GIVING BACK THROUGH CLEAN WATER

​As young volunteers for Samoa Victim Support Group under the SVSG (Juniors) sub-group, we have watched, observed and marveled at the magnitude of the work being carried out by SVSG for our community in need, let alone, the operation of the only shelter facility in Samoa for abused and vulnerable children, the Campus of Hope.
 
We asked ourselves, “How can we as the youth, better support the mother organization as part of SVSG’s succession plan?”
 
The answer lies not in us taking up casework assistance, child protection, court support or shelter operations as per SVSG’s mandate, but rather, in how we can give back to the community that has supported and entrusted SVSG to be a service provider.
 
The idea was reaffirmed after seeing the children at the Campus, struggled with their daily routine on one particular day when they were without water.  It brought home the reality of the same struggle faced by many of our families who do not have access to clean water.
 
SVSG’s Welfare Database attested to many of our families in need of welfare assistance.  And therein lies the focus of SVSG (Juniors) fundraising drives over the last 3 months, through the Zumba and the Hope Concert – to give back to the community through a drive for clean water.  Our target was to supply 10 x 10,000 litre water tanks to 10 families under the SVSG database, in need of clean water.
 
Today, we acknowledge with gratitude the support from our donors, both here and abroad, who have made this Clean Water project a reality.  A special thank you to Fred Yazadani, General Manager of the Rotomould Water Tank at Fugalei for partnering with us for this project.
 
From the Zumba fundraising, we were able to secure 1 x 10,000 litre water tank.  The Hope Concert late November and the donations from our supporting partners enabled us to reach our target of 10 x 10,000 litre water tanks.  Chan Mow and family donated for 1 tank; May Schwenke of Melbourne Australia donated another while Maurice and Elanit Mitry of Sydney Australia donated 3 tanks.  Fittings and cement for the tanks have all been provided through this project.
 
Three families at Malaemalu Falealili and one from Faleula have had their water tanks installed, with delivery to others still progressing.  The SVSG (Junior) youth groups from these villages have helped with the cement work for the tanks.
 
“Thank you so much to the mother organization, the Samoa Victim Support Group for guiding us in serving our community in need.  As Christmas is upon us, let us keep the spirit of giving alive through services to others.  It is the least we could do for unto us, a child is born, the greatest gift of all.”  SVSG Junior
 
Wishing our families, friends and supporters a Merry Christmas and a most Prosperous New Year in God’s grace.