Blog

<h3>Ia i ai le filemu o lo tatou Faaola o Iesu Keriso i aiga taitasi i lenei vaitau o le Kerisimasi mai le Afioaga o Tuaefu ma Ululoloa<br></h3><figure id="figure-kvleqhv4u9m4x6m3sf"><img id="kvleqhv4u9m4x6m3sf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bWu0jKC5zq6hKtdRsHoJHkiCOzQEVn4X7AvcbWxuk2spWhKWhS7aHAxmabhK3pC.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bWu0jKC5zq6hKtdRsHoJHkiCOzQEVn4X7AvcbWxuk2spWhKWhS7aHAxmabhK3pC.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Talofa lava mai le Afioaga Nuu o Tuaefu ma Ululoloa,</p><p>O lenei vaitau o le Kerisimasi, e momoli atu ai le faafetai ma le faamalo i lo outou taupati mai i lenei tausaga 2024. E ui e le'i tele ni suiga tetele, ae ua maua ni fa'amanuiaga tāua i lenei tausaga.</p><p>E momoli atu le agaga faafetai tele i o tatou paaga taua:</p><p>UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)<br>GEF (Global Environment Facility)<br>SGP (Small Grants Programme)<br>O lo outou lagolago ua mafai ai ona faataunu'uina la tatou upega tafailagi, ma o se la'asaga muamua lea i le tatou faigamalaga umi mo le atina'e o lo tatou nu'u.</p><p>I lenei tausaga, ua mafai ona tatou:</p><p>Fausia le tatou upega tafailagi e feso'ota'i ai ma le lalolagi atoa<br>Sauniuni mo le fonotaga taua o le CHOGM sa faia i Samoa, fa'afetai ia latou sa fitinoa le nei galuega taua.<br><br>O matou nei ua matua'i fiafia e galulue i nei fuafuaga mo se lumana'i manuia. E ui o se galuega umi ma e mana'omia le onosa'i, ae o lo'o i ai lo matou talitonuga o nei fuafuaga o le a avea ma faavae mo le atina'e tumau ma le fausiaina o se lumana'i e mafai ona tapu'e mai ai avanoa fou mo lo tatou nu'u.</p><p>A'o tatou o'o atu i le vaitau fiafia o le Kerisimasi faatasi ma aiga ma uo, ia tatou manatua le tāua o le galulue fa'atasi. O le tausaga fou 2025 o se amataga fou mo lo tatou nu'u, ma e ui e umi le ala, ae o lo'o tatou savali fa'atasi i lena ala.</p><p>Momoli atu le alofa ma le faafetai i tagata uma o le tatou nu'u. Fa'afetai mo lo outou onosa'i ma le lagolago mai i lenei tausaga. Ia maua se Kerisimasi fiafia ma le filemu, ma ia manuia le tausaga fou 2025!</p><p>Soifua ma ia manuia,</p>

Manuia le Kerisimasi ma le Tausaga Fou 2025!

<h3>Talofa lava Tuaefu ma Ululoloa Community,</h3><p>I owe you all an apology for the silence on our community website. The past months have been incredibly busy working with partners and stakeholders to create opportunities for our village and Samoa's digital future.</p><p>Our advocacy work in blockchain technology and digital transformation has been making significant progress. I'm excited to share that these efforts have contributed to the potential release of a groundbreaking policy that officially recognizes blockchain as a crucial emerging technology for Samoa. This recognition is particularly important for our village youth, as it opens doors for new educational and employment opportunities in the technology sector.</p><p>We've been working tirelessly on various proposals and initiatives aimed at developing our local technical capabilities. These efforts focus on creating sustainable pathways for our young people to participate in the global digital economy while remaining connected to our community and cultural values.</p><p>The proposed policy framework emphasizes:</p><p>Digital literacy education<br>Technology skill development<br>Youth employment opportunities<br>Community-based training programs<br>As we approach the festive season, I want to extend warm Christmas wishes to all our Tuaefu ma Ululoloa families. May 2025 bring prosperity and growth to our village as we work together to embrace these new technological opportunities while preserving our cultural heritage.</p><p>We have many exciting developments in the pipeline for 2025, and I look forward to sharing more regular updates about programs that will directly benefit our community members.</p><p>Faafetai tele lava for your continued support and understanding. Together, we're building a stronger, more connected Tuaefu ma Ululoloa.</p><p>Ia manuia le Kerisimasi ma le Tausaga Fou!</p><p>P.S. Stay tuned for announcements in early 2025 about new community programs and training initiatives!</p><p>#TuaefuUluloloa #DigitalSamoa #VillageDevelopment #CommunityGrowth #Innovation</p><figure id="figure-0hhd0395oam4x5irzh"><img id="0hhd0395oam4x5irzh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/f4zBgcvRpoM48o50wzHh45icwoGzcDkDmfyiWbn0JFZjiPQucb8LqPj8lglKv9or.jpg" alt="merry christmas with coconut tree with lights" title="merry christmas with coconut tree with lights" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 85%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="85%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p><br>&nbsp;</p>

