Government of Samoa

Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

OF SAMOA

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

MINISTRY OF WOMEN, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

For the period ended June 30 2009

To be laid before the LegislaTo be laid before the LegislaTo be laid before the LegislaTo be laid before the Legislative Assemblytive Assemblytive Assemblytive Assembly

Formatted: Right: 0.75", Top: 0.63", Vertical Alignment: Top

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GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER FOR WOMEN, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The Honourable Speaker

The Legislative Assembly of Samoa

In compliance with Section 18 (2) of the Ministry of Women Affairs Act 1990, Section 17

(2) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Act 1995 and Section 17 (1) of the Ministry of Youth

Sports and Cultural Affairs Act 1993/1994, I have the honour to lay before you copies of the

sixth Annual Report for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development for the

period of 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009, for tabling before the Legislative Assembly of Samoa.

This report documents activities implemented by the Ministry within this financial year,

in accordance with the above identified Acts.

__________________

Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa II

MINISTER OF WOMEN, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

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GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA

Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development

Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa II

MINISTER OF WOMEN, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

In accordance with Section 18 (2) of the Ministry of Women Affairs Act 1990, Section 17 (1) of the

Ministry of Internal Affairs Act 1995 and Section 17(1) of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and

Cultural Affairs Act 1993/1994, I hereby submit the sixth Annual Report for the Ministry of

Women, Community and Social Development for the period of 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009.

This report contains a summary of the operations of the Ministry for this financial year, in

accordance with the requirements of the above identified Acts.

______________________

Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN COMMUNITY AND

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES

INTRODUCTION 5

1. SECTION 1: MINISTRY OF WOMEN COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

1.1 Vision 6 1.2 Mission Statement 1.3 Mandate 1.4 Objectives 7 1.5 Functions 8 1.6 MWCSD Organisational Structure 9

2. SECTION 2: ACHIEVEMENTS AND INITIATIVES

2.1 Office of the Minister 11 2.2 Office of the Chief Executive Officer 2.3 Division for Internal Affairs 13 2.4 Division for Women 15 2.5 Division for Youth 22 2.6 Division for Research Policy Planning and Information Processing 29 2.7 Division for Printing 32 2.8 Division for Corporate Services 34

3. SECTION 3. STAFF DEVELOPMENT 36

4. SECTION 4. REPRESENTATION 38 5. SECTION 5. CONSTRAINTS 39

6. SECTION 6: MWCSD BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS (2008-2009) 40 7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 41 8. ACRONYMS 42

Deleted:

Deleted:

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INTRODUCTION This document is the 6th Annual Report of the Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development since the Ministerial Realignment 2003. This Report is presented to highlight strategic developments and contribution of the MWCSD towards the achievement of Government’s vision of Improving the Quality of Life for All. The MWCSD in collaboration with all its partners and stakeholders continued to make significant progress in its strive to accomplish its vision which is “To champion social and economic development in community.” As is noted throughout the report, several programs and activities were implemented and completed this financial year. In determining whether these had contributed to the achievement of social and economic outcomes for communities, MWCSD is of the view that progress has been made in certain areas of achieving social and economic outcomes, but that the evaluation of impact made may not happen until the full implementation of the Ministry’s new Corporate Plan for 2008-2012. The Ministry of Women Community and Social Development acknowledges with great appreciation the commitment and continual support of the Government of Samoa, in particular the Honourable Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa Faumuina II for guidance and dedicated leadership throughout this financial year 2008 - 2009. Finally, a sincere appreciation and a big “faamalo” is noted for all the partners and stakeholders of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development for their continual support and assistance which had made our work through out this reporting possible.

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SECTION 1:

1.1 VISION

“To champion social and economic development in communities.”

1.2 MISSION

“To work in partnership with stakeholders through good governance to

achieve social and economic outcomes for communities.”

