many adversities. These students at St Joseph’s College are...
This photo was taken in Alafua, Samoa at Joseph’s College in 2004. Daycare is a luxury in Samoa, so on occasion, the teachers have to bring their children to work with them. It is hot and humid in Samoa and sometimes the best thing to do is...
Children; Natural disasters; Art; Secondary projects; Water and sanitation
Following the tsunami of 2009, Peace Corps Volunteers partnered with the Red Cross to promote water conservation and provide an afternoon of enjoyment in the midst of sadness and loss. Volunteers from groups 80, 81 and 82, led by Volunteer Joey...
This was taken in September 2010. Ese is teaching me to weave a mat. She was somewhat patient, but pushed me to learn quickly. I gave these mats as a gift when I returned home.