Non-profit suicide prevention organisation Faataua le Ola will officially launch its new bus on Friday in a ceremony at the John Williams Building in Tamaligi.

The owner and driver of the bus of Malie, 37-year-old Pati Talau, said the bus began its daily route from the Savalalo Bus Depot to the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) campus in Lepapaigalagala early this week after a makeover.

The white and blue colored 29-seater Toyota Coaster bus shares suicide prevention messages in Samoan and English including contact information for Faataua le Ola.

“Do not suffer in silence. We are here to help,” the Faataua le Ola message reads.

On Tuesday the bus, which previously showed the name of Talau’s mother ‘Su’a Tualupetu Transport’ on its exterior, received a makeover.

The new signage that covers the ‘Su’a Tualupetu Transport’ name was done by Signs Studio Samoa.

Riders and other members of the public who have seen the new look are commenting on the messages.

“People who see the bus tell me it’s a great message, it’s an important message,” Talau told the Samoa Observer.

“Also, it’s perfect for this route because the message reaches the students of N.U.S. I am happy to do this if it means being able to make a difference and save someone’s life.”  

Executive Director for Faataua le Ola, Papalii Caroline Ah Chong said she is excited at the Faataua le Ola’s bus advertisement launch.

The initiative is sponsored by the Civil Society Support Programme (C.S.S.P.) under Faataua le Ola’s project funding.

“First and foremost, this initiative is sponsored by C.S.S.P. under our project funding,” said Papalii.

“F.L.O. has signed a one year contract with Pati Talau, the owner of bus, to carry our signage as a form of advertising for F.L.O.”

Talau will operate his public transportation business with the bus route runs carrying the Faataua le Ola signage, she added.

Faataua le Ola will hire the bus for its outreach programmes at extra cost.

The official launch is scheduled for 9am at the Ioane Viliamu Building in Tamaligi.

Faataua le Ola Board Chairman Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale will speak at the ceremony.

The organisation’s mission statement is to value life and to realise a suicide-free Samoa.

The Faataua le Ola 24-hour helpline is 800-5433.