Restocking High School Hygiene Cabinets Across American Samoa

March 13, 2026 - One-year initiative continues to support student health and dignity

Nu'uuli Vocational Technical High School students receive a hygiene donation from Rotarian Natalia Palamo

Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered fresh supplies to all 12 public and private high schools across American Samoa on Friday, March 6, marking the first major restocking of its Student Emergency Hygiene Cabinet program since launching in September 2024.

Teams of Rotary volunteers fanned out across Tutuila and shipped supplies by boat to Manu'a, delivering cases of feminine hygiene products, deodorant, wipes, and bandages to each school. The visits also provided an opportunity to inspect the metal storage cabinets and gather feedback from students and school advisors.

Each school received:

• 8 cases of U by Kotex Maxi sanitary products

• 3 cases of wet wipes

• 1 case each of men's and women's deodorant spray

• 2 cases of bandages

  
  

Rotarian Faafua Cummings delivers to Samoana High School

"I owe thanks to the awesome team of Rotarians that volunteered to distribute the supplies," said Community Services Chair Faafua Cummings. "This delivery was a chance to inspect the storage cabinets that we've installed and gather feedback for future donations. It is a privilege to serve our high school students in this way. Fa'afetai!"

By all accounts, schools report the initiative has proven helpful in supporting students who arrive at school without essential hygiene supplies. The program was inspired by Tafuna High School's Brown Sister club, which pioneered a classroom hygiene pantry in 2021 under the leadership of Eileen Iosefo and Marcella Fitisone.

Rotary volunteers who participated in the March 7 delivery included Cherith Soliai, Natalia Palamo, Sisi Aferika, Danielle King, Debbs Cox, Joey Cummings and Faafua Cummings, who coordinated teams to reach schools on both Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands.

The club plans to continue monitoring usage and restocking the cabinets as an ongoing annual project. Those interested in contributing money or supplies can visit the RCPP donation page.