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Empowering Samoan learners to ignite growth in their communities
Our purpose is to provide Samoan learners with an otherwise unattainable education and support them to create hope, employment and wealth in their own communities.
The Talalelei Life Futures Fund was created in memory of a very special man, Talalelei Vou.
Tala proudly worked at the Return to Paradise Resort & Spa at Lefaga in Samoa for three years as Activities Director, porter and driver. Tragically on the 7th of October 2018 a New Zealand guest was seen struggling while swimming after being caught in a rip near the resort.
Tala did not hesitate to swim into the rip and help him. As a competent and trained lifeguard, he swam out immediately with a lifebuoy to assist the guest as he was quickly beginning to be swept out to sea.
Due to Tala's bravery, the young man's life was saved. Unexpectedly, a large wave caught Tala from behind, knocking him into rocks, sadly taking his life. Tala was 31 years old and was a dearly loved husband, son, brother, friend and colleague to many. Although he was taken far too early, his journey, gift to help others and warm smile was a true treasure to everyone who he touched with his kindness and love.
To make a lasting gesture in Tala’s memory, guests Andrea McKenzie and Brent Ogilvie, alongside guardians of Return to Paradise Resort and Spa, Ramona Su’a Pale and Tolu Gilchrist have established the Talalelei Life Futures Fund. Tala’s loyalty, bravery and immense pride in his work was admirable. His giving nature was immeasurable.
The fund aims to improve access to tertiary education for students from Tala's village and the local resort school.
Our goal is to inspire and empower others through Tala’s legacy to be as committed, passionate and dedicated to value their studies while displaying a positive work ethic. We will forever be grateful to support to make a difference as Tala has to many.
The Talalelei Life Futures Fund is a registered New Zealand charity created to honour the generous spirit, love of young people and legacy to continue to help create prosperous futures through education.
This will be achieved by funding tertiary scholarships for students attending studies in Samoa.
The Fund aims to support the top female and male school students from local High Schools where Tala grew up to attend University, providing an otherwise unattainable path to a better life for them and their communities.
Andrea McKenzie
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