Nurse promotes health message

By Sarafina Sanerivi 20 January 2016, 12:00AM

A Registered Nurse who has put up her hand for the General Elections wants to lift the promotion of healthy living in Samoa.

Fa’agaseali’i Sapoa Feagiai, who works for the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa, has declared her candidacy for the General Elections in March. It is the second time she’s contesting the Aleipata Itupa i Lalo seat.

Fa’agase is up against two other candidates including the current Member of Parliament for Aleipata Itupa i Lalo, Tafua Maluelue Tafua. 

As a health worker, the 51-year-old believes a healthier nation is a prosperous one.  She wants to improve health facilities and promote why healthy living is vital for the citizens of Aleipata.

 “I will encourage and enforce programmes that will promote healthy living such as exercising, encouraging them to have vegetables gardens for healthy eating and improve health facilities,” she said.

Education is another key area for Fa’agase, especially early childhood education.

“Childhood is very vital and I believe that all villages or at least every district should have at least two pre-schools to provide education for our children,” said Fa’agase.

“And I want to encourage childhood education within my district.”

Ending violence against women is another area the candidate is looking at. 

“If I’m elected as a Member of Parliament, I will promote equal rights of all people and hold community-based programmes to educate our young girls to be able to stand up for themselves. 

“Violence against women is against our culture. Our girls are referred to as “feagaiga” (covenant). We should go back to our values and traditions and use it to fight violence against women.

“Women should understand that they have the right to do anything and be anyone and I will encourage that through grassroots programs within the district.”

Another area of priority for her is addressing youth unemployment.

“I’ll be a door of opportunities for the youth,” she said.

“Youth are the future of our country and if we train them to be leaders and provide them with opportunities to become people, they will grow up to be very active and be good leaders.”

Although she did not succeed when she ran the last time, Fa’agase is optimistic about her chances.

“I have had a lot of support from the citizens of the district and I am grateful for that.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 20 January 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>