1.3 MANDATE The work of the MWCSD is governed by the following Mandates:

Main Legislations:

1. Ministerial and Departmental Arrangements Act 2003

2. Ministry of Women Affairs Act 1990 and Amendment Act 1998

3. Ministry of Youth Sports and Cultural Affairs Act 1993 (provisions pertaining to Youth)

4. Ministry of Internal Affairs Act 1995

5. Public Service Act 2004

6. Public Finance Management Act 2001

To ensure a whole of Ministry integrated approach there is an urgent need for a Ministry of Women Community and Social Development (MWCSD) legislation which will be realized within this Corporate Plan Period 2008 - 2012. In the absence of a specific legislation, the above acts confer authority to the MWCSD to carry out its core functions.

Supporting Mandates:

7. Government’s Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 2008 - 2012 8. UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) ratified by the government of Samoa in 1992

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9. UN convention on the rights of the Child (CRC) ratified by the Government of Samoa in 1994 10. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 11. Commonwealth Youth Programme, UNICEF/UNFPA/UNDP Country Programme Action Plans 2008 – 2012 12. Cabinet Directives

13. Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs)

14. National Policies.

1.4 OBJECTIVES Objective 1: To have relevant legislation (s) in place for the Ministry. Objective 2: To strengthen Policy development, strategic planning and research analysis.

Objective 3: To develop and implement an effective strategy for strengthening local

governance.

Objective 4: To empower communities to manage and implement social and economic development initiatives.

Objective 5: To promote gender responsiveness in national policies, plans and initiatives so as to provide more choices and opportunities for all.

Objective 6: To strengthen the Ministry’s institutional capacity and organisational culture in

order to realise its Vision and Mission. Objective 7: To sustain the provision of quality and affordable printing services for

Government, Stakeholders and Private Customers.

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1.5 FUNCTIONS To fulfil the MWCSD’s Objectives explicated in its Corporate Plan, the following are its Core Functions:

1. Policy Advice

To provide quality and gender responsive advice on all Government policies, plans and to budgets on issues concerning the economic and social development of communities.

2. Social Development

To promote, facilitate, monitor and evaluate Social development initiatives for Communities in partnership with Stakeholders.

3. Sustainable Economic Development

To promote, facilitate, monitor and evaluate sustainable economic development initiatives for Communities in partnership with Stakeholders.

4 Local Governance

To promote good governance principles in order to strengthen social and economic development at the Community level.

5 Printing Services

To provide quality, affordable printing services and technical advice to Government Ministries and private customers.

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1.6 MWCSD ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Hon. Minister for Women, Community and Social Development.

Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa II

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Luagalau Foisagaasina Eteuati Shon

DIVISIONS The Ministry retained its organisational structure of six Divisions, namely the Division for Internal Affairs, Division for Women, Division for Youth, Division for Printing, Division for Research, Policy, Planning and Information Processing, and Division for Corporate Services together with the addition of an extra Division (Division for Social Welfare) already approved in principal by the Public Service Commission.. Each Division was headed by an Assistant Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) who was directly responsible to the Chief Executive Officer. Shown below were the ACEOs for each of the Ministry’s Divisions: Division for Internal Affairs - Maulolo L T Amosa Division for Women - Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago Division for Youth - Sydney Faasau Division for Printing - Laulu Tevaga Alosio Division for Research, Policy, Planning and Information Processing - Faasili Afamasaga Division for Corporate Services - Faauiga Mulitalo The Executive Management Team comprising the Chief Executive Officer and Assistant Chief Executive

Officers was responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Ministry’s operations.

Minister

Chief Executive Officer

DFIA DFW DFY DFP DRPPIP DFCS

Associate

Ministers (2)

DFCS

*DFSW

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Division for Internal Affairs (DFIA) Division for Women (DFW) Division for Youth (DFY) Division for Printing (DFP) Division for Research Policy Planning and Information Processing (DRPPIP)) Division for Corporate Services (DFCS) *Division for Social Welfare - approved in Principal by the Office of the Commission

