What can parents and caregivers do to protect their children?
This is an edited transcript for a talk given by Lani Wendt Young at a fundraiser for the Samoa Victim Support charity which provides refuge and support to survivors of abuse and domestic violence. The event was organized by Nicola Mills and Ariane Stevenson and hosted at Milani Café in Apia, last Saturday.
The prayers of a mother from Vaisigano, who made a plea through this newspaper for financial help to send her 12-year-old child for an operation in New Zealand, has been answered.
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Thanks to the Managing Director of Island Rock, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, Va’alele Fa’amatai is now absolutely sure that her daughter, Fa’ama’au Ianuari, will arrive in New Zealand on time for her scheduled surgery at Star Ship Hospital.
Yesterday, Tuaopepe presented a cheque of $3,500 to Ms. Fa’amatai to fund their airfares.
The young student at Moata’a Primary School has a hole in her heart. She cannot take part in any sporting activities.
Yesterday at least was a happy day for the family.
Ms. Fa’amatai couldn’t thank Tuaopepe enough for his generous donation.
The mother approached Samoa Victim Support Group when she had ran out of options to find money to fund for her and her daughter’s airfares.
The organisation contacted Samoa Observer for assistance in telling the woman’s story.
So following a report published in the Samoa Observer edition of 11 July, Tuaopepe said he was touched by the woman’s plea.
“It is not all about business at Island Rock,” a statement from the company said.
Tuaopepe, a father of four young daughters, said he “understands the anguish and worry this young mother is going through.
“Nothing is more important to a parent than his child,” he added.
“If we can help get her to New Zealand, then we can all hope and pray that she will be healed so she can look forward with hope to a brighter future.”
“If successful the operation in New Zealand will enable this child to play sports and lead a normal life like all other children. Who knows she may even be a future champion for Samoa!”
Tuaopepe, who is the President and coach of the national Weightlifting team, is preparing to fly Glasgow, Scotland, for the Commonwealth Games.
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