The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development led a celebration to honour the role of fathers in a march held on Wednesday. The event was held in the lead-up to the Father’s Day long weekend.
Men from around Samoa were represented by their Village Representatives (Sui o Nuu) who marched from the Government Building in Apia, to the Tooa Salamasina Hall where the MWCSD Ministry offices are held.
Speaking at the event that followed the march, Chief Executive of the Ministry, Dr Mema Motusaga, said it was the 17th year since Father’s Day was commemorated in Samoa with a public holiday. She said fathers were the key to the success of a family, village and church.
“Fathers are the leaders in families, villages and churches,” said Dr Motusaga. “If a village, family or the church succeeds, it is because of the leadership from good fathers”.
“O tama o taitai ia o aiga, nuu, ma ekalesia.. A lelei nuu, aiga ma ekalesia e mafua mai ona o se taitaiga a se tama lelei..”
Associate Minister of MWCSD, Seuamuli Fasi Toma also spoke to thank and honour men and the roles of fathers within the community,
He told the men present that the Ministry looks up to them and their leadership to ensure good governance in Samoa and also within Government.
“E momoli le faafetai i le sao o tama i le faafaileleina o nuu, aiga ma ekalesia. O le tofa ma le utaga, siliaga o aiga, siliaga o nuu, siliaga o ekalesia, siliaga o le tatou malo”
“O upu masani le atunuu, e matua atu i ina so matou vaivai, aua o lo outou tofa, ma le utaga fetalai, o le fatu lena o pulega lelei”
Member of Parliament for Sagaga le Usoga (Sagaga II) Maulolo Tavita Amosa was the lead consultant who had conducted training courses and capacity building amongst the group in the lead-up to the event.
An established trainer of Samoan culture and traditions, Maulolo also spoke to the role of fathers and men in the Village Council.
Maulolo said the role of men to look ahead, and be leaders with long term vision and depth of knowledge contributes to good governance and peace in villages.
“It comes from the role of Alii and Faipule, or fathers..”
“O faiganuu lelei e mafua mai i le sao, poo le tofa ma le faautaga a Alii ma Faipule, poo tama..”
O le autu lenei aso ua faaautuina, “Lalafo ma lafolafo e pae i anofale.”
The event concluded with the presentation of prizes to Village Representatives, who act as conduits between the villages and government, via the MWCSD. The top prizes were taken by the Village Reps of Leulumoega and Alamagoto.
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