PERSONEL BY DIVISION, POSITION AND GENDER

DIVISION MINISTER/CEO/ACEO PO SO OF AO CS TOTAL STAFF PER DIVISION

M F M F M F M F M F M F OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

^1 2 1 4

OFFICE OF CEO

*1 1 1 1 4

DFCS “1 2 1 1 1 1 11 9 1 28

DFP “1 1 3 1 14 4 3 1 28

DFIA “1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 13

DFW “1 1 1 3 3 2 4 3 18

DFY “1 1 1 1 2 6

DFRPPIP “1 1 2 2 3 2 1 12

TOTAL STAFF

Total number of Males 65 Total number of Females 48

ACEO: Assistant Chief Executive Officer, PO: Principal Officer, SO: Senior Officer, OF: Officer, AO: Assistant Officer, CS: Causal M: Male, F: Female, ^Minister, *CEO, “ACEO

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SECTION 2: ACHIEVEMENTS 2.1 Office of the Minister The technical and administrative support provided by the Ministry for the Office of the Minister was realised through policy advice, preparation of Cabinet papers, Ministerial speeches and provision of all relevant technical information where needed. Updates on the work of the Ministry was also provided to the Minister through Ministerial briefings, including emerging issues that required intervention and decision making at higher level. The Office of the Minister is serviced by two Ministerial Secretaries and a Ministerial Driver, in addition to support provided by the Division for Corporate Services of the Ministry. As Minister for Women, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa participated in the following regional and international meetings on behalf of the Government of Samoa and in her capacity as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific (USP).

� Conference on Adult Community Education Aotearoa, Auckland New Zealand, 4-6 July 2008. � Meetings of the USP Finance and Management Committee, Suva Fiji, 7-8 July 2008. � Meeting of the USP Finance and Investment Committee, Suva Fiji, 25 August 2008, 29 September

2008, 2-4 December 2008. � Meeting of the USP Council Taskforce on Governance, Suva Fiji, 30 September 2008. � 67th International Conference of the University of the South Pacific, Suva Fiji, 29-30 October 2008. � Conference of the Asia Pacific Metropolitan Development Forum, Shanghai China, 24 November

2008. � Meeting of the USP Council Secretariat, Suva Fiji, 5 December 2008.

Associate Ministers The two Associate Ministers for MWCSD, continued to support the work of the Ministry, in particular the provision of support for the work of Pulenuu through village based inspections and as Chairpersons for the Executive Pulenuu Committees for Upolu and Savaii; and the work of Government Women Representatives (GWRs) through the Ie Samoa Program. They also provided support for national programs and events hosted by the Ministry through the delivery of Ministerial level addresses on behalf of the Minister.

2.2 Office of the Chief Executive Officer ACHIEVEMENTS

o Draft Internal Affairs Policy has been submitted to Minister for endorsement. o No progress during this period on Village Governance Policy as it awaits completion of

Community Sector Plan. o Community Development Policy Discussion Paper to be reviewed in order to in line with draft

Community Sector Plan o Draft Community Sector Plan completed but needs endorsement by Steering Committee before

submission to Minister

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o Final Draft of National Policy for Persons with Disability will be submitted to the Minister together with report of the Cabinet approved Disability Task Force.

o Amendment to Internal Affairs Act regarding the term Pulenuu and amendments to MOWA Act 1990 regarding GWRs have been submitted to AG’s office.

o The consultancy for drafting the Domestic Violence Bill has commenced o ISP Project Design completed and submitted to the MOF-PPAD for review and submission to

CDC for approval o Regional Projects -

� GBV Steering Committee endorsed Terms of Reference in its first meeting. � Annual Work Plan 2009 for Child Protection project was reviewed, endorsed and signed. � Annual Work Plan 2009 for TALAVOU program reviewed and endorsed

o Attended international conference: � Disability, Disadvantage & Development in the Pacific and Asia, Canberra 29 – 30

September 2008, � ILO Regional meeting on Youth Employment, Nadi, 17-21 November 2008 � Pacific Forum Secretariat regional meeting of Focal Points on Disability, 24-25 November

2008 o Conducted 2 public consultations on Draft National Disability Policy and Action Plan o Draft Service Charter completed and submitted to CEO in December for final review o 1st Quarterly review of Performance Measures and Budget conducted in October 2008 o Corporate Plan 2008 – 2012 and Annual Management Plan 2008/2009 endorsed by Minister o Fuataga was held in December 2008 with four (4) inspections conducted of falelalaga during this

period. o On average two Ministerial briefings by CEO for each month during period under review o Mid-Year Budget Review has completed and submitted to Ministry of Finance. o Domestic Violence Bill, renamed the Family Safety Bill o Corporate Plan 2008/2012

