Rotary Club of Pago Pago

29/04/2026

We love a good community service with our fellow businesses and service clubs🥰

23/04/2026

Looking forward to this Saturday.

Grateful for all the clubs, organizations, and individuals who show up time and time again to keep American Samoa clean all year round.

08/04/2026

Two American Samoa students just got back from a week in New Zealand that changed how they see leadership - and themselves.

Telesia Godinet (Manumalo Academy American Samoa) and Deriah Tiatia (Leone High School Liona Mataalia) represented our territory at RYPEN 2026, a Rotary youth leadership camp in the Hunua Ranges. First international trip for both of them. First time navigating a new country, meeting kids from across the Pacific, and figuring out who they are when nobody knows them yet.

Read the full story:

March 25-31, 2026The sun was out, but Deriah Tiatia was cold.He'd flown halfway across the Pacific, cleared customs in a country he'd never seen, and now stood in the parking lot of Hunua Falls Camp watching other kids unload their bags like this was normal. The sunshine felt like a trick. Back home...

01/04/2026

🇦🇸 They’re home!

Telesia Godinet and Deriah Tiatia touched down in Pago Pago this afternoon and walked into a crowd of smiling faces, open arms, and a whole lot of hugs.
RYPEN 2026 is in the books. Six days ago these two boarded a plane for the first time bound for New Zealand. Today they came home full of stories we can’t wait to hear.

We’ll be sharing more from their experience soon. For now, welcome home, Telesia and Deriah. You made us proud. 🌺✈️🌺

Thank you to Palamo and all the families who came out to welcome them back.

30/03/2026

📍 Auckland, New Zealand -- Final Dispatch from our Traveling Interact Students. 🌺

Camp is done, and Natalia picked up Telesia Godinet (Manumalo Academy American Samoa) and Deriah Tiatia (Liona Mataalia) from Hunua Falls Camp all smiles and full of stories they can't wait to share when they get home. Rotary District 9920 - Auckland and the Pacific Islands

But first they explored Auckland. With a couple of days to explore the city, Natalia took the students to Rainbow's End amusement park and up to the top of the Sky Tower overlooking the Auckland waterfront. When it came time for Sky Tower photos, Telesia and Deriah had one request. They wanted to be in their official uniforms. So they changed into their special ofu before heading up.

Two kids from Pago Pago, standing at the top of Auckland, dressed in American Samoa's finest. 🇦🇸

Natalia reports they were tired after camp -- but not too tired for the arcade. Never too tired for the arcade.

The team flis home tomorrow. We can't wait to hear everything. 🌺✈️

27/03/2026

📍Hunua Falls Camp -- Day 1 officially underway. 🌿 (We sent two students to New Zealand for Leadership Camp)

After sleeping in, a very heavy late breakfast, and arriving at RYPEN registration with (by their own admission) the most bags and luggage at camp, Telesia Godinet (Manumalo Academy American Samoa) and Deriah Tiatia (Liona Mataalia) have checked in and everything is going great.

RYPEN is a 3-day camp funded by Rotary and organized by Rotaract clubs in New Zealand, open to students across Rotary District 9920 - Auckland and the Pacific Islands which includes New Zealand, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Rarotonga, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Kiribati. This is only the second year American Samoa has sent representatives, and this year our delegates are joined by a student from Rarotonga as the only other off attendees from off-island.

Rotary Club of Pago Pago's Natalia Palamo reports, "The camp is beautiful, the weather cleared up perfectly, and our two delegates are exactly where they're supposed to be."

As is standard at RYPEN, phones were collected at registration so the students can be fully present and focused during the program. Families, no need to worry. This is part of the experience, and they are in great hands.

Natalia also reports receiving "go away mom" vibes from both the students AND the organizers. We're calling that a good sign. 😄
They'll be home Tuesday, March 31st. Until then -- we trust the process. 🇦🇸🌺

26/03/2026

AN UPDATE ON OUR INTREPID TRAVELERS:
📍 Auckland, New Zealand — First stop: KFC. 🍗

After a delayed flight and a choice between salad or vegetarian on the plane, Telesia, Deriah, and young Niko made an executive decision upon landing. No judgment here.

The team has arrived safely in New Zealand. Camp begins soon. The real adventure is just getting started. 🇦🇸🌺

Manumalo Academy American Samoa Liona Mataalia

25/03/2026

They're on their way. ✈️

This morning, the Rotary Club of Pago Pago gathered at the PPG airport to send off our two RYPEN 2026 delegates Telesia Godinet (Manumalo Academy American Samoa) and Deriah Tiatia (Liona Mataalia) as they departed for Hunua Falls Camp in New Zealand.

Families came out to hug them goodbye. Rotary members came to cheer them on. We sent them off with a prayer and words of encouragement. The group is carrying with them an American Samoa flag and a bag full of cultural gifts to share with new friends along the way.

Both students are traveling in style outfitted in custom embroidered Interact shirts and uniforms, generously gifted by J-Len T's.

For both Telesia and Deriah, this is their first time to New Zealand.
RYPEN (RYPEN Auckland / Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) brings together outstanding young Pacific leaders for an immersive camp focused on confidence, leadership, and fellowship.

We'll see them back home on Tuesday, March 31st. Until then, carry that flag high! 🇦🇸🌺

~Thank you to Palamo, our Rotary Club Youth Chair, for making this happen. And a special fa'afetai to J-Len T's for dressing our delegates right.~

24/03/2026

🌟 Representing Pago Pago in New Zealand!

The Rotary Club of Pago Pago is proud to announce that two outstanding young leaders from our Interact program have been selected to attend RYPEN 2026 (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment).

Please join us in congratulating:
🎓 Telesia Godinet: (Manumalo Academy American Samoa)
🎓 Deriah Tiatia (Leone High School)

RYPEN is a Rotary-sponsored youth camp designed to help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers from across the Pacific. This year's camp is held at Hunua Falls Camp in New Zealand; a beautiful retreat nestled in the Hunua Ranges south of Auckland. Rotary District 9920 - Auckland and the Pacific Islands

The team departs tomorrow morning. If you'd like to come wish them safe travels before they head off, they'll be at the airport by 7:00 AM for an 8:30 AM flight.

Safe travels, Telesia and Deriah. We know you'll make Pago Pago proud! ✈️🌺

***A special thank you to Rotary Club of Pago Pago's Youth Services Chair Natalia Palamo for accompanying the students and for her dedication to our young leaders.

17/03/2026