The young women of the Fagalii Tinifu successfully completed a 12-session Basic Sewing Program offered through the American Samoa Community College–Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ASCC-ACNR) Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Program. The sewing program began in May 2026 and is part of the FCS community outreach initiative, which provides sewing workshops every three months in partnership with villages and community organizations throughout American Samoa.

Held once a week, the hands-on program teaches participants essential sewing skills, including taking body measurements, cutting fabric, operating a sewing machine, and constructing garments using basic sewing techniques. The workshops are designed to equip participants with practical skills that promote self-sufficiency, reduce household expenses, and encourage creativity.

After completing all 12 sessions, the Fagalii Tinifu participants proudly sewed their own puletasi (outfits) for graduation. In addition to their graduation attire, participants also created dresses, shirts, curtains, and pillowcases for their homes, demonstrating the range of skills they developed throughout the course. According to FCS Sewing Instructor Ms. Diana Tarrant, "It's not easy when you are not committed to learning because it delays the process, but the twelve participants were able to complete the sewing sessions in 12 weeks, mastering all the skills and knowledge acquired in the program."

The graduation ceremony was held on July 29, 2026, at the CCCAS Fagalii Hall following the theme, "Stitched with Hard Work, Finished with Pride." The event was attended by Rev. Fa'alili Otineru, the Pulenu’u (Mayor) of Fagalii Village, members of the Fagalii Tinifu, ASCC-ACNR FCS Manager Adi Willis and staff, and the ASCC-ACNR Agricultural Program Manager Autagavaia Alfred Peters, who congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Congratulations to the twelve members of the 2026 Fagalii Sewing Cohort: Fa'asiu Tapeni, Beauty Ale, Logovii Pasami, Maliana Senio, Maletina Tu'ufuli, Maryann Pese, Talalelei Pu'a, Serena Tu'ufuli, Claradyn Pu'a, Tuao Mapu, Maria Mapu, and Rosie Sakaria.

For more information about the ASCC-ACNR Family and Consumer Sciences Program, email m.willis@amsamoa.edu or call (684) 699-1575, extensions 258 or 222.