Two more young survivors of abuse are hoping to make the most of life as they have been given a scholarship to pursue education in New Zealand.

Two other girls left Samoa three days ago for the scholarship from Pacific Assist.

The pathway or the scholarship programme has been named SARAH. It is named after Sarah Leaupepe who was taken under the care of the Samoa Victim Support Group when she was only 16-years-old. She was being subjected to abuse in her own home.

Sadly, the young woman lost her life in 2020 but she ensured that the pathway was a successful one.

SVSG president Siliniu Lina Chang Sarah had a dream of becoming a lawyer in the future to help other young victims of sexual abuse. She was the first recipient of a scholarship that was offered by Callum Blair and Pacific Assist in New Zealand.

President of SVSG Siliniu Lina Chang said SARAH was an Educational Pathway Program to continue the legacy of the beloved young Sarah, a victim of sexual abuse. 

"How it all became reality?  It was two years in the making when Mr Blair, Director of the Pacific Assist first visited the Campus of Hope and heard the story of our young Sarah," she said.

"Her legacy lives on through this useful scholarship for young girls to explore the outside world and to be confident to move on with education.

"Sarah will always be remembered during her times with Campus of Hope and this scholarship in honour of her will continue for the future of other young victims of sexual abuse."

SVSG is the only facility in the country catering for women who are victims of domestic violence and need a safe house. SVSG is also the only organisation sheltering children who have been victims of sexual and physical abuse.

Recently SVSG opened their medical clinic within the Campus of Hope to avoid the stigma felt by the children when they have to go to the public hospital.

Last week, SVSG launched their 'Let It End With Me' campaign to raise funds for their operational costs.