CONGRTULATING A FINALIST

​As one of the 3 finalists for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2018, Leilua Lino’s story of hope has made her part of the change maker movement coordinated by the Kids Right Foundation of Amsterdam. “It is certainly a reflection of the resilience and strength shown by our children, says one of SVSG Board member.”
 
Samoa Victim Support Group nominated Leilua, as the Group saw how she had created a Peace Garden as a way of coping with her anger towards those who have hurt her.  With the announcement of the 3 finalists by the Kids Rights Foundation earlier this week , SVSG is once again humbled by the recognition of the children of hope’s bravery, as represented by Leilua.
 
It speaks of the support network behind the abused children’s journey to recovery both here and abroad.  Amongst such supporters is Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, whose belief, translated into fatherly advises to the Group and visitations to the children at the Campus of Hope, continues to bear positive fruits.
 
As a representative of the Pacific region to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (C.R.), Justice Vui has always been vocal and expressed concerns at the high levels of abuse, domestic violence and incest due to fear of stigma in Samoa.  When Justice Vui heard of Leilua’s progress in the world of children advocacy, he  sent his congratulations. “This is excellent news, viia le Atua.” He even took time out from court to congratulate her in person.
 
The SVSG Patron, Chair & the Board, Executive Committee and the growing SVSG family therefore joins the Kids Right Foundation in congratulating Leilua for making it this far.
 
We look forward to the announcement of the winner for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2018, on the 20th November, knowing that our local girl is already a winner in her recovery journey.
 
According to a dear friend of the children at the Campus, “I would like to remind Leilua that to win, we do not need to come first.  The goal is just dream, and never ever let that dream go or let anybody tell you that you cant achieve that dream.”
 
Leilua’s message to the abused children in is Samoa that “if I can do it, you can too.”

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