Australia’s Direct Aid Program to Support a Community Initiative for Miss Samoa

We look forward to working with Ms Schwenke to bring a community initiative to life through our Direct Aid Program..

October 26, 2023

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The Australian High Commissioner in Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck, has committed to supporting a community initiative to be driven by newly crowned Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke.

Following a meeting with Miss Samoa this week the New Zealand High Commissioner says it was a pleasure to meet with Miss Schwenke to discuss her vision and plans for her reign.

The Australia High Commission Office in Samoa will support Moemoana as she utilises her platform to highlight issues she is passionate about.

Miss Moemoana Safaatoa is a passionate performing artist and environmental advocate, and the daughter of Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands 1997 – Maryjane McKibbin Schwenke.

“We recognise her longstanding work in climate advocacy, as well as her contributions to strengthening the connection of the diaspora communities to their Samoan culture and heritage through dance and performance,” says the Australian High Commissioner.

“We look forward to working with Ms Schwenke to bring a community initiative to life through our Direct Aid Program (DAP).”

As is the custom, Miss Samoa will spend the 12 months of her reign as a member of the Samoa Tourism Authority team with a extensive role in various areas of community engagement including the promotion of Samoa as a tourist destination.

This year’s Digicel Miss Samoa won three main awards including Best Talent, Best Interview and Best Siva Samoa.

Moemoana Safaatoa also secured the specials awards of Best Puletasi. Best Sarong and the Miss Internet Award.

THE DIRECT AID PROGRAM (DAP)

The Australian High Commission Samoa Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small-grants program funded by the Australian Aid bilateral program. It is designed to support local community groups and organisations engaged in development activities to complement the Australian development partnership with the Government of Samoa.

In 2022-2023, DAP will prioritise projects that focus on:

**Climate change (covering environment and sustainability)

**Social Inclusion (comprising gender equality, disability, social inclusion)

**Economic empowerment (particularly where it intersects with social inclusion and/or climate change)

Applications will be accepted from local community-based groups and organizations and need to demonstrate a strong benefit to local communities. Priority will be given to creative and innovative applications that will spark additional development of the community.

We particularly welcome proposals for projects that address or directly benefit the needs of vulnerable groups including women and girls, children, people living with disabilities and the elderly.

Applicants can apply for up to SAT20,000.

How to apply:

Download and complete the application form (either typed or neatly handwritten) or collect a form from the High Commission.

Attach reference letters to support your proposal.

Submit your application electronically to Apia.DAP@dfat.gov.au or hand in a hard copy to the Australian High Commission and address it to: The DAP Coordinator, Australian High Commission, Beach Rd Apia.

Unfortunately not all applications received can be funded.

If you have any questions, or would like a Samoan translation of the above information, please email Apia.DAP@dfat.gov.au.