The rain did not dampen the spirit of His Excellency, Mr. Sujiro Seam, the Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, when he lead the delegation from the European Commision, during a site visit to SVSG’s work, while in Samoa.
SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang and management met with the EU delegation at the Campus given the visit was the first time that an EU Mission had requested to visit the shelter facilities for abused women and children.
It was an informative dialogue for both the SVSG and the European Commission, as they were briefed on the overall support services provided by SVSG.
In return, His Excellency was very upfront, as he explained the various programs under the European Union that supports the work of civil societies like SVSG, in the region.
The practicality of SVSG’s work with abused children was presented by the children residents, when they sang and danced with the delegation.
H.E Sujiro left with a message of hope for the children “I understand the difficulty you are going through. That’s why I’m telling you to study hard, do your best, pursue your dreams, and you can become whatever you want to become.”
It was a message that inspired the children in their journey of hope, while going through their rehabilitation programs at the Campus of Hope.
A tour of the Campus facility was conducted, with the finalé being a brief stop at the Nursery shelter where newborn babies are cared for. A heartwarming experience for the delegation.
On the other side of town, the empowered women survivors of violence at Luatuanuu, were also visited by the EU delegation.
The Luatuanuu Nofotane Market was set up in 2021 with funding support from the European Union for SVSG’s Sustainable Income Generating Project, with the nofotane women survivors of violence, through the Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP).
The women shared their success stories with His Excellency, and requested for funding support to extend their market, to build cupboards to store their products and an electricity to light up the place at night.
“Thank you Your Excellency Mr. Sujiro Seam for including a site visit to SVSG’s work as part of the delegation’s agenda during your visit to Samoa. We look forward to more collaborative partnership with the European Union in the future.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President.
