A group of eight passionate Peer Youth Educators made a big difference as part of the celebration of National Youth Week 2017 this week.

The group has been actively promoting the theme of “Youth Promoting Peace” among their peers and members of the public who would lend an ear. 

The group offered frontline support to hundreds of young people in the town, sharing their knowledge about the coalface issues that affect them. 

"We need to promote and raise awareness of these issues so that other young people know about violence prevention, sexual health and they can then make good decisions,” said Peer Educator, Visesio Fa’aleaga.

“Youth trust other youth, so our role is important when it comes to helping them to find solutions to the challenges that they face." 

While providing information and advice, the Educators also made referrals for those young people who were in need of additional support to specialised organisations. 

For many peer educators it was their first time participating in their roles during Youth Week. 

Alistar Setu and Vailepa Moors were happy with the opportunity to help their peers by sharing their knowledge and offering support.

They were equally pleased to see people in the community empowered to sell their wares at the market stalls.

“We have been most fortunate to receive support from partners across the government and N.G.O sector. 

“We wish to acknowledge those partner who are supported our Peer Educators: Samoa Family Health Association, Samoa Red Cross Federation and Vailoa EFKS. 

“We also wish to acknowledge our other partners UNFPA, Samoa One-UN Youth Employment Programme, Fesoasoani Trust, National Kidney Foundation Samoa, Teen Challenge Samoa, Special Olympics Samoa and Volleyball Samoa Federation."