The Iva Youth Week starts this Christmas, and the focus behind the event, which is in its 18th year, is to keep the youth occupied and away from activities that could land them in trouble.

The EFKS church organised programme will officially open on Christmas Day, 25 December, but activities will begin earlier with a full programme aimed at strengthening the faith, culture, and unity of young people in the village of Iva.

Reverend Tony Mauafu stressed the importance of the programme, especially with the increasing number of young people facing criminal activities and social issues.

“I agree this is something that must be done firmly, and the church must also be firm,” he said. “We are seeing many temptations affecting our youth, even very young children, especially through mobile phones.”

He added that the Christmas season often brings risks such as alcohol abuse, substance use, reckless driving, and accidents.

“I remember Christmas in 2008 when there was nothing much happening except people getting drunk. Now, illegal drugs are spreading as well,” he said. “That is why the church must stand firm and guide our youth.”

This year marks 18 years since the programme began. Reverend Mauafu explained that it started in Christmas 2008 after an agreement with the congregation in October of that year.

“It has now been 18 years since this programme began. By 2009, it was expanded to run for the entire week, and it has continued up to today,” he said.

He believes the quality of Iva Youth Week continues to grow and remains something young people look forward to each year.

“Without this programme, there would be nothing for the youth to do, and the true spirit of Christmas would be lost,” he said. “It brings villages and youth together, and now the younger generation is stepping in to continue the work.”

Reverend Mauafu shared that the programme has started on Sunday, 21 December, with a thanksgiving service to appreciate students for their dedication and hard work throughout the academic year.

“Yes, although it will be officially opened on Christmas night, we already began on Sunday with a thanksgiving service to acknowledge the efforts and development of our students,” Reverend Mauafu said.

On Monday, 22 December, the village focused on decorations, with each sub-village responsible for decorating its own areas. This will be followed by a prayer service on Tuesday, 23 December, aimed at strengthening the spiritual lives of the youth. Wednesday, 24 December, will include the Christmas Eve service and Christmas carols.

The official opening of Iva Youth Week will take place on Christmas Day at 6:00 pm, featuring spiritual performances under the theme “Cheers of Joy.” Reverend Mauafu explained that the theme is taken from the EFKS daily devotional book and will guide all activities throughout the week.

Cultural activities will continue on Friday, 26 December, with Samoan traditional cooking and Samoan speeches, following last year’s focus on cultural values, which included an Ava ceremony. Other activities include Bingo on Saturday, 27 December, and a commemorative church service on Sunday, 28 December, marking the 114th year of the Golden Centenary.

On Tuesday, 30 December, there will be a floats parade featuring decorated vehicles, as well as the Miss Iva Youth Pageant. The programme will conclude on Wednesday, 31 December, with a New Year's church service and prize-giving for the pageant.

Reverend Mauafu also shared a message for other churches in the community, encouraging unity in supporting youth programmes.

“Our village has seven churches, and these programmes include all the youth of the village,” he said. “If churches stand together and run programmes like this, there will be no youth engaging in reckless activities.”

He concluded by saying that without such programmes, Christmas would lose its meaning.

“Just imagine if these programmes did not exist — Christmas would be boring, and after church everyone would just go home and sleep,” he said.