Community Update: Building Our Digital Future & Season's Greetings

<h2>Samoa Village Preparations for CHOGM 2024: A Showcase of Tradition and Global Unity</h2><figure id="figure-o4fepkkdgm2jv2340"><img id="o4fepkkdgm2jv2340" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bPvEoK4zACC8EIevEYJQwjSOgLPbrHnF5UWlxnvOmk0oe78BEFwvqS7FHPQMZK6.png" alt="Shot of an unrecognisable teenager picking up litter off a field at summer camp" title="Shot of an unrecognisable teenager picking up litter off a field at summer camp" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bPvEoK4zACC8EIevEYJQwjSOgLPbrHnF5UWlxnvOmk0oe78BEFwvqS7FHPQMZK6.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>As Samoa hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (#CHOGM2024), our local villages are buzzing with activity, embodying the true essence of "fa'asamoa"—the spirit of community, respect, and hospitality. Villagers and community groups, with the full support of our government, have come together to prepare our homes, roads, and public spaces for the arrival of distinguished guests from around the world. Decorations featuring traditional Samoan art, local produce, and vibrant cultural symbols now adorn our beautiful villages, a testament to both our rich heritage and the natural beauty of our island home.</p><p>In the heart of every village, we are not just preparing physical spaces, but also readying ourselves to serve our visitors with genuine Samoan hospitality. As per our cultural traditions, we welcome the world through acts of kindness, through sharing the bountiful produce of our lands, and through our enduring respect for nature and community. The efforts made by local villagers are not just about aesthetics, but about creating an environment that embodies peace, unity, and the joy of sharing our culture with others.</p><h3>The People's Forum: Voices of Change</h3><figure id="figure-69jaccixofm2jv4vhu"><img id="69jaccixofm2jv4vhu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1IRUx0wyT60ZMzR6ZFNB2UMcXRb17zXq7VwhgkaUEks722ohtcWg7Um1MfeEnhG9.jpg" alt="a long hallway with a number on the wall" title="a long hallway with a number on the wall" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1IRUx0wyT60ZMzR6ZFNB2UMcXRb17zXq7VwhgkaUEks722ohtcWg7Um1MfeEnhG9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Amidst the vibrant preparations, the People's Forum of CHOGM 2024 has brought to the forefront crucial discussions on pressing global issues. Climate change, human rights, freedom of expression, and global justice are at the center of these conversations. The forum has been a powerful reminder that civil society plays a vital role in shaping the future of our world. When the voices of ordinary people unite, we can confront issues that affect not only individual nations but humanity as a whole.</p><p>One key focus of the forum has been on the ongoing conflict in Palestine, as well as the broader challenges posed by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, health crises, and the erosion of justice and freedoms around the globe. In times like these, it is essential that we come together, across borders and communities, to make our voices heard on these vital matters. The platform offered by CHOGM allows civil society to assert that these issues must be addressed not just by governments but through the active participation of people.</p><h3>The Role of Civil Society: A Call to Action</h3><figure id="figure-pzfvb3adjdm2jv5p9f"><img id="pzfvb3adjdm2jv5p9f" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/625006196/photo/sunrise-on-a-tropical-island-palm-trees-on-sandy-beach.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kUT7haO1sLNHO7wQnRk-1fcYgpOBqg7Hy7eG6OGY34c=" alt="Sunrise on a tropical island. Palm trees on sandy beach." title="Sunrise on a tropical island. Palm trees on sandy beach." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/625006196/photo/sunrise-on-a-tropical-island-palm-trees-on-sandy-beach.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kUT7haO1sLNHO7wQnRk-1fcYgpOBqg7Hy7eG6OGY34c=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>While the discussions at the People's Forum have been serious and sobering, they offer hope. Hope that through collective action, persistent advocacy, and the unified voices of communities around the world, change is possible. It is vital that people continue to speak out, to challenge systems that may suppress voices, and to hold governments, corporations, and institutions accountable when the peace, stability, and freedoms of people are threatened.</p><p>The very foundations of the Commonwealth are built on shared values of democracy, human rights, and peace, and it is up to civil society to ensure these principles are upheld. We cannot let financial, political, or corporate agendas dictate the future without open and transparent discussion. In this moment, we must stand together and advocate for a future where every voice is heard, and every community has the opportunity to thrive.</p><p>Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece, and the views expressed may not reflect those of all members of the community or the Commonwealth. In many parts of the Commonwealth, voices are still underrepresented or suppressed, and this post is a call for all people, regardless of status or geography, to join in the effort to foster open dialogue and create positive change.</p><p>Let us continue to speak up, not just for ourselves but for future generations, so that the issues at the heart of our communities, regions, and nations can be addressed with integrity, compassion, and justice.<br>&nbsp;</p>

