Paula Smith, LVN and former Director of the SMA is an icon in Fiji. In several villages, people or school children see her or her profile and they get excited at her presence.
For better than 25 years, Paula has coordinated the annual SMA conference in Fiji, at Tavarua. Paula was instrumental in helping to start and implement clinic visits to the villages of Nabila and Momi as well as working with local health providers and agencies.
Paula heading to the villages in Fiji.
Paula was a key developer in starting the SMA scholarship Program. The Program began in honor of member Steve Baser, who died in 1994. A donation in his name started the program and it has continued these past 20 years. Mark Renneker and Mike Baser, Steve’s brother, initiated the scholarship idea and over the past years it has helped Fijian students pay for college tuition.
“When we give to others, we give to ourselves” is a saying used in the medical field especially when working in underdeveloped countries. Paula has been a leader in expanding the services and interaction with the people and health care providers.
SMA used the Village Health Worker as outlined in Where There is No Doctor by
David Werner.
Paula has overseen the Scholarship program in Fiji since she stepped down from being SMA Director, and she has not slowed her efforts in helping others. When donating to the SMA Scholarship Program, SMA members have mentioned other locations, areas and groups in the Pacific Islands that might need assistance.
Following is a letter from a grateful group of students in Somoa, that Paula became aware of. She made a small donation on behalf of SMA, that made a significant impact in these students’ lives. Some of the students pictured are Fijian students studying in Samoa. Paula has really helped in spreading the humanitarian efforts of SMA. Pictures are included of the smiling students.
Burebasaga Confideracy Student Association
The University of the South Pacific
School of Agriculture and Food Technology
Alafua Campus
Samoa
17th of May, 2014
Paula Smith
SMA Scholarship Overseer
P.O. Box 1287
Aptos, CA 95001
(831) 688-4423
Dear Dr. Smith,
Talofa lava! And a warm greetings from The University of the South Pacific, Alafua Campus, Samoa. We hope that this email will find you in good health. Today I write to you as the President and on behalf of the Burebasaga Confederacy Student Association based here in Alafua Campus, Samoa to present our token of appreciation in the huge contribution made to our association in the sponsorship of our student association T-shirts this year. Madam we were so delighted and continually appreciate the kind hearted donation made the Surfers Medical Association to our student association which will remain the pride of our heart and unforgettable memories as we continue to strive for excellence in years to come.
Madam, we are limited of words to show how grateful we are to the T-shirts that were printed out in beautiful colors that also took the University community by surprise. In that regard with the money donated we were able to print out thirty-four T-shirts which was limited for everyone and thanking SMA for taking initiative in the development of people from all works of life, all over the world irrespective of the ethnicity, race and color but to appreciate each other. Our only prayers today and forever that the almighty will continue to strengthen and shower his blessings upon SMA, its members and their individual families for you to reach to new heights and be a blessing for others.
Vinaka Vakalevu SMA!!!
Looking Forward for your continues support and GOD BLESS YOU ALL and attached below are some of the flickrs taken durin the T-shirt launch!!
Warms Regards,
Sireli Masi
President
Burebasaga Student Association
USP, Alafua Campus, Samoa.
PH: +6857291499
Email: s11065954@student.usp.ac.fj
BCSA T-Shirt Launch 2014
Donations to the scholarship fund can be made to SMA via paypal on the website and these will be passed on to Paula to distribute at the next SMA Conference. For more info contact Bill Jones at smacentral@yahoo.com.