PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – A state-of-the-art computer and technology lab donated by Bluesky Communications was dedicated at the Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa (BGCAS) last Monday, January 27, 2025. On hand for this ceremony was Mr. Justin Tuiasosopo, Chief Executive Officer of Bluesky Communications and BGCAS Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Volunteer Officer, Mrs. Mary A.T. Tulafono.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to play a role in bringing this lab to the Boys & Girls Club. This journey started 3-4 years ago when I first came on as a Board Member of BGCAS. But it goes far beyond those 3-4 years. Former Governor Togiola [Tulafono] was pivotal in bringing in the ASH Cable in 2009. For those of us who were around before that, we had to utilize dial-up to connect to the internet. Today we can experience much faster internet connectivity. I was fortunate to have recently participated in a conference in Hawaii that talks about the future of connectivity. In today’s world, the emphasis is on artificial intelligence (AI), which requires a lot of data and power. All of this goes back to the vision of Governor Togiola and Former First Lady Maryann Tulafono [to bring high speed internet to American Samoa].

The “Bluesky Innovation Lab”, named in honor of BGCAS’ longstanding partnership with the telecommunications company, includes a full refresh and modernization of the space, new furnishings, upgraded computer systems and flexible working spaces. In talking about the donated lab equipment, Mr. Tuiasosopo stated: “The concepts behind having two different interfaces- both Apple iMacs as well as the Windows Operating System is so that the children are able to experience both. Because if you are only familiar with one interface, it reduces your chances of being exposed to further growth. BGCAS has shown great results in terms of turning students into college- and career-ready graduates who later return home to serve our community and that is something I am proud to be a part of.”

Mrs. Tulafono thanked Bluesky for their ongoing support and commitment to BGCAS, its Club Members and families, stating: “The ‘Bluesky Innovation Lab’ is more than a Computer Lab. Beyond online gaming and socializing, technology is revolutionizing the way our children learn in school- from keeping up with assignments to firing off college applications. But not all students have equal access to technology. BGCAS and donors like Bluesky are determined to bridge these gaps, offering more youth the tools they need to succeed in school, career and life.

“Since 2010, Bluesky Communications has helped to enable hundreds of youth in American Samoa who have passed through our doors learn digital literacy, experience virtual reality, and aided in completing their homework. We are so grateful for this partnership, and we thank Mr. Justin Tuiasosopo and Bluesky for their dedication to the Great Futures Movement and the intellectual development of our children. Fa’afetai Tele Lava.”