CHOGM2024 Samoa

ESG concepts for environment, society and governance. Businessman uses iPad to analyze ESG in business investment strategy concept. which the screen shows with a green graph

<h2><br></h2><h2>&nbsp;Fausia se Lumana‘i Tumau mo lo Tatou Nuu</h2><p>O lo tatou nuu ua masani ona finau ma maua auala e ola ai ma alualu i luma, tusa lava pe iai lu‘itau. Faatasi ai ma le fesoasoani alofa mai a tatou pa‘aga fesoasoani tetele—le Small Grants Programme (SGP), le Global Environment Facility (GEF), ma le United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—e ala i le poloketi o le suau‘u mai otaota (home bio-gas project), o lea ua tatou faia se la‘asaga tāua i le amataina o se upega tafa‘ilagi a le nuu. E leai se mea o lenei mea e mafai ona fai pe a leai la latou fa‘atupega muamua ma le lagolago pea, ma o lo tatou agaga fa‘afetai e le mafai ona fa‘amatalaina i lo latou naunautaiga e fesoasoani i le lumana‘i o lo tatou nuu.</p><p>E le na o se upega tafa‘ilagi masani lenei—o se auala lea ua fa‘amoemoe e lagolagoina ai le atina‘e umi o lo tatou nuu, fesoasoani i le fa‘atasiga o tagata uma, ma tuuina atu avanoa mo le alualu i luma, aemaise lava mo le tupulaga talavou ua iloa lelei tekinolosi.</p><figure id="figure-pnzmczcfidm2cgr5hj"><img id="pnzmczcfidm2cgr5hj" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1371792354/photo/abstract-background-technology-ai-and-eco-earth-day-for-green-leaves-with-energy-concept-on.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=wrs_c03SHKGc60zCjada3aF8B3sAup1hfE90GcvdLnk=" alt="Abstract Background. Technology Ai and eco earth day for green leaves with energy concept on blue background. copy space,digital, banner - 3d rendering" title="Abstract Background. Technology Ai and eco earth day for green leaves with energy concept on blue background. copy space,digital, banner - 3d rendering" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1371792354/photo/abstract-background-technology-ai-and-eco-earth-day-for-green-leaves-with-energy-concept-on.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=wrs_c03SHKGc60zCjada3aF8B3sAup1hfE90GcvdLnk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Aisea Upega Tafa‘ilagi? Aisea e Leai se La‘upapa Fa‘asalalau?</h3><p>E mafai e la‘upapa fa‘asalalau masani ona fesoasoani i le fa‘alauiloaina o lo tatou nuu i se taimi pu‘upu‘u, ae e fa‘atapula‘aina. I ni nai tausaga, e mafai ona fa‘aletonu, ae o le upega tafa‘ilagi o le a tumau, ola, ma fetuutuuna‘i i o tatou mana‘oga. O le upega tafa‘ilagi, lea na fa‘atupeina i se vaega e le poloketi suau‘u otaota, o se tali tumau ma maua ai avanoa e le gata. E mafai ona fa‘alauiloa ai pisinisi i lo tatou nuu, fa‘amatalaina ai le matagofie o lo tatou si‘osi‘omaga, ma fa‘ailoa atu a‘oa‘oga e mafai ona tatou ofoina atu. O lo'o iai fo‘i avanoa e maua ai tupe maua e ala i fa‘asalalauga, ma fa‘avaeina ai se puna tupe fou mo lo tatou nuu.