Group sees S.I.D.S as platform

The Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G) kicked started the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) Conference yesterday with a workshop designed to empower women and children towards a more socially inclusive sustainable development agenda.

Held at the Faleata Golf Course, the side-event was initiated by S.V.S.G Auckland. Deputy Director, Leilani Jackson, said S.I.D.S has presented the organisation with an opportunity.

“At the moment all the international agencies are in Samoa,” said Ms Jackson.

“It is a good time and platform to highlight the work of S.V.S.G so that people are aware that the group is the only service provider for domestic violence and sexual abuse and are also handling and helping victims.”

The Deputy Director of S.V.S.G Auckland pointed out that some of the challenges for the group involve finance, manpower and limited resources.

“Hopefully with this session, it will attract people to invest in this cause,” said Ms Jackson.

As for the session yesterday, Ms Jackson said it went well and the contribution from participants ensured that they are aware of the violence happening in Samoa but not enough work isbeing done for it.

One of the panelists was a young and strong advocate of women and children’s rights, Cherelle Fruean. Ms Fruean had organised the

Ray of Hope Concert last week that raised funds for S.V.S.G’s Maternity ward.

She announced that the event had raised $300,000 for S.V.S.G.

“It was a tribute to my late father,” said Ms Fruean, referring to businessman, Raymond Lamont Fruean.

“It was a project very close to my heart and most importantly it was an opportunity to raise funds to build shelter for young mothers and children in S.V.S.G.”

She also credited the hard work from President of S.V.S.G Samoa Lina Chang describing her as Samoa’s very own mother Theresa.

For Mrs Chang, the work of S.V.S.G is vital for Samoa.

“Seeing many of the difficulties we are facing today helps me to understand that this event may become an opportunity to develop new partnerships (to sustain the services of S.V.S.G),” she said.

Since the organisation was launched in 2005, Mrs Chang said it had mainly provided support services for victims of sexual offending.

“Almost ten years down the line, S.V.S.G services has expanded and with the expansion came partners necessary to progress its work,” she said.

“S.V.S.G is very much aware that partnerships with others is very important to not only sustain its services but achieve our Groups vision in ensuring that victims of crime are well supported, safe and empowered to take control of their lives again.”