As we move closer to 20 November — International Children’s Day, the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development is launching a special online space to spotlight goodness, courage, and youth leadership across Samoa.
And today, we begin with a young woman whose heart is as deep as the ocean she protects.
At just 15 years old, Hanisisevae Vai-Stierman of Vaiala is proving that leadership has no age limit — only heart, courage, and purpose.
A Samoa Ocean Ambassador ’25 and part of the Manta Trust UK, she is building her own movement right here at home:
Coastal Care Vaiala
A youth-led initiative creating:
• cleaner coastlines
• stronger ocean awareness
• and a new generation of environmental champions
From organising seawall clean-ups, to inspiring others through ocean art, to teaching her peers how to turn recycled plastic into beautiful prints — this young leader is choosing action over silence, and service over comfort.
Her message is simple and powerful:
“Protect what protects us.”
This week’s workshop brought families and young people together to clean, create, learn, and care for our coast. And she led it all with humility, confidence, and the fierce love of a young Samoan determined to make a difference.
Samoa needs more young leaders like her.
And because of her, our ocean’s future already feels brighter.
Fa’amālō, Hanisisevae — keep going.
Your voice matters.
Your mission matters.
And Samoa stands with you.
Follow her journey: @coastalcare_samoa
As we approach International Children’s Day, we’re calling all young people of Samoa:
– Share your images of goodness
– Share your stories of courage
– Share your visions and innovations -Show us the change you want to see This is your space. Your platform. Your voice.
Let’s lift our youth — and together, let’s build the Samoa our children deserve.
