Jacinta Leslie Onesemo of Saint Mary's Primary School, Savalalo and Falefatu Emmett Salele of Samoa College were declared winners of the Samoa Victim Support Impromptu Speech competition at the Tooa Salamasina Hall on Monday. 

The competition is part of the 20-year celebration of SVSG.  

Jacinta picked a topic which she had spent researching. The Year Six student delivered perfectly.

"I'm happy that I received this award. My mum and I had two days to prepare for this. I prayed that I get the third topic, "A father is a family protector not a perpretrator" and I was so relieved when I got it," she said. 

"My mum used to inspire fathers because of her line of work. More children are being abused by their fathers and uncles. 

Falefatu is in Year 11 at Samoa College. He said the competition has helped him with public speaking.

"The topic that I chose was, "Let's put an end to violence now". Violence has a big impact on us, mentally and physically. I've also done some research that shows 60 per cent of our children suffer from abuse. And six out of 10 women also suffer from abuse. I also looked at some solutions to this problem," he said.

Falefatu has called for harsher penalties for those convicted of violence and abuse against women and children.

"Schools and families should teach children that violence is not okay and how to have a healthy relationship. Stricter punishment and harsh penalties are needed for the abusers. The penalties we have are not enough, perhaps add a few more years," he said.

Falefatu encourages women who are being abused to raise their voices and speak out. He said people also should not stay in violent relationships.

There were eight entries from primary schools and 11 from secondary schools.