</p><p>E ala i le filifilia o se fa‘avae fa‘atekinolosi nai lo metotia masani, o lo'o tatou fa‘amaonia atu i a tatou pa‘aga fesoasoani o lo'o tatou mafaufau umi. O lo'o tatou fa‘aaogaina tupe e fo‘ia ai fa‘afitauli o le asō, ae o lo'o tatou fausia se fa‘avae mo avanoa o le lumana‘i.</p><p><br></p><figure id="figure-wuvysvdnnim2chgk8v"><img id="wuvysvdnnim2chgk8v" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1306738697/photo/programming-languages-software-development-concept-programmer-coding-on-laptop.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=qkoshy48ku9jb6SAwL6L7TS9ZZzttJ72AH-T7VP1kB8=" alt="programming languages, software development concept, programmer coding on laptop" title="programming languages, software development concept, programmer coding on laptop" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1306738697/photo/programming-languages-software-development-concept-programmer-coding-on-laptop.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=qkoshy48ku9jb6SAwL6L7TS9ZZzttJ72AH-T7VP1kB8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>O le Upega Tafa‘ilagi o le a Faia ai nei Mea</h2><h3>O nisi o vaega taua o lo‘o matou galulue ai mo la tatou upega tafa‘ilagi o le nuu:</h3><p>Fa‘asalalauga Pisinisi: O se avanoa fa‘apitoa mo pisinisi i lo tatou nuu e fa‘alauiloa ai a latou oloa ma tautua, fa‘atosina mai tagata i totonu o lo tatou nuu ma tagata i fafo.<br>Polokalama Blog: O se avanoa lea e mafai ai ona matou fa‘asoa atu tala fou, mea tetele, ma fa‘afouga ina ia mautinoa ai o tagata uma—pe o iinei po'o fafo atu—e tumau pea le feso‘ota‘i ma mea o lo'o tutupu i le nuu.<br>YouTube Channel: O se tulaga mo le tatou tupulaga talavou e faia ai ata o mea e fai i totonu o le nuu, gaioiga fa‘aleaganu‘u, ma isi. Matou te fa‘amoemoe e fa‘atupeina lenei mataupu, ma fausia ai se puna tupe e lagolagoina ai poloketi atina‘e a le nuu.<br>Fa‘amau o Aganu‘u: O le a avea lenei mea o se tulaga fa‘aleaganu‘u lea e fa‘amaumau ai mea na tutupu i taimi ua mavae ma nei aso mo augatupulaga o le lumana‘i e su‘esu‘e ma a‘oa‘oina mai ai.</p><p><br></p><figure id="figure-fm5llid0irm2cggfuc"><img id="fm5llid0irm2cggfuc" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1215811738/photo/samoan-is-trying-to-light-a-fire.