Queen Camilla opens new pre-school at Samoa's Campus of Hope

Her Majesty Queen Camilla officially opened a new pre-school at Samoa's "Campus of Hope" on Friday, October 25, 2024. The Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope aims to provide a safe space for young residents to learn and grow.

The pre-school was funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and supported by Pacific Assist, a charity based in New Zealand and Australia. Local Latter-day Saints volunteered to prepare the pre-school and its grounds for the opening ceremony.

The Campus of Hope is recognized throughout Samoa as a sanctuary for vulnerable children who have experienced violence and abuse. Established by the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG), it can accommodate up to 100 children at any time.

In a service held before the Queen's arrival, Elder Denny Fa’alogo, Area Seventy Church leader, addressed those present. He stated, “Today marks the beginning of a journey filled with learning, love and growth for the young souls who pass through these doors.” He further described the pre-school as “a sacred space where the children will feel the love of God, learn of His gospel and be nurtured in faith, hope and charity.”

Elder Fa’alogo also asked for blessings on both the pre-school and its future students. “As we gather to dedicate this pre-school,” he said, “we recognize that it is a house of hope, where the children will develop both academically and spiritually.”

Makerita Fesolai, manager of Campus of Hope, expressed her gratitude: “The pre-school is our dream. We have been praying for this day and it has come true because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was ready and willing to help.” She emphasized that "the pre-school will give these little ones a chance for a proper education."

In 2023, Callum Blair from Pacific Assist learned about two closing pre-schools in Auckland. Upon contacting Fesolai about donating furniture from these schools, she accepted immediately despite not having an actual facility at that time. Reflecting on this decision later when Blair delivered furniture without seeing any existing structure yet built or planned around it - she simply replied with confidence: "We’ll worry about that later." Her faith remained steadfast: "I knew that Lord would provide because He loves His children."

Queen Camilla accompanied King Charles during Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meetings held between October 21-26th in Samoa.