Humanitarian Aid Project

A healthy student performs better in the classroom than a student who is feeling "under the weather," who is fighting a toothache, who hasn't eaten breakfast, or who feels that he doesn't matter. A student who is both physically and emotionally cared for is prepared mentally to take on the task of being educated. They are the students who will make the most significant changes both for themselves and for their families. As in the case of Samoan children, they are expected to give back to their families, to provide and care for their parents, and to bring honor to their communities.

Humanity goes along way in cultivating hope. Help us open some windows of opportunity, and to inspire some dreams.

Giving hope, one child at a time

Efforts

Student kits- $10.00

Include a school bag, pencil, eraser, sharpener, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb, band-aids and other needful items. The kits help the children know that someone cares, that someone believes in them, and that they can hope for something better. The children are excited to receive them and almost immediately cover their cuts and scratches with the band-aids. They treasure the items given them, often hiding them from their parents and siblings as to not lose them. Small gifts bring big smiles.

Teacher kits- $20.00

Include teacher bag, pen, first aid kit, crayons, scissors, tape and other needful items. Such supplies are hard to come by and can make a difference for the teachers as well as the students. We want the teachers to know how important they are and how much their efforts are appreciated.

School uniforms- $30.00

Include material, seamstress, and slippers. Uniforms are required of all students in the island of Samoa, a financial burden that can be difficult to bear for some families.

Books

English is compulsory in all schools beginning as early as second grade. Almost all elementary schools don’t have libraries. Educators do their best to teach the subject, but lack in resources and books. Children's books, youth chapter books, and early readers are difficult to find. We are looking for new or gently used books.

Art supplies

Classrooms lack art supplies of all sorts. Donations of crayons, markers, paint, paintbrushes, paper (plain and construction), easels, or other art supplies are requested.

Clothing, shoes, and other needful items

Donations will be used in two different capacities.

1. They are given to children who need them. Clothing is needed and appreciated. Parents who don't work cherish such gifts. By providing for basic life needs you help relieve some of their financial burdens.
2. To create a fund where schools can request assistance with refurbishment and program enhancement needs. All schools in Samoa conduct fundraising efforts for and in behalf of the school. Families are required to participate in these efforts, not only in supplying the arts and crafts or food that will be sold, but they are expected to go about purchasing those items that others brought to the event. They have to "double dip" each time a "fundraising" event takes place. Of course this is in addition to the tuition and fees they paid at the beginning of each term. CERF hopes to use a portion of the items collected to sell at minimal costs with the purpose of creating a fund that can be used to support refurbishment efforts.