There is an incredible opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of young individuals says Events Marketing and Distribution Samoa Managing Director Vaagi Kevin Lucky.

He reflects on the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development in launching the Youth Skills Building Trainings in Samoa.

Responding to queries sent by this newspaper, Vaagi highlighted the vitality of this initiative and development as it opens doors for many people, especially the youth to equip themselves to secure and find a job.

"We need youth to know that it’s important to have the right mindset when looking for employment," wrote Vaagi.

Within these training sessions, the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development has sought partnership of a qualified agency alongside generous support from the TAUTUA – DFAT Program. The main aspects are customer service and digital marketing hoping to elevate youth members in a competitive environment.

A gap in the market for this particular service revealed the need to have it exist in Samoa, that's where Vaagi Kevin and his team delved into training, targeting mainly young people. For a decade now, their passion and vision have remained steadfast in quality capacity building for the youth of Samoa.

In recent trainings, EMD  alongside trainers, excitedly worked together with the Ministry in providing comprehensive training sessions to different youth groups both in Upolu and Savaii.

The carefully crafted program will unfold over two intensive days, with each youth group benefiting from specialised instructions geared towards their individual needs. Vaagi anticipates hands-on training in traditional crafts on day one, led by accomplished individuals who support the Ministry's empowerment initiatives. 

"Vaagi Kevin is particularly enthusiastic about the focus on intergenerational skills, soft skills, and customer services, as he believes these are vital for youth to excel in today's competitive environment" stated a release by the Ministry. 

"Work on their online presence like their profiles tell the people or business who they are.How to prepare for interview" Vaagi told the Samoa Observer on some of the examples they are working on.

On day two, the focus will shift to soft skills and customer service training led by EMD experts, addressing essential areas such as communication skills, CV writing, and customer service etiquette. Kevin is confident that with these skills, participants will be well-prepared for their future career endeavors and contribute positively to their communities.

As the training program kicks off in Savaii from 8 April to 13 April before moving to Upolu from 19 April to 3 May, Vaagi is eager to witness the positive impact of these initiatives. 

He believes that by fostering entrepreneurship and social responsibility, the youth will emerge as leaders driving economic prosperity and promoting inclusivity in Samoa. Through this collaborative effort, Vaagi envisions a brighter future for the youth and the communities they serve.