Youth Network launched

The young people of Samoa will have their voices heard at this year’s Small Island’s Developing States (S.I.DS) conference through a Youth Network launched yesterday.

The event was held at Robert Louis Secondary School (R.L.S.S.). The Minister of Women, Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D.), Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei’ataua officially opened the Network, which will see a number of projects unfold in the lead up to the S.I.D.S conference to be held in Samoa in September. According to Tolofuaivalelei, the launch coincides with the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (U.N.E.S.C.O.) office in New York launching the S.I.D.S Youth Network.

The Minister said that along with the U.N Secretariat, the Samoan government sees youth as a key partner in identifying common issues, advocating them and helping to be part of the solution.

“As the world leaders come together to discuss problems and solutions, we want to make sure the voices of our youth from the different regions including Samoa are included,” he said.

“Most of all it’s a golden opportunity and space for our tupulaga talavou to be part of a prestigious event, once in a lifetime experience. “

Today, the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation office in New York is launching the S.I.D.S. Youth Network to coincide with the official launching of the Year of S.I.D.S.in New York.

“Therefore our event today is part of this launching and you will be profiled as young leaders being part of the S.I.D.S. preparation in Samoa.”

He went on to thank Masa Fa’asau, R.L.S.S. Principal and the school for being part of this Samoa S.I.D.S.Youth Network Launch.

He also noted Brianna Fruean’s involvement, her attendance at the U.N Conference on Sustainable Development, at Rio+20 in Brazil, and the school’s biology group’s compost initiative, which he said was practical and commendable.

“Small steps such as these recognise climate change and the importance of taking care of our beautiful island paradise,” said Tolofuaivalelei.

“I would also like to thank the representative young champion farmers here from around Upolu and Savai'i who are beginning agricultural projects with the Food and Agriculture Organisation's funding support.

“Your chance to share and encourage our students with your projects today is invaluable and a hint of mentoring at its best.”

Tolofuaivalelei said the M.W.C.S.D. through its Division for Youth hosted a Samoa Youth S.I.D.S. Symposium last December for National Youth Week.

“The camp brought together 102 youth from different organizations, churches and communities,” he said.

“Youth and facilitators discussed the S.I.D.S.Youth Pacific Outcomes Document and shared on the different areas in relation to what Samoa youth need and think.

“These thematic areas included health, employment, education, law and justice, youth in agriculture, climate change and social inclusion.

“We will get to hear about the Break-through Initiatives (B.T.I.s) the youth came up with at the camp after showing you some highlights from the Symposium.”

He said each month M.W.C.S.D. will roll out similar youth programs building up to the S.I.D.S.meeting and youth forum taking place in September.

“I encourage you to get involved where-ever you can and maximise your opportunity to learn and contribute today. “O tupulaga talavou o vae ma lima o so'o se faalapotopotoga i totonu o nu'u.

“You are part of our Samoan youth who are the feet and hands that put into action the development of different structures in the villages.

“Continue to be the strength of your families, schools, churches and communities.

“With that, I now officially declare the Samoa S.I.D.S Youth Network open.”