BBC MEDIA ACTION DONATES EQUIPMENT TO EMPOWER MEDIA & JOURNALISM STUDENTS AT NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SAMOA

SAMOA, October 23 - [PRESS RELEASE, 23 October 2025] – We are delighted to share that the Department of Media and Communication, under the Faculty of Arts at the National University of Samoa (NUS), has received a generous donation of professional media equipment from BBC Media Action on the 17th July 2025. This vital contribution is set to significantly enhance the learning environment for students enrolled in the Media and Journalism program, providing them with access to essential tools that will bolster their educational experience and better prepare them for real-world media careers.

The donation package includes a variety of industry-standard items such as professional-grade video cameras, spare batteries, camera lights, memory cards, high-quality headphones, sturdy tripods, and cable reels. These resources are critical for hands-on training and will be integrated into both classroom lessons and fieldwork assignments. The practical exposure student’s gain by working with this equipment will allow them to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world media production skills.

With these new tools at their disposal, students will be able to:

• Produce high-quality video and audio content, elevating the standards of their coursework and projects.

• Engage in immersive field reporting, capturing stories from diverse communities and issues across Samoa.

• Develop multimedia storytelling skills that combine visuals, sound, and narrative, essential for modern journalism.

• Familiarize themselves with professional workflows and technical requirements that mirror those used in leading media organizations worldwide.

Saui’a Dr. Louise Matai’a Milo, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the donation: “This contribution addresses a long-standing need within our Faculty. Many of our students have faced challenges in accessing appropriate equipment for their assignments and practical learning. Thanks to BBC Media Action, we can now provide a more comprehensive, hands-on education that equips our students with the skills and confidence to thrive in a competitive media landscape.”

The students have also voiced their enthusiasm and appreciation for the enhanced resources: “It’s exciting to finally have access to the type of equipment we’ve only studied in theory,” said Tiitii Afia Tiitii, a third-year Journalism major. “Having professional cameras and other gear will transform how we approach our assignments and prepare us more effectively for careers in media.”

The Media and Journalism Programme lecturer, Yumi Talaave also expressed her appreciation for the donation given to the Faculty.

“We are incredibly grateful to BBC Media Action for their generous donation of professional media equipment to our Department of Media and Communication. This support is invaluable in enhancing the practical learning opportunities available to our students. Access to industry-standard tools is essential for preparing our future journalists to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Thanks to BBC Media Action, our students can now gain hands-on experience with equipment that reflects what they will encounter in the field, giving them a competitive edge as they transition into their careers. This partnership not only strengthens our academic program but also reinforces our shared commitment to building a vibrant, skilled media community in Samoa.

On behalf of the faculty and students, I extend our heartfelt thanks for this impactful contribution and look forward to continuing collaboration in the future.”

This donation aligns with BBC Media Action’s ongoing global commitment to fostering media development, education, and capacity building. By investing in future media professionals, they help ensure that the next generation of journalists and communicators are not only knowledgeable but also proficient in using the tools and techniques necessary for impactful storytelling and responsible journalism.

The Faculty of Arts extends its sincere thanks to BBC Media Action for this generous support. The partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in strengthening media education and empowering students to contribute meaningfully to the development of media in Samoa and beyond. Both institutions look forward to continued engagement aimed at nurturing talent and innovation in the field of media and communication.

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ThThe National University of Samoa