Measina Treasures of Samoa have been advocates of the work that the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) do for victims of abuse in Samoa. We have seen first-hand the work that goes into running the shelter, the school and the services that the SVSG provide. Measina sold Get Ya Yum On grain free bread range in our store because we knew that 50% of all profits went to the SVSG.
It was difficult reading the stories regarding SVSG in the media over the last month. On the one hand we knew the amazing work that SVSG do for our people, on the other so many questions were running through our minds which brought about doubt.
We decided that it best to gather all the information that we could, and take time to think about our point of view on the situation so that we are fully informed and not reacting out of emotions, but rather with a clear mind and heart.
Measina Treasures of Samoa continue to stand with the SVSG. We wholeheartedly support the work that they do and will continue to do so. We also believe that with the proper funding and administrative support, the SVSG will continue to grow and to become stronger, helping the voiceless to be heard.
We also believe that with this support comes a need for the SVSG to be more transparent with the media, the public and their supporters. This can only be done through implementation of better administrative processes and guidelines for the staff and volunteers. This will of course require more resources which leads to the beginning of a cycle.
This cycle of course can end, it just needs your help, it needs all of our help. Resources are not always monetary. If you are skilled at administration and are planning a holiday to Samoa, why not include a day or two to volunteer your time to help assess administrative procedures or to develop a set of guidelines if they are not already in place. Take over a couple of tins of formula, nappies or clothes to donate to the SVSG so that time can be spent on helping to make the services provided by SVSG better instead of trying to look for money to make the work move forward.
SVSG Samoa has chapters in Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney who build awareness of domestic violence and fundraise for the SVSG programs in Samoa. If you would like to volunteer your time, services or would like to make a donation contact them directly using the links above. Let’s work together to end domestic violence in Samoa.
Good blog Morwenna!