The above list of achievements is reflective of the focus on strengthening the national mechanism to support the work of the Ministry. While the Community Sector Plan is still being developed, it will help guide all the efforts towards community development by the various sectors so that resource allocation is in accordance with the needs of communities. Work on finalising the Family Safety Bill is in progress. Work on the revival of the Women’s Advisory Committee and Youth Advisory Committee are also still in the pipeline although these were not achieved this financial year. Monthly Executive and Management Committee Meetings have been conducted on a monthly basis including the monthly review of budgetary spending and program implementation. The Ministry’s second Corporate Plan 2008/2012 has been completed. This major undertaking by the Ministry has been endorsed by the Minister and is ready for implementation. The effort of staff and Executive Management responsible for putting this plan together is commended.

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2.3 Division for Internal Affairs (DIA) The Division for Internal Affairs continued to promote village based developments including the promotion of food security, promotion of good governance and the coordination of relevant social and economic development programs services targeting communities. The Division for Internal Affairs also continued to lead the work of Pulenuu/Pulenuu Executive Committee, Komiti o le Faleula and the Village Based Development Program in partnership with the Office of the Peace Corps. ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Access Roads Inspections This is the conduct of Access Roads Inspections to ensure that village and community farmers have easy access to their plantations and other agricultural developments, with the aim to improve and increase the level of food production, food security and to revive village economies as a whole.

• Meetings of Pulenuu in Upolu/ Savaii: Meetings of Pulenuu Executive Committees in Upolu/Savaii

The Division coordinated twenty four (24) Meetings of Pulenuu and Pulenuu Executive Committees (12 Meetings for Upolu/ 12 Meetings for Savaii) on a monthly basis. Pulenuu/Pulenuu Committee Meetings for Upolu were held on the last Friday of every month whereas Meetings for Savaii were held on the first Friday of every month. These Meetings discussed issues regarding village developments and the involvement of the Executive Members in such programs to ensure that outcomes of such programs are being imposed. Number of Executive Committee Members Savaii 30

Upolu 39

Number of Pulenuu Members Savaii 85

Upolu 162 Issues discussed in Pulenuu Meetings

• Improving agricultural production and food security in villages. • Working in collaboration with other Sectors, in particular with the Government Women

Representatives on program implementation and sustainability at village level.

• Providing support to Stakeholders and Ministries to improve service delivery. • Provision of information awareness raising on Violence Against Women and Children. • Provision of ongoing assistance for Pulenuu to ensure that their roles and responsibilities are

well understood as defined in the Pulenuu Act 1995.

• Monitoring the work of Pulenuu by collating and collecting Reports as per directive by the Act and in accordance to the MWCSD/Division for Internal Affairs Plan for Financial Year 2008/2009.

• Maintaining peace and harmony in villages.

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Issues discussed in Pulenuu Executive Committee Meetings

• Supportive and advisory roles towards the work of Pulenuu. • Preparation of monthly reports to Cabinet. • Issues from Pulenuu Meetings.

• Progress of program implementation at village level led by Pulenuu.

Savaii Upolu Pulenuu Executive Committee Members 86 34

Pulenuu 86 163

• Orientation Trainings for newly appointed Pulenuu

The Division for Internal Affairs in collaboration with other Government Ministries and NGO’s facilitated and coordinated Orientation Trainings for newly recruited Pulenuu for both Upolu and Savaii to familiarize themselves with their duties and responsibilities, upskilling regarding good governance, strengthening of communication and collaboration and the provision of comprehensive information in terms of Briefing Papers on Cabinet FK, Terms of Reference (TOR) and Confirmation Letters for Appointments.

