The Samoa Victim Support Group Juniors treated their guests from Spain, Netherlands and India to a taste of Samoa with an ava ceremony yesterday.

Prior to the ‘ava ceremony executed by S.V.S.G. youth volunteers, formalities were officiated with a service by Kurt Fatupaito of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship Church, Vaitele.

Keynote remark was delivered by a representative of Centro Rural Joven Vida (Cerujovi) from Spain, Katarzyna Reyes Czechowicz (Kaska) – acknowledging the support of the S.V.S.G. in hosting the Initial meeting and speaking on the importance of breaking the cycle of violence by working to address violence against women while promoting gender equality.

S.V.S.G. is hosting the initial meeting for a few networks of the Men Engage Global Alliance 21st until the 25th of this month under the theme – Breaking the cycle of violence: Men and Boys Engage to end Violence Against Women and promote Gender Equality – co funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

S.V.S.G. Juniors President, Carmenita Solaese said this is one of their biggest events this year.

“It’s a big thing because people from Spain, Netherlands India and Madagascar are coming together to find ways and address barriers not only within Samoa but also in their countries in addressing issues like Violence Against Women.”

 “So it’s a big thing for us and  this welcome is just the beginning of this week’s programs for the Initial Meeting that we’re playing host to.”

The meeting is being attended by representatives from five partner organizations for the Men and Boys Engage Project including Emancipators in Netherlands, Youth First in Madagascar, and Foundation for Innovative Social Development in Sri Lanka, Centre for Health and Social Justice in India and Samoa Victim Support Group in Samoa.