About my Father Vavae Toma

Date of Birth - 24. 04. 1915
Village of Birth - Safotu
Name of Father - Toma Polutea Maiava Laausauga
Name of Mother - Fo'ilagi Ainuu Pani
Names of Brothers - Tauinola (from the first marriage of Toma to Ataga'i), Ainuu Kapoka, Polutea Kapeteni, Laausauga, Muaausa Uatisone and Maiava Iulai ( Safotu gave birth to Iulai. He was raised and parented by Toma and Fo'ilagi. When Toma and Fo'ilagi became frail, Vavae and Avai'a continued the parental role for Iulai).
Names of Sisters - Safotu, Olive, Perise.
Village of Father - Sato'alepai and Fagamalo
Village of Mother - Sapapali'i and Safa'ato'a

Vavae was born when his parents, Toma and Fo'ilagi were the pastoral parents of the Safotu L.M.S Congregation. When Toma became blind, they left the job at Safotu and lived for many years at Sato'alepai. Vavae was about five years old. Vavae grew up in Sato'alepai where he spent many years caring for his parents. He specifically became the eyes and hands for his blind father, and was a constant help to his hard working mother who was trying to perform both the mother and father role. Vavae attended the local Pastor's school and the Tutaga primary School. He attended Vaipouli District School, Malifa Boarding School in Apia, Avele Boys School where he attained the highest qualification called the Proficiency Certificate of that time. When Vavae left home to attend boarding school he found it hard to study as he would rather take care of his parents. His parents pushed him to value and complete his schooling. Vavae taught at the Primary School at Saipipi, Savai'i. His parents pushed him to attend Matapo'os Practical Church School at Samauga, Savaii. From there, Vavae went to Leulumoega School and entered Malua Theological College (1938-1942). He married Avai'a in January 1942.

(Source: Personal Records of Vavae Toma kept by Tusipa Vavae Toma)