The children housed at the Campus of Hope at the Samoa Victims Support Group received musical instruments valued at $13,600 thanks to the Germany Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.

A handover ceremony took place at Tuanaimato at the campus headquarter. The German Consul to Samoa, Tagaloa Christa Szegedi relayed special greetings from the German Ambassador to Samoa, Stefan Krawielicki, when she presented the instruments.

The German Consul explained due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Ambassador could not be present to present the equipment.

“The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany is very excited to be in partnership again with the S.V.S.G," Tagaloa said.

“This is the second time in recent years that the German Government has provided support and assistance. In 2017, the German Government was able to provide bunk beds for the Campus of Hope valued at SAT$26,000.”

Tagaloa added that the donation consists of musical equipment and a PA system.

“The objective of this support from Germany is to provide an avenue for healing as well as to rehabilitate the women and children here at the Campus," she said. “By learning how to play these instruments such as the pianos, drums and guitars, new skills can be learned.

“At the same time the PA system can be used for Zumba and exercise activities.”

"Due to the changes brought about with COVID-19, it is vital that we all work together and support S.V.S.G. as they help those in need,” she stressed.

“Those that are under the care of S.V.S.G. have experienced many difficulties. It is our hope that what is given today will play a part in helping those in need and cheer them up.

 “At the same time we also hope it will provide lots of joy, laughter and happiness which are important aspects in the healing process.

“I want to take this opportunity to express my admiration to the president, Siliniu Lina Chang and her wonderful team. S.V.S.G. is doing tremendous work in providing support for people that face incredible difficulties and hardships.”

She also wished Siliniu and her team all the best in the future as they provide for those that need help the most.

Lastly, she stated that the support given is made possible by the great history and friendship shared between Germany and Samoa over many years.

Siliniu thanked the German Embassy for their kind assistance.

“We hope that with these instruments it will help the children at the campus learn new skills as part of a healing process that they can express how they feel through music," she said.

“We already have talented young singers and we hope to develop that talent. There are times that our work becomes extremely hard but we always depend on God to help us through everything after all.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about us, it’s about the safety and wellbeing of our children that have been victims of abuse in various forms.”