Samoa’s biggest annual church conference might have ended last week but the buzz for some of the younger members of the church who were given a taste of the fonotele lingers.

Twenty one youth representatives were chosen to amplify the voice of young people during the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa’s Annual Conference at Malua.

The representatives were chosen from Samoa and abroad.

Amongst them was Peleti Se Tofa, the delegate for Vaimauga, who said the experience is one to cherish.

"Young people's engagement in the church's grand council is very vital,” said Peleti.

“It’s critical to comprehend and be aware of the church's mission and work methods. We are the church's future generations. One day, we will sit down and lead the church but the process of understanding that work starts now.”

A representative from the Auckland New Zealand group, Leitualaolemalietoa Josephine Vitale said the experience was an eye opener.

"I've gained insight into how choices are formed and how our leaders and elders occupy the space. Although young people have a position in the larger CCCS organization, it frequently seems that our opinions aren't given enough weight or attention,” said Leituala. “We're here, but we're not getting anywhere. Although I appreciate CCCS's vision and future, it begs the issue of where the youth's future is going.

“More significantly, if we aren't included in a meaningful way, how does the church hope to maintain our involvement or even draw in new youth?"

She added being part of the conference and seeing how it works was is an honour.

Matamua Knight Tolua, the Faleata delegate said young people need to have good understanding of the issues the church is facing and the conference offers that platform.

“I think communicating the key decisions made at the fonotele, especially on issues where they are sensitive, is vital,” Matamua said.

“Therefore, we should be taught how to communicate decisions made so that the opinions of the Church are heard and understood.

Mataafa Naioka Aliifaalogo, the Manukau delegate, said the issues youth expressed are similar across the board and it was good to have them voiced.

1. Peleti Se Tofa- Vaimauga
2. Leitualaolemalietoa Josephine Vitale- Aukilani Niusila
3. Matamua Knight Tolua- Faleata
4. Mataafa Naioka Aliifaalogo- Manukau
5. Polataia Jamie Patea- Niusauelese
6. James Tautala- Kuiniselani
7. Faith Leapai- A’ana
8. Rufo Leilua – Fa’asaleleaga
9. Taliilagi Smith Saleupolu- Laumua o Aotearoa
10. Fipe Matelili Leaana- Niusauelese Sisifo
11. Sauluitoga Suani- Lotofaga, Lepa, Aleipata
12. Lealofi Simo’o Te’o- Falealili, Safata, Siumu
13. Toiata Afatia- Itu-o-tane
14. Susiana Tapelu- Malua
15. Theresa Sotoa- Apia
16. Mua’ausa Fuaiali’i Hunt- Apia Sasa’e
17. Lagilagi Luma- Niusila i Saute
18. Salamo Tuifao- Kuiniselani Saute
19. Immanuel Kalapu Iosefa- Vitoria
20. Faaeanuu Pepe- Amerika
21. Hinano Gafa- Hawaii