• Village Based Development Project (VBD)

Six (6) VBD Orientation Programmes were conducted for Upolu (Solosolo, Moataa & Lotofaga Aleipata and seven (7) for Savaii (Iva, Vaisasulu, Salimu, Safotu, Samauga, Tufutafoe, Falealupo and two (2) other Orientation Sessions with other host families. A SWOT Analysis was conducted for existing projects and developments within villages that were previously involved with the VBD Programme. Pre-service trainings for Volunteers in relation to VBD Programme were also conducted. Reports on site visits were also developed and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer on time.

• Capacity Building Processes and Trainings for Pulenuu � Seven (7) Capacity Building Trainings were conducted and coordinated by the ACEO and the

Division for staff. � An Educational Programme on Samoan Traditions/ Culture

was facilitated by the Division and a Pulenuu Consultation on Compulsory Education coordinated by the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (MESC) with the purpose of upskilling and upgrading the level of understanding issues and the execution of methods in settling village disputes via the assistance of the Division for Internal Affairs.

� Ongoing Capacity Building Training for Pulenuu on Village Governance. � The Division for Internal Affairs in line with the Ministry of Police and Fire Services has

implemented Seminars discussing the context of the “Peace/Harmony in Villages Constitution (LAW)” for Upolu/Savaii.

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� Comprehensive information was also provided by the Office of the Electoral Commissioner (OEC) on Registration with the assistance of the Division for Internal Affairs.

� Capacity Building Training conducted for both Upolu/Savaii by the Samoa Victim Support with the assistance of the Division on “Child Support/Abused victims in villages”.

• Town Area Drainage Project

The Division for Internal Affairs participated in the twelve (12) Inspections carried out and the monthly meetings of the Town Area Drainage Committee.

• Komiti o le Faleula

Consultations with respective villages were conducted for the review of their honorific salutations. However, the finalization and publishing of the Tusi Faalupega Review has been deferred. During the last half of the reporting period, the Komiti o le Faleula successfully completed their visit to New Zealand. This visit focused on raising the awareness of Samoan communities targeted on culturally related initiatives in particular the Faamama Avega concept driven by the Committee. The Division continued to provide the Secretariat and support services for the Komiti o le Faleula this year.

BUDGET ALLOCATION: Division for Internal Affairs FINANCIAL YEAR 2008/2009

Total resources

Personnel $1,983,650 Operating Expenses $113,797 Overheads $115,357 Total Appropriation $2,212,804

2.4 Division for Women The Division for Women is one of the three core divisions in the Ministry and is the national focal point for both the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The work of the DFW is guided by the existing Ministry mandates inline with the Strategy for Development of Samoa 2008 - 2012. ACHIEVEMENTS: The Division is made up of 3 main sections namely the:

� Programmes and Training Section � Community Development Services Section for Upolu & Savaii

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� Protection of Children Services Section1 During the period under review, the division focused mainly on strengthening its monitoring and evaluation function in line with the following Policies;

1) Draft National Policy for Women � Strengthen networks with stakeholders through the coordination & monitoring of

the National Council on the CRC, CEDAW and CRC Partnerships, Men Against Violence Advocacy Group and that of its International Partners

� Strengthen the Performance of the Government Women Representatives through capacity building and effective monitoring of social and economic initiatives at village level.

2) Draft National Policy for Children. � Improve coordination, implementation and monitoring of CRC activities by

utilising a results based management approach. IMPLEMENTATION OF CEDAW

� The National Plan of Action for Women has been endorsed by Management and will officially be submitted together with the Policy for Women to the Minister for consideration by Cabinet. The general public – majority of whom consulted on the National Plan of Action were women through nine consultations already conducted. Those consulted included stakeholders of the Ministry, non-partners as well as the general public. Four consultations were conducted for July and August and one each during the months of September, October, November and December.

� The first draft of Samoa’s Fourth & Fifth Periodic Country Report to be submitted to the

UNCEDAW Committee is ready and shall be used for consultations with relevant stakeholders in July.

