Women graduate with life lessons

By Aruna Lolani 25 February 2017, 12:00AM

Forty women graduated from the Samoa Victim Support Group’s Women’s Advocacy (Tina Faufautua) Programme.

Held at Traveller’s Point Hotel, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Papali’i John Taimalelagi, congratulated the graduates.

“This is not a usual graduation, this is much more special. It is graduating from life lessons,” he said.

 “I do not want to focus on why these women are here. We all know that they got to this point in their life from appearing in Court for committing an offence. 

“However, the focus should be on how far they have come and how much their lives and the lives of their families have changed. The change has come from the ‘Tina Faufautua Program’ run by Samoa Victim Support.”

Papali’i acknowledged the S.V.S.G. on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Courts and Administration, for the important work they have done in helping keeping families together. 

“You have worked together with the Court to make a real difference in the life of those that come before Court.” 

Penina Wu, one of the graduates, said the programme has been challenging but it has saved her from going to Tafaigata Prison.

Most importantly, it has changed her life where she now knows how to control her temper. 

Special Awards and Certificates were presented by Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao to the S.V.S.G. Reformed Graduating Class 2017.

Special Awards Recipients

1.  Most Reliable Participant :  Penina Wu

2.  Most Prompt & Humble Participant  :  Miriama Oteamoa

3.  Most Genuine Participant :  Talisuaga Lameko

4.  Eldest Participant : Imeleta Schuster

5.  Most Active Participants :  Makerita Maiava: Lesina Autagavaia

By Aruna Lolani 25 February 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>