Changing lives, changing attitudes

MOST GENUINE AWARD: Puipuifatu Peni Mareko with Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga.

It was a night that both men and women who participated in a rehabilitation programme will remember.

Facilitated by the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.), sixty-two male and female offenders referred from the Family Courts were presented with certificates after completing various counselling programmes. 

Families and friends of the graduates gathered at the Congregational Christian Church youth hall at Sogi on Thursday to witness the milestone achievements.

Family Court Judge, Talasa Atoa Saaga gave a fitting keynote address for the invited guests, families and supporters of S.V.S.G. 

“I congratulate the whole class for making it to the end.

“Records say that from 2013 up until now, 1,980 offenders have been referred by the Court to SVSG’s Advocacy Program, and only 50 or 2% have appeared again before the Court for reoffending.”

Judge Talasa also acknowledged the hard work of the six facilitators who helped in the rehabilitation programme.  

Nanai Leatunu’u spoke on behalf of the graduates.

“I thank the Heavenly Father for making this a memorable night for all of us. Each and every one of us has achieved our own goals.
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“I hope the programme that we have been through for three to six months has renewed ourselves not to reoffend again.”