Twenty youth graduated from a three-week skills training course delivered by the Samoa Culture Centre, a recognized centre of expertise in the cultural heritage of Samoa and a non formal education provider accredited by the Samoa Qualifications Authority.
Eleven female and nine male learned the traditional skills of siapo production, mat weaving, wood carving and canoe making. The skills training course was implemented as part of the Government of Samoa and One-UN Youth Employment Programme, with financial support being provided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The training course was designed and delivered in response to market demand for an increased supply of skills and knowledge in the cultural heritage of Samoa, from the international tourism sector as well as from school programmes and general public, and for showcasing in national and regional cultural events.
The One-UN Youth Employment Programme will provide post-training support for the youth graduating from the Samoa Culture Centre, to ensure they can apply their skills and knowledge to access the employment opportunities which exist in the cultural industries and tourism sector.
The One-UN Youth Employment Programme is led by the Division for Youth of the Ministry of Women, Social Community and Development, with support from five United Nations agencies (UNDP, ILO, FAO, UNESCO and UNV) coordinated in a UN ‘Delivering as One’ approach.
Ms. Fuimapoao Naea Beth Onesemo Tuilaepa, CEO at MWCSD, was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony, held at the Samoa Culture Centre in Falelauniu. Her speech was preceded by some encouraging words to the youth from Mr. Alain Godonou, Director of UNESCO, acknowledging the efforts of the youth in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Samoa.
As Tofa Maulolo Tavita Amosa - Director of Samoa Culture Centre - said: “This programs easily create an enabling environment that motivates the vulnerable youths to learn and apply the skills acquired from the trainings as an initial mean of earning some income for themselves. “And then he added: “We thank the MWCSD and the UN Agencies for donating the money for the training. We are very happy with the outcome of this project and we look forward to scaling it up.”
Mr. Alain Godonou - Director of UNESCO - highlighted: “We acknowledge the Samoa Culture Centre for its very important role in building the capacities of this group of youth. We now expect at least fifteen of them to secure paid employment as a result of their improved skills. This is a very positive result for our UN Joint programme, because it means that our efforts are resulting in better employment opportunities for the Samoan youth.”