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Y65NYGrzd-TMgGP96uYUJD1El4Y1S7IwgatVMr1dpRI=" alt="Samoan is trying to light a fire" title="Samoan is trying to light a fire" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1215811738/photo/samoan-is-trying-to-light-a-fire.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Y65NYGrzd-TMgGP96uYUJD1El4Y1S7IwgatVMr1dpRI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Atina‘e Tumau ma Fa‘aleleiga o le Nuu</h3><p>O la matou va‘aiga mo lenei upega tafa‘ilagi e sili atu nai lo mana‘oga o le asō. Matou te manana‘o e avea ma puna fa‘aauau e lagolagoina le alualu i luma o lo tatou nuu. A o fa‘atupula‘ia le tau o le soifuaga, e tatau ona tatou saili auala fou e maua ai tupe ma fa‘alauiloa le atina‘e. O lenei fa‘avae fa‘atekinolosi o se meafaigaluega mo le fa‘atupuina o avanoa, fa‘atosina ai le auai o le nuu, ma fa‘alauiloa atu le taua o lo tatou nuu i le lalolagi atoa.</p><p>Matou te fa‘amoemoe fo‘i o le a fa‘atosina atu ai nisi o tagata o lo tatou nuu, matutua ma talavou, e auai i poloketi a le nuu. E ala i le ta‘ita‘iina i auala fou ma fa‘atekinolosi i le atina‘e, matou te fa‘amoemoe e avea ma fa‘ata‘ita‘iga mo isi nu‘u i Samoa. O le upega tafa‘ilagi o le a fesoasoani i le fa‘asoa atu o la tatou alualu i luma, fa‘atosina mai tupe fa‘afaigaluega fou, ma fa‘atupuina se nuu manuia e tuputupu a‘e ai le turisi, pisinisi i le lotoifale, le tau o fanua, fa'apea ai fo'i ma le manuia o le tupulaga talavou.<br></p><h2>O se Lumana‘i Matagofie, Faʻafetai i a Tatou Pa‘aga Fesoasoani</h2><p>E ui lava o lenei poloketi atonu e foliga mai e faigata, o lo matou auala lea e saunia ai mo le lumana‘i. I le fa‘aaogāina o tupe fa‘atupe a le poloketi suau‘u otaota e fausia ai se fa‘avae tumau ma fa‘atekinolosi, ua matou fa‘atutuina lo matou nuu mo se manuia umi. Ma e leai se mea o lenei mea e mafai ona fai pe a leai le lagolago a matou pa‘aga fesoasoani—le SGP, GEF, ma le UNDP. O lo latou naunautaiga tumau i lo tatou nuu ua fa‘amautu ai le fa‘avae mo se mea tumau ma aoga, fesoasoani ia i tatou e le gata mo le asō, ae mo augatupulaga o le lumana‘i.</p><p>Matou te fiafia i avanoa o lo'o feagai ma i tatou, ma matou te fa'amoemoe o le a auai uma tagata uma o lo tatou nuu—matutua ma talavou—i lenei malaga i luma.</p><figure id="figure-888ggmyd7vm2chv9av"data-full-width><img id="888ggmyd7vm2chv9av" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17nhsCckkfjOUqjtTFHwauabHMfgvES73gBJz7Fhsv7OzAPgF4SzVV3tuK3sHu3y.jpg" alt="Funding agencies SGP, GEF and UNDP logo's" title="Funding agencies SGP, GEF and UNDP logo's" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 30% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="30%" data-positionY="50%" data-fullWidth="true"/></figure>

