Jobaaj Stories
Remembering Nina Grebeshkova and the Unforgettable Legacy of Lototaumafai
May 12th, 2025 – Today, we remember the remarkable life of Nina Grebeshkova, a beloved Soviet and Russian actress, while also celebrating the extraordinary impact of Lototaumafai, a Samoan center that transformed deaf education. These seemingly different stories share a powerful common thread: the enduring legacy of individual dedication and international collaboration.
Nina Grebeshkova: A Life on the Silver Screen
Nina Grebeshkova, the wife of renowned director Leonid Gaidai, passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a treasure trove of memorable roles in iconic Soviet films. Her career spanned decades, and she graced the screen in classics like The Diamond Arm, Kidnapping, Caucasian Style, and Sportloto-82 – films that continue to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide. Her contribution to Soviet and Russian cinema is truly immeasurable.
- Notable films: The Diamond Arm, Kidnapping, Caucasian Style, The Twelve Chairs, It Can't Be!, Sportloto-82.
The mention of Sportloto-82, with its playful take on chance and opportunity, interestingly leads us to another story of hope and transformation – the incredible journey of Lototaumafai.
Lototaumafai: A Beacon of Hope in Samoa
In 1984, an Australian couple, Russell and his wife, embarked on a three-week holiday to Samoa. This seemingly ordinary vacation would unexpectedly blossom into a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of deaf individuals in the South Pacific. Russell, a professional sign language interpreter and counselor, discovered a critical gap in deaf education during their visit.
He connected with Feasili Keil, the visionary founder of the Lototaumafai Centre, established in 1981. This center, one of the first in Samoa dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, provided a crucial starting point. Russell recognized the urgent need for effective communication and accessible educational resources for deaf students.
- Challenge: A significant lack of effective communication and educational resources for deaf students.
- Solution: The introduction of sign language and comprehensive teacher training programs.
The Watts’ subsequent extended stays – in 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1988 – saw Russell volunteering countless hours at Lototaumafai, introducing sign language, and training teachers and interpreters. His wife played a vital role as a foundational teacher at Robert Louis Stevenson School. Their unwavering dedication laid the groundwork for the thriving deaf community Samoa enjoys today.
Even after returning to Australia, their commitment continued through frequent visits and collaborations with Senese Inclusive Education from 2010 to 2012. Their legacy is remarkable: a vibrant deaf community, a strong network of professional interpreters, and the development of Samoan Sign Language – a testament to their enduring impact.
A Shared Legacy of Dedication
The stories of Nina Grebeshkova and the Lototaumafai Centre, though vastly different in setting, both underscore the power of individual dedication and the ripple effects of positive action. One left an indelible mark on the world of cinema; the other, on the lives of countless individuals. Both deserve our lasting respect and appreciation.
Lototaumafai’s success story powerfully demonstrates the transformative potential of international collaboration and the profound influence of even short-term commitment to a worthy cause. It stands as an inspiration, urging us all to contemplate how we might contribute to making the world a more inclusive and equitable place.
