A Tongan resident of Oakland City in California and mother of 13 children, Malia Lusia Latu Saulala, has been announced “Mother of the Year” by the local government’s Oakland Parks & Recreation Office.

Malia takes care of six adopted children and was commended for her “outstanding leadership” and contributions to the Oakland City community. 

Her contributions included being an active member of a local neighbourhood council (Maxwell) where she raised awareness on living conditions, safety concerns and community services to help young and old residents. 

Malia was also cited as a “true advocate to more than 20,000 youth” in the city. She volunteered with schools and the local boy scouts to assist with school work, bible studies and life enrichment. She has aided more than 2,000 older residents

She completed the Oakland Police Citizen Academy in 2014 and volunteers with the Oakland Police Department where she provides support to the department’s Open House, Toy Drive for Kids and Thanksgiving Give-away.    

“Malia is very dedicated,” said an Oakland resident Sharon Rhone who nominated Malia. “She gives her all and whenever she is asked to do something, she does it without hesitation.”   

The Oakland Parks & Recreation made the announcement in the lead up to Mother’s Day which was celebrated on May 14 in the United States.

According to the 2010 US census, there are over a thousand Tongans living in Oakland city.