Returnees aim at reducing student violence

Returnee Tofilau George knows what the tough life is like – and is worried about youths involved in recent outbreaks of violence.

A former inmate overseas, Tofilau pointed at Samoa College students and said that “what we experienced and went through in life is not what you, you and you should end up with.”

He was speaking at the college as part of a programme called ‘Act right, do right’ run by the Samoa Returnees Charitable Trust. Tofilau encouraged student to be aware of the consequences of violence on their lives and on the lives of people surrounding them.

“I believe all of our parents want us to get a good education and to be happy when we grow older,” he said.

“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, stay focused on your education and away from trouble.”

Year 10 student John Lauano said the programme helped them learn about respect, obeying their parents and staying away from trouble.

“I loved listening to what George said about being aware of your mistakes, learning from it and being honest to yourself.

“It gave me a lot of courage and strength on the inside listening to him speak and I hope to make good choices and decisions while I am still young.”

This initiative is a continuation of the Trust’s programme which was launched last year in November. Yesterday’s visit to Samoa College was the second phase of their outreach programme.

Senior Returnees Officer Vernon J. Mackenzie stated that the S.R.C.T. is now in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture to deliver their message to schools in both Upolu and Savai'i.

“The main objective of the campaign is on the “Act right and do right” message, focusing on consequences from brawls which our nation has seen taken place after interschool sports competitions and more recently, during publicized confrontations at the market and bus depot involving students.”

Tofilau was one of two veteran members; the other being Siva Afi Papali’itele Taogaga, who also shared his life experiences through testimonies to help discourage public brawls and encourage the students to make good choices and mainly to focus on their studies.

“The returnees are people who were in prison before and they just want to share about their not so good experiences in order to help our communities think more seriously about what is best for their lives.” Mr. Mackenzie said.

“Coming into the schools and doing this campaign is a great way to let the youngsters in Samoa know that the decision you make today will continue on for the rest of your life until you learn from your early mistakes.”

“These members who were in prisons before, I am glad to say, most of them are now born again Christians.”

He said that the returnees want to let children know that there is absolutely nothing they can get from violent acts at a very young age. Mr. Mackenzie said that bringing light to the lives of the children will help them lots in their journey through life.

Rev. Falevi Petana said that the programme has also incorporated a spiritual aspect in it - that being the message of the holy spirit whom helps children hear and take these messages delivered by the returness seriously.

So far, the Trust has offered its services to the elderly residents at Mapuifagalele, cleaning the compound and refurbishing the buildings; and helped clean up the respite home complex for the Goshen Trust Mental Health Services at Moamoa.

The Trust’s volunteer work crew also started the New Year by carrying out some much needed landscaping at one of the Samoa Victim Support Group shelters at Moto’otua.