Fa‘aaogāina o le Atina‘e Fa‘atekinolosi:

brown mountains and green grass field under white clouds during daytime

<h2>Embracing Digital Growth: Building a Sustainable Future for Our Community</h2><p>Our village has always been resilient, finding ways to grow and thrive despite challenges. With the invaluable support of our generous donors—the Small Grants Programme (SGP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—through the home bio-gas project, we are now taking an exciting step forward by launching a community website. Without their initial funding and continued support, none of this would have been possible, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment to our community’s future.</p><p>This isn’t just any website—it’s a platform designed to support our village’s long-term development, bring our community closer together, and provide opportunities for growth, especially for our tech-savvy youth.</p><figure id="figure-2y0gpyxqasm2cfqyzl"><img id="2y0gpyxqasm2cfqyzl" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1486312338219-ce68d2c6f44d?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHx0ZWNobm9sb2d5LWFkdmFuY2VtZW50fGVufDB8fHx8MTcyOTExNzIyMHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="technology-advancement" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1486312338219-ce68d2c6f44d?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHx0ZWNobm9sb2d5LWFkdmFuY2VtZW50fGVufDB8fHx8MTcyOTExNzIyMHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Why a Website? Why Not a Billboard?</h3><p>While traditional billboards can help promote our village in the short term, they are limited. In a few years, they’ll fade, but our website will remain, grow, and adapt to our needs. The website, funded in part by the bio-gas project, is a more sustainable solution that offers endless possibilities. It provides a platform where we can promote local businesses, highlight the natural beauty of our village, and showcase the services we offer. It also opens doors to advertising revenue, creating a new source of income for our community.</p><p>By choosing a digital platform over traditional methods, we’re demonstrating to our donors that we’re thinking long-term. We’re not just using the funds to solve today’s problems but to build a foundation for tomorrow’s opportunities.</p><h2>Opportunities for Our Youth</h2><p>One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its potential to engage our youth. Many of our young people are seeking work overseas through schemes like RSE (Recognized Seasonal Employer), but we believe there’s an opportunity to keep our talent here, in Samoa. With the right training in digital marketing, computer skills, and blockchain technology, our youth can access remote work opportunities without having to leave home.</p><p>This website is more than just a platform for today—it’s a chance for the next generation to build skills, find employment, and help drive the development of our community. Whether it’s creating online content, running social media, or managing digital businesses, the skills they develop here can lead to countless opportunities in the future.</p><figure id="figure-wjj9fw0wd4m2cfr161"><img id="wjj9fw0wd4m2cfr161" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1024380742/photo/girls-learning-to-code-on-laptop-computers-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=d7fEsfG51yaTDxNe6L_bN6ouBFo35Cj-YodLvkuNCKU=" alt="Girls learning to code on laptop computers at home" title="Girls learning to code on laptop computers at home" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1024380742/photo/girls-learning-to-code-on-laptop-computers-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=d7fEsfG51yaTDxNe6L_bN6ouBFo35Cj-YodLvkuNCKU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What the Website Offers</h3><p>Here are some of the key features we’re working on for our community website:</p><p>Business Ads: A dedicated space for local businesses to promote their products and services, attracting both local and international customers.<br>Community Blog: A space where we can share news, events, and updates, ensuring that everyone—whether here or overseas—stays connected to what’s happening in the village.<br>YouTube Channel: A platform for our youth to create and share videos about community events, cultural activities, and more. We hope to monetize this content, creating a revenue stream that supports village development projects.<br>Digital Tapestry: This will serve as a cultural platform where historic and current events are documented for future generations to explore and learn from.</p><h2>Sustainable Growth and Community Development</h2><p>Our vision for this website goes beyond today’s needs. We want it to be a lasting resource that supports the growth of our community. As the cost of living rises, we need to find new ways to generate income and promote development. This digital platform is a tool for creating opportunities, fostering community engagement, and promoting the value of our village to the wider world.</p><p>We also hope it will encourage more community members, young and old, to get involved in village projects. By leading with innovative, forward-thinking approaches to development, we aim to be a trailblazer for other villages in Samoa. The website will help us share our progress, attract new investments, and ultimately build a thriving community where tourism, local business, and real estate value flourish.</p><figure id="figure-wv72nqlcxm2cfr3p0"><img id="wv72nqlcxm2cfr3p0" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2169736157/photo/green-finance-icon-symbolizes-business-growth-driving-economic-development-and-financial.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=Y51bxrdTgvu4FfY6pf153EzgPCka8fW3Y_pdBFrfKhg=" alt="Green finance icon symbolizes business growth, driving economic development and financial prosperity as economy continues to grow and generate more money." title="Green finance icon symbolizes business growth, driving economic development and financial prosperity as economy continues to grow and generate more money." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>A Bright Future, Thanks to Our Donors</h3><p>While this project might seem ambitious, it is our way of preparing for the future. By utilizing the bio-gas project funds to build a sustainable, tech-driven platform, we’re setting up our community for long-term success. And none of this would have been possible without the support of our funding agencies—the SGP, GEF, and UNDP. Their continued commitment to our community has laid the foundation for something lasting and impactful, helping us not only today but for generations to come.</p><p>We’re excited about the possibilities, and we hope that everyone in our community—young and old—will join us on this journey.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Technological development offers immense potential for building a sustainable future. By embracing these changes, communities like Tuaefu and Ululoloa can thrive. People need to work together, adopt green practices, and educate themselves. This will pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.</p>

