Over 60 children, who are residents at the Samoa Victim Support Group’s Campus of Hope at Tuanaimato, had the time of their lives last Friday at the Fiafia Park at Tafaigata.

S.V.S.G. Office Manager, Tafatoa Sam Fruean, credited the Australian-based organisation Miss Samoa Melbourne Australia Incorporated for organising the children’s visit in consultation with the amusement park’s management.

He said the organisation directly contacted the S.V.S.G. President, Siliniu Lina Chang to advise of their offer for the children. 

"They might have contacted Tupa’i Bruno (Fiafia Park owner) as well. All the preparation was done by Miss Samoa Melbourne Australia Incorporated to Tupa’i Bruno, we didn’t negotiate anything. They notified us and we agreed on the date and time. Everything was organised by them, we just prepared the kids," he said in an interview. 

"It was great! It was really good for the children as well as an outing activity away from the shelter and everyone was happy. Overall, the kids were happy as it was something new, and it's not every day they get to go to such places.”

The refuge currently runs activities for the children, where volunteers lead the activities such as baking, sewing, spiritual counselling, sports day and other activities. 

But Tafatoa said the visit to the amusement park last Friday marks the first time they've had an activity like that, and probably the first time for many of them to get on the rides.

"This is probably the very first time the kids have been to a place like this. I know they see it in the movies but they’ve never experienced it in real life," he added.

The visiting children also included those living with a disability, according to Tafatoa.

"Our disability kids were there as well and they rode the rides suitable for them. More than 60 children went and we had our team there to supervise and look after the kids, as some kids had vulnerable cases and we wanted the kids to be safe,” he said. 

"The kids probably went on all the rides and we attended the free show they had at about 8:30 pm, and we left straight after that."

The children were also provided refreshments with each of them getting popcorn, hot-dogs, cotton candy as well as soda.

Speaking on behalf of Siliniu and the SVSG management, Tafatoa thanked the organisation, Miss Samoa, Melbourne Australia Incorporated for the gesture, which enabled the children to get out of the campus for a change. 

"Thank you for allowing the children to have a night out at Fiafia Park. It’s not something that we can provide every day, but it was a great opportunity provided for the kids to enjoy themselves while they’re still under our care and while we’re still on this lockdown. We hope that they will continue offering their assistance in these difficult times," he added.