A project to boost the economic development of women within the village of Malaela was launched earlier this week.

The project focused on handicrafts made by the Malaela Women’s Committee and funded by the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (D.F.A.T.) and Small Grants Component of the Samoa Women Shaping Development Program. 

The project cost $33,340, including an in-kind contribution of $3,340 by the Women's committee and managed by the Samoa Civil Society Support Program (C.S.S.P.).

An exhibition was conducted to mark the occasion.

It gave 18 women of Malaela the chance to demonstrate the knowledge acquired through the five weeks training for floral arrangement, elei-making and sewing.

These women did not have such skills before the training.

Now they can sew, print eleis and do floral arrangements.

The project’s vision of the project was focused on gender empowerment which is crucial as a foundation for development and empowering women is real investment for a sustainable future.  

The objective of the project was resilient community supported by improved health, wealth and food systems acquired through skill empowerment of women.

According to the President of the Women’s Committee, Emofa Tuiluaai, the project has been a blessing.

“Thanks to the training we underwent that now we know how to sew men’s shirts and other clothing for their families which will also provide them with a source of income,” she said.

She also added that the same opinion of acquiring new skills a blessing was shared by other members of her committee.

The women’s committee was also marketing their products using social media on Malaela Village Developments Facebook page.

The high chief of Malaela, Lesamatauanuu Telefoni Retzlaff, acknowledged the Government of Samoa, C.S.S.P. and donor partners for their support towards his village.