Seven weeks of learning paid off yesterday.
This was when twenty-five staff members of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration and the Office of the Ombudsman received certificates in Samoan Customary Mediation.
The graduation was held at the Court House at Mulinu’u.
It was attended by the Minister of Justice, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Supreme Court Justice, His Honour Lesatele Rapi Vaai and the Associate Minister of Justice, Taefu Lemi.
Addressing the graduates, Associate Minister Taefu, who also completed the course last year, said mediation is not new in Samoa.
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Mediation has been around for as long as the Samoan culture, he said.
Taefu directed the attention of the graduates and guests to when Samoan people are young.
From that early age, he said they are exposed to the concept and practice of mediation or “soalaupule” in the Samoan context.
The practice, he said, is used widely and as often as when families gather to resolve conflicts. The same approach is used in villages and churches.
Mediation is a means of resolving conflict in a peaceful manner, he said.
“So mediation is good, it is not a judgment.”
He said the idea of training Customary Mediators was adopted to assist in the work of the Ministry as an alternative form of finding solutions to the multiple challenges they face every day.
His challenge to the graduating class of 2014 was simple.
“Do it well and thank God that we have been raised in the fa’aSamoa,” he said.
“This is how Samoans resolve differences.
It is done through discussions and the sharing of views.”
THE GRADUATES
Leota Pelenato Paulo, Galuo Serah Skelton- Sokimi, Rosita Nickel-Peresetene, Roni Fereti (LJSS-MJCA), Leiataua Niuapu Faauileula II Leiataualesa, Leatigagaeono Victory Lesa, Christine Taefu-Malolua, Tofilau Sina Faapoi- Kaitani, Liusuavai Kerisiano, Matamu Seiao Saena (Ombudsman), Jeanne Luma’ava Ah Ching, Tuioti Ripine Fuiavailili Tagiilima, Asiata Tunaalii Folaitoga, Tagaloa Taimaleiutu Palemene, Nu’u Ropati, Nele Eti-Vaiotu, Tolovou Fereti-Stowers, Kristle Leavai, Steven Sipaia Ah Mann, Akenese Taupo- Pualilo, Misikea Leiataua, Faaauma Faimanu, Ali’imalemanu Niusila Minute, Nele Tiatia Liliko and Simi Neli.
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