� Women’s Information System was updated and maintained and data from WIS was used in the

update of the second CEDAW report. � Reviews of the Concluding remarks for both CEDAW and CRC has been conducted in the

Samoan language and submitted to Cabinet. � As part of the monitoring and reporting requirements, reports were submitted to management

on the progress of implementation of CEDAW activities on a regular basis. These included reports on Women and Husbands on Gender Based Violence for both Upolu and Savaii, four Small Grants Schemes with Alii and Faipule of Levi, Saleimoa, Magiagi, Luatuanuu and Leusoalii. The first draft of the Gender Based Violence Project themes had been submitted and will be integrated into the Community Facilitation package. A report on the Men Against Violence Advocacy Public Meeting was also completed. 12 section meetings and six section heads meetings were held during the period in review. To strengthen the application of the results based management M & E framework by staff, two Divisional Monitoring and Evaluation processes were conducted in January and June 2009.

� The CEDAW Partnership met six times during the period in review and the attendance rate

showed the commitment of the partnership in ensuring women’s rights are recognized in the

1 Protection of Children Services is also the coordinating and implementing partner for the Government of Samoa/UNICEF

Child Protection Program.

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work of their own ministries and organizations. For instance, staff of the Domestic Violence Unit at the Ministry of Police and Prisons Services worked in partnership with the Division for Women staff in the preparation of the Domestic Violence Bill and also in coordinating public consultations that were held for this bill.

� The Training Needs Analysis report for NGO’s is completed and a training will be provided for

NGO’s in line with the National Plan of Action for Women (NPOW) and to further build their capacity.

� Capacity Building on Sexual Reproductive Health Issues including HIV & AIDS. Two Small

Grant Scheme processes were conducted for women’s committees of Lotofaga and Asau on understanding themes relating to Reproductive and Sexual Health and also to enhance their knowledge and skills in order for them to be able to pass the information to other villagers. Through their participation, women have an in depth knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues and to ensure women benefit and understand these issues, orientation is carried out before SGS implementation is carried out.

� Legislative Recommendations: One of the monitoring functions of the Division is to follow up on

the recommendations for amendments to legislations on matters pertaining to the work on the advancement of women in line with the Legislative Compliance Review on CEDAW. Results of these recommendations is the first draft of the Domestic Violence Bill, the Definition of rape under the Marriage Ordinance 1961 and Child Marriage under Marriage Ordinance 1961 submitted for consideration of the concerned ministry.

� To ensure, NPOA for Women is reflected in partnership plans and budgets, consultations on

the National Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (NPOA) were conducted for CRC and CEDAW partners, non partners as well as Government Women Representatives (GWR) for both Upolu and Savaii. The Public Service Association had already started their interventions in line with this Plan by providing advocacy training for women’s rights in the workforce.

� One consultation was conducted for each island for GWR’s on the new MWCSD Corporate Plan

to raise awareness and understanding of their roles in line with the direction of the work of the MWCSD.

� Maternal & Child Health: The DFW continues to support and implement programs and activities

as part of the MOH/MWCSD’s Health Initiative Program and in line with the MOU signed between the two ministries. For instance, two follow up monitoring visits were conducted for villages participating in the physical activity program at Samatau and Levi, Saleimoa. Furthermore, DFW staff continues to assist with health programs like the physical activity showcase Health Fair on the 24th October 2008. Technical assistance was also provided for the development of the Health Promotion Facilitation Package. Reports on other meetings attended like Health Promoting Schools, National Tobacco meeting, MOH SWAP Vegetable Garden grant consultations and steering committee meetings, two meetings with Council of Churches to pre-test themes of HP Facilitation package and Climate Change and Health are available.

� The Division for Women coordinated and implemented the national events to mark International

Women’s Day in March and the National Women’s Day in May. The two weeks long campaign celebrates women’s achievements and reports on activities conducted to mark these two days are available.

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� Staff Capacity Building: The MWCSD continues to support the participation of staff at regional

and international processes on the advancement of women. For example, the Training Officer attended the Women in Leadership and Governance Facilitation training in Suva on the 17th – 28th November 2008. Also, the PCDS/O attended the TOT to Start and Improve Your Business in the Pacific in Fiji and Nutrition Study Tour in New Zealand attended by SCDSO Upolu. Reports for these meetings and processes coordinated by other sectors like Community Paralegal training and Contingency Planning and Disaster Preparedness coordinated by DