In December 2009, newsroom.lds.org reported that 40,000 people had benefitted from generous donations to the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF), administered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One such example, Loukinikini Atonio of Vaiusu, Samoa, is profiled in the Samoa Observer:
"If it were not for the PEF," said Atonio, "I would not have been able to commence (post-secondary) education and would not have been able thereafter to obtain a government scholarship to get my law degree."
Formed in 2001, the PEF is designed to provide low-interest educational loans for tuition, books and fees for individuals in select developing countries. Funds are disbursed to aid in skill development and to further education locally.
Atonio now serves as state solicitor in the attorney general's office in Apia, Samoa.
To read the full story in the 6 January 2010 visit the Samoa Observer.