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The UNDP Empowering Rural People with Disability project is designed to create models of "inclusiveness", where people with disabilities become part of their communities. It is a two-year project and the coordinator has an office at MCSL, although the project covers all of Savai'i and the Aleipata district of Upolu.

Recent Highlights from the Project include:

The first ever Savai'i Arts and Culture Day was held on Friday, May 7th. This day was a fabulous opportunity for the disabled people of Savai'i (and some from Upolu ) and their families to come out and enjoy dancing, singing, painting, and other fun activities. Click here to see how the day went!

The UNDP has sponsored two extremely talented young people to help with our carving and arts program at the Centre. Nobody told these two deaf young men that they are different. Sakaria (pictured left) and Nanesene integrated well with the students and teachers of Marist and are now part of the UMCSL family, not to mention the wealth of knowledge they gave to our students. Thanks Sakaria and Nanesene, and a big thanks to the UNDP for all of your support!

Click here to see some of the work produced in the art & carving and woodwork departments.

Other Highlights include:

Savaii Special Sports Day Ana-Maria begins work at MCSL

Goals of the project:

To capacity build MCSL and SEUS (Special Education Unit of Savaii) so that these institutions are better able to meet the educational needs of the marginalized youth of Savai'i and children and youth with disability.
To promote income generation skills for people with disabilities, particularly in the area of weaving and organic agriculture.
To promote the spirit of volunteerism

Project staff: There are are 8 staff in total, 2 international UN volunteers and 6 national (Samoan) UN volunteers. Three of these staff are based at MCSL, one is based in the Asau district Savaii , 2 are based with Women in Business Inc., and travel to Savai'i weekly and the other 2 staff are based in Aleipata. The move to appoint UN national volunteers is a first for Samoa , but a very essential component of a rural based project, where language and cultural concerns could occur for international project workers.

Savai'i Special Sports Day, 26th August 2004

This Sports' Day brought 88 people with disabilities aged from 3 to 56 and over 60 parents and family members together from all over Savai'i. They participated in a variety of novelty games designed to adjust to to the abilities of all participants. Special guests on the day were Mr George Foss, General Manager of Panamex Pacific, Auckland, NZ and his staff in New Zealand and Samoa, as well as Mr Nofo Mapusua (who opened the day by throwing a javelin) and Mr Sa Pei of Nuanua O Le Alofa. This was Mr Foss' first time to come and see and participate in the event. He was delighted that the participants had enjoyed themselves, and announced at the closing of the Day's activites that he would conitine to support the Savai'i Sports' Day.

35 students, all the staff of the Ulimasao Marist Centre, as well as Peace Corps Members volunteered to support the sports' day. This sports day will become an annual event.
A big thanks to PANAMEX Pacific and Mr. George Foss.

Sign Language

MCSL and families are actively encouraged to enroll their children. Aiga Lauina, a national UN volunteer is seen here carrying out Sign Language classes with Aukilani Tavite. Aukilani has settled in well to secondary school and is now included in all school activities.

Ana-Maria Ioane begins work at MCSL

In Term Two, 2003, Ana-Maria Ioane enrolled at MCSL. She had only attended school for 2 years in her whole life, because of a debilitating physical condition. Ana-Maria has been to the USA for medical treatment and there learned excellent English. Her delight on being accepted at a secondary school was evident in a recent video made by UNDP on the work being carried out by this project. MCSL is proud to announce that from the beginning of the 2004 school year, if you phone or visit our compound you will be greeted by Ana-Maria in her new role as Secretary/Teacher Aide.
THANKS to all those who have given so generously to enable the UMCSL Management to fund Ana's position.

Education and Services for the Deaf in Savaii

Recent visitors to U-MCSL from Brisbane Australia were Samantha and Harry Blackmore and their 4 delightful daughters. (See picture). Samantha, Harry and two of the girls are deaf. The family was in Samoa to assist the Deaf Community and set objectives and programmes for the future. While here, Samantha visited our deaf students and was impressed by their carving skills. She also carried out an in-service with U-MSCL teachers and facilitated a workshop for families with deaf children - 35 participants greatly increased their skills in sign language. Their presence has enriched our lives.

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