Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Aunu’u community was joined by Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga, First Lady Ella, and members of the Fono and cabinet last week to dedicate a new classroom building and multi- purpose center at the A.P. Lutali Elementary School.

Elementary Principal Mrs. Faaofia Siamu-Pulu welcomed the guests and invitees to the school grounds, expressing her deep gratitude for the long-awaited arrival of this special day.

Reverend Samuelu Tuilaepa of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) Aunu’u led the invocation, emphasizing the importance of hard work. In a press release from ASG he said, “Jesus came to this world to work; He did not waste time talking but worked so that we might have eternal life.” Reverend Tuilaepa expressed his gratitude to the government for not only discussing the project but also seeing it through to completion. He concluded with the statement, “The question I pose is, who is the government? The answer is that we are the government, and God is our leader.”

Governor Lemanu delivered special remarks, emphasizing that Aunu’u will remain a key focus of all governmental actions. He acknowledged the contributions of former Governor A.P. Lutali, who is from Aunu’u, and quoted him: “It’s not just words that count, but actions. May these buildings serve as a place where our children receive education and care, paving the way for future leaders from Aunu’u.”

Governor Lemanu also built on Reverend Tuilaepa’s point about the people being the government, stating, “The projects undertaken by the Honorable Lt. Governor and this administration are not for our own recognition or benefit, but for the people of American Samoa. We are not the government; the people are the government.”

In closing, Governor Lemanu extended his best wishes to the students, teachers, and staff of the elementary school for the upcoming school year, expressing hope that one of these future leaders might one day become a Governor like A.P. Lutali.

Public Works Director Faleosina Voigt provided an overview of the two facilities. She explained that the two-story classroom building includes seven classrooms, two restrooms, stairs, and ramps for accessibility. The multipurpose gymnasium measures 170 feet by 80 feet, features a cement stage, and is constructed entirely of metal (including columns, frames, and roof). The total cost of constructing both buildings was $2.6 million. Director Voigt then presented the Certificate of Occupancy to ASDOE Director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli.

The multipurpose gymnasium for the A.P. Lutali Elementary School that was dedicated last week Thursday measures 170 feet by 80 feet, features a cement stage, and is constructed entirely of metal (including columns, frames, and roof). The total cost of constructing this and a new classroom building was $2.6 million. Of note, the 2020 Census count for Aunu’u is 402 with no breakdown of age groups available. Local villages of similar count are Malaeloa/Ituau, Masefau, Matu’u, Mesa, Tula, Utulei and Vatia. [courtesy photo]

Ma’aelopa Tuiasosopo, owner of 2E Corporation (the contractors), discussed the construction of the two buildings. He highlighted the numerous challenges they faced, including transporting resources from Tutuila. These challenges were influenced by factors beyond their control, such as the availability of large ships for transporting materials and weather conditions.

“Despite these challenges, the credit goes to God, as the projects have been completed thanks to His grace, guidance, and protection,” said Ma’aelopa. He also expressed his gratitude to the government for entrusting their company with the project and extended a special thanks to the people of Aunu’u for their hospitality throughout the construction.

High Chief Fonoti Uluiva Simanu, the village representative, spoke on behalf of the community. He expressed their appreciation for the new facilities in Aunu’u, emphasizing that they will support their children's educational development and benefit the community for years to come.

The dedication ceremony concluded with First Lady Ella performing the ribbon-cutting. Guests then had the opportunity to tour the newly constructed classroom buildings and multipurpose gymnasium at the school.

Samoa News notes that Aunu’u’s population count as of the 2020 Census was 402, with no breakdown of adults vs children. There is no current data available from AS DOE of the elementary student count that will be serviced by the new facilities.