New leadership for Samoa National Youth

04 April 2016, 12:00AM

“As the outgoing president of the S.N.Y.C; after having served since inception in 2013; I have been humbled with the opportunity that I have had working with youth & the  development partners.  Thank you for your confidence in me as your co-opted member of the executive board and president for these past three years.  A journey I have enjoyed & passionate to have worked with you all.”

Samoa National Youth Council has new leadership following its Annual General Meeting which was held Wednesday 30 March 2016 at the Tooa Salamasina Hall.  

The newly elected committee will be guided by Vincent Fa’aofo who continues his service to the SNYC as President, having stepped up from his previously held Vice-President role.  His transition is expected to be smooth, with S.N.Y.C. in a strong position following three years with outgoing president, Jennifer Marion Ula-Fruean at the helm.

In her final speech to the S.N.Y.C. membership, Ms Fruean said “As the outgoing president of the S.N.Y.C; after having served since inception in 2013; I have been humbled with the opportunity that I have had working with youth & the  development partners.  Thank you for your confidence in me as your co-opted member of the executive board and president for these past three years.  A journey I have enjoyed & passionate to have worked with you all.”

Ms Fruean reported on activities undertaken by S.N.Y.C. in the previous year to accelerate development that will foster economic growth in Samoa through contributions & to policy decisions at the national level.  She also noted that S.N.Y.C. continues to build alliances with its valuable partners in government through the Division for Youth at the Ministry for Women Community and Social Development, and other key youth development partners such as the Pacific Leadership Program, Civil Society Support Program & the United Nations agencies, 

The quarterly membership and youth forums, which engaged village youth representatives and youth leaders on topics such as health related challenges for youth, awareness for mechanisms and opportunities in existence to support youth development, and opportunities extended to members of the private sector, government and community to improve employability of young people and others, were highlighted by the outgoing President.  The other significant project in which SNYC was involved was the Samoa National Action Plan for Youth Employment in 2015 which provides a focus and direction on creating youth employment. 

 

In addition to these important activities and as a result of S.N.Y.C.’s year’s efforts, other outcomes for the year included:

• Street Art and Busking Fair to commemorate the International Youth Day 2015

• Co-hosting of 1st Pacific Region Youth Leaders Forum in partnership with the Commonwealth Youth Council  and the MWCSD Division for Youth

• My Choice, Our Life Alcohol Control campaign

• The annual sober driver campaign – the “D-Driver” Initiative across 6 bars and nightclubs in Upolu.

Finally, the outgoing president, implored the incoming executive board & S.N.Y.C .members to continue working with the Honorable Minister Faimalotoa Kika Stowers & Fuimapoao Beth Onesemo the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Women; Social & Community Development, and all key youth development partners to create opportunities for youth.

The incoming committee will be involved with important initiatives for the 2016 year including:

• National Youth Tracer Employment Survey to provide evidence-based recommendations and SNYC policy position on youth employment status in Samoa

• The membership drive campaign and village youth representatives update programs, important to membership renewal for village youth representatives and bringing urban young people to work together

• S.N.Y.C.’s role & contribution in the three year Youth Employment Program/Project, instrumental to ensuring the success of its goal to assist improve youth employment & voice in policy making in Samoa.

S.N.Y.C’.s new Executive Board is Vincent Fa’aofo as President, who will be supported by Kevin Schuster as Vice-President.

For the first time, SNYC has extended nominations to the executive board to youth with disabilities & youth representatives from registered youth organizations to ensure an inclusive Youth Council governing structure. 

New Executive Board of SNYC 2016

The election was well-contested with a number of other nominations put forward, and S.N.Y.C. recognizes the goodwill of these candidates to participate and offer their volunteer support to the organization.

 

The SNYC Secretariat staff is much appreciative and wishes to acknowledge the dedication, commitment and work of the outgoing committee members who have concluded their service to the organisation:

- Jennifer Marion Ula – Fruean, President

- Seletuta Visesio – Pita, Board Member

- Misa Tautua Neo, Board Member

- Petaia Leuta, Board Member

- Talafiti Paiaaua, Board Member

- Niutao Mapuiata, Board Member

 

S.N.Y.C. would like to acknowledge the continuous support of its core partners the Pacific Leadership Program and the Civil Society Support Program.

04 April 2016, 12:00AM

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