For the past several years, American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Social Sciences instructor Mrs. Tala Ropeti-Leo has made a community service project a component of her class Introduction to Psychology (PSY 150). The project has typically taken the form of a donation to a community cause that can benefit from assistance, and past recipients have ranged from victims of inclement weather events, to Special Education students and their instructors, to the staff at LBJ Hospital during the pandemic, and many others. On Friday, July 12th, the ASCC Psychology class reached a milestone as they made their first-ever donation of food and personal hygiene items to the inmates at the Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF).

            Mrs. Ropeti-Leo shared that the idea of making a donation to TCF came from her students in the two sections of the PSY 150 class currently underway in the ASCC summer session. “It was the first idea some of them suggested for the community service project, and it was immediately supported by the rest of the students,” she said. “There were no other suggestions.”  The students subsequently fundraised through activities such as a “pickathon” (litter removal activity), eventually collecting just over $1000 to go towards the donation. Mrs. Ropeti-Leo, meanwhile, contacted Department of Corrections Deputy Director Mrs. Filomena Hunt-Letuala, who assisted with the necessary clearances and provided a list of needed items.

               Mrs. Hunt-Leituala was on hand to meet the students when they arrived at TCF with a donation substantial enough to fill the back of two pickup trucks. As the items were being recorded, Mrs. Hunt-Leituala thanked the students on behalf of the Department of Corrections and shared a detailed overview of TCF operations and policies. This was followed by a limited tour of the TCF facilities. Under the guidance of Major Mokiana Yandall.  Assistant Warden, the students were given a look at the highly-populated men’s section of the TCF, though they did not enter any of the buildings for security reasons. At the sparsely-populated women’s section of the prison, Mrs. Victoria Aoelua-Jacobo, Department of Corrections Training Coordinator, explained the policies of the women’s side of the TCF and also allowed them a brief view of the interior.

         Following their time spent at TCF, Mrs. Ropet-Leo described the experience as “an eye opener” “After the presentations and tour, some of my students shared how they felt about what they saw,” she recalled. “Some students even asked me if we could work on another donation for the facility. If there is anywhere on the island that needs a lot of help, donations and attention, it would be the TCF. We saw firsthand how difficult life can be in there and despite the reasons for being in there, the inmates are still our people, our families, and they need our prayers and support. I commend the administration of the TCF for doing their best to serve the incarcerated community and maintain order. They are unsung heroes. working with what they have to serve the incarcerated.”

         While the TCF donation and visit made an indelible impression on the students as well as their instructor, that response actually serves the goal of the PSY 150 class.  “In addition to developing the class members’ awareness of their own potential to make a positive difference within their community, the projects lead them to gain understanding and establish respect and support for the individuals who staff the organizations that serve those in need,” explained Mrs. Ropeti-Leo. “One of the course learning outcomes is that students gain an understanding of themselves and others through the application of theories in the field of psychology. While students learn these theories in class, community service projects provide an opportunity to actually apply these theories.  They learn to become active members of their community and have a lasting positive impact on society by providing a service to those who need it.  I can teach and lecture about giving back, and the psychological benefits of doing that, but real learning requires application so engaging students in community service helps students put what they learn into practice.”

              For more information on the many learning opportunities available at ASCC, visit the College’s website at www.amsamoa.edu.