Harnessing Technological Development: Building a Sustainable Future for Our Community

<h2>Preserving Our Legacy: Tuaefu and Ululoloa's Digital Tapestry</h2><p>The villages of Tuaefu and Ululoloa in Upolu, Samoa, are rich in history and culture. For generations, the stories and traditions of these communities have been passed down through word of mouth and local practices. However, with the advent of technology, there is a unique opportunity to preserve and share this legacy digitally.</p><p>We are embarking on a project to create a digital tapestry of Tuaefu and Ululoloa. This initiative aims to document the history, culture, and stories of these villages. By doing so, we hope to ensure that future generations can connect with their roots and understand the rich heritage of their ancestors.</p><figure id="figure-8e2f1w3rh9lyaik2i1"><img id="8e2f1w3rh9lyaik2i1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2avjcG7BA14E6kvfLFWNKgyKdCTR3rEhwPC9BYBK1RNeL2G9hNAJhNlhN7vsxHLv.jpg" alt="historical village" title="historical village" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 45% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Gravesite Olaf Taisi Nelson Home Tuaefu" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2avjcG7BA14E6kvfLFWNKgyKdCTR3rEhwPC9BYBK1RNeL2G9hNAJhNlhN7vsxHLv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 45% 0%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Gravesite Olaf Taisi Nelson Home Tuaefu</figcaption></figure><p>.</p><h3>Photographic Archives</h3><p>In addition to oral histories, we are also compiling a photographic archive. Old photographs offer a visual glimpse into the past, showcasing the evolution of the villages over time. These images will be scanned and digitized to ensure their preservation.</p><p>We encourage residents to contribute their family photos to this archive. By sharing these images, we can build a comprehensive visual history of Tuaefu and Ululoloa. This archive will be accessible to all, allowing people to explore and appreciate the visual heritage of the villages.</p><figure id="figure-ajl1rs1xwlyaik563"><img id="ajl1rs1xwlyaik563" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1asZuUTS9IJvZGOmE8jN1yfJtl5wXATf3DuyG9PHUlQjYyzc6eTYEy2aFUPgFuMw.jpg" alt="old photographs" title="old photographs" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Fale Samoa on the Nelson Estate Tuaefu" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1asZuUTS9IJvZGOmE8jN1yfJtl5wXATf3DuyG9PHUlQjYyzc6eTYEy2aFUPgFuMw.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Fale Samoa on the Nelson Estate Tuaefu</figcaption></figure><p>Workshops and training sessions will be held to help community members learn how to use the digital tools and contribute to the project. These sessions will ensure that everyone can take part and that the digital tapestry truly reflects the collective memory of the villages.</p><figure id="figure-6jtmuy7cm9lyaik76b"><img id="6jtmuy7cm9lyaik76b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bxob74EhHa8l1qnQPRiWs25jgoKM7bUrigQfQQxaEbvSkFMUiNjco87EvKkbwUc.jpg" alt="community workshop" title="community workshop" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Hig Chief tupua Tamasese titimia with advisor (photo credit unknown at this time)" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Hig Chief tupua Tamasese titimia with advisor (photo credit unknown at this time)</figcaption></figure><p>&lt;h3</p>

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