Two young women who are survivors of domestic violence will be taken to study in New Zealand with the help of a Pacific charity group.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, a representative of Pacific Assist, Callum Blair said this initiative is a pilot project.  

“We are basically in discussions, to finalise the plans for the program on how it is going to be. We need to consult with universities in Australia or New Zealand about this project then we will go ahead with it," he said.

He mentioned that the first time they visited the Samoa Victim Support Group's Campus of Hope, he thought about the pathways for the older resident girls, especially when it is time for them to leave the refuge.

“I have heard of adoptions going on, and I was thinking of how we at Pacific Assist can help the young shelter residents," Mr. Blair said.

“Then we had a conversation with Lina, the President of Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) and we were looking at scholarships for two girls.

“We are going to do two phases of this program. We are going to send one girl initially, to study abroad, come back, and then the other will go."

The program is called S.A.R.A.H. which is the acronym for Study Abroad Regional Academic Host. The goal of the project is to help the young victims experience a new life while they access quality education overseas, come back, and are able to give back to Samoa and local communities and seek a better future for themselves.

The team has also offered reading materials for the children who are under the umbrella of the child protection organisation. The availability of these resources will help improve their understanding of classes that are run at the refuge, as it is believed that education is the key to a bright future.

Apart from the S.A.R.A.H program, Mr. Blair added that they will open a new playground for the children next Tuesday. He said they came across one of the high schools, which was going to get rid of their playground, and it was perfect timing as they saw the need at the refuge. They decided to reinstall it in Tuanaimato. The team also provided security resources for the campus to assist the S.V.S.G. response team with their service. 

Pacific Assist is an Australian-based not-for-profit organisation and is privately founded and managed by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints (L.D.S.). They also gather used, surplus school furniture, and with the financial help of L.D.S. Charities, Pacific Assist started to ship school furniture to Pacific Island countries such as Tonga and Fiji.

The charity group works to provide charitable assistance in four areas: education, health and well-being, humanitarian aid, and economic development. They locate and obtain the goods and with the help of L.D.S. Charities, the goods can be shipped and delivered to places where they will help those who need them.

The S.V.S.G. through President Siliniu Lina Chang said they were thankful for the partnership with the Pacific Assist and the L.D.S. church and the benefits that it brings to their residents.

“This assistance will go a long way as it will become part of the children’s rehabilitation programs to help with their mental health and education," Siliniu said. "We are so appreciative of this help, and the plans put in place for the children whom we care for. God bless you all."