Help me give my students celebrate Samoan culture. We are creating a Samoan children's book to share with local schools. Snacks are included for my students who often come to school hungry
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Utai's classroom raised $977
This project is fully funded
My Project
The specific items I'm requesting, like Samoan books and snacks, will make a profound difference in my students' learning by providing both cultural representation and essential nourishment. The Samoan books will help students see themselves in the stories we read, fostering pride in their heritage and deepening their connection to our culture. The snacks will ensure that hunger doesn’t hinder their focus or participation in class.
My goals for this project are to create a learning environment where my students feel seen, valued, and supported.
By involving them in the creation of a Samoan children's book, I aim to empower them with a sense of ownership and pride in their culture. We’ll also be sharing this book with local schools, spreading awareness and appreciation of our Samoan heritage.
What makes my students special is their resilience and strength. Many come from challenging backgrounds, yet they show up every day ready to learn and grow. They deserve to see their culture celebrated and to have their basic needs met so they can focus on their education and future.
Becoming a teacher has always been my dream, and now, as a new teacher, I feel an incredible sense of purpose. Teaching my students within our shared Samoan culture is more than just a job—it's a calling. Returning to school at 42 to pursue this path stemmed from a deep desire to impact young lives. The chance to teach Samoan, a language and culture integral to who I am, is beyond anything I imagined. My goal is to create a space where they can take pride in their cultural identity, celebrating it fully. Helping them embrace their heritage while supporting them academically, emotionally, and culturally drives my passion to be the best teacher I can be.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Logitech - POP Keys Wireless Mechanical Tactile Switch Keyboard for Windows/Mac with Customizable Emoji Keys - Heartbreaker Rose
• Best Buy Education
$74.56
1
$74.56
HapiLeap Plastic Storage Bins with Lid, Stackable Storage Containers for Organizing, Storage Baskets for Shelves Kitchen Bathroom Playroom Classroom Office (4 Large + 4 Small)
• Amazon Business
$69.98
1
$69.98
My First 100 Samoan Words Book 1
• Amazon Business
$18.23
3
$54.69
Mata Lulu: Stories from Samoa for Children
• Amazon Business
$24.95
2
$49.90
Cheese Crackers and Cheese Snacks Variety Pack Assortment Sampler Bulk Care Package (36 Count)
• Amazon Business
$42.99
1
$42.99
'O si Manu a Ali'i
• Amazon Business
$39.60
1
$39.60
In here, out there! Totonu i‘i, fafo i o!: Children's Picture Book English-Samoan (Bilingual Edition/Dual Language) (Bilingual Books (English-Samoan) by Philipp Winterberg)
• Amazon Business
$12.99
3
$38.97
Am I small? Ou te la'ititi?: Children's Picture Book English-Samoan (Dual Language/Bilingual Edition) (Bilingual Books (English-Samoan) by Philipp Winterberg)
• Amazon Business
$12.99
3
$38.97
Sleepy Time Samoa: A Goodnight Bedtime Rhyme
• Amazon Business
$12.95
3
$38.85
Colors in Samoan with English Translations
• Amazon Business
$10.95
3
$32.85
Rice Krispies Treats Crispy Marshmallow Squares, Kids Snacks, Cereal Bars, Original (96 Bars)
• Amazon Business
$30.57
1
$30.57
Sāmoan Proverbs: Alagā'upu ma Muāgagana a Sāmoa
• Amazon Business
$15.00
2
$30.00
Mata Oti: Eyes of Death
• Amazon Business
$15.00
2
$30.00
RITZ Fresh Stacks Original Crackers, Family Size, 6 - 17.8 oz Boxes
• Amazon Business
$29.88
1
$29.88
Punky Aloha
• Amazon Business
$9.62
3
$28.86
Lauga: Understanding Samoan oratory
• Amazon Business
$27.99
1
$27.99
Sala and the Siva Samoa
• Amazon Business
$8.99
3
$26.97
'O Faia Fa'atumua O Samoa Mai Tala O Le Vavau (Nflrc Monographs) (English and Samoan Edition)
• Amazon Business
$25.00
1
$25.00
PopCorners Popped Corn Snacks, Core 3 Flavor Pack, 1 Ounce (Pack of 20) (Packaging May Vary)
• Amazon Business
$17.04
1
$17.04
Teach Me Samoan: Using 31 Daily Words
• Amazon Business
$14.95
1
$14.95
Samoan Herbal Medicine: O La'au ma Vai Fofo o Samoa
• Amazon Business
$12.95
1
$12.95
Materials cost
$755.57
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$33.25
3rd party payment processing fee
$11.33
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$830.15
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$146.50
Total project goal
$976.65
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$976.65
1 Donor
-$651.10
Donations toward project cost
-$553.44
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$97.66
match offer
-$325.54
Match offer toward project cost
-$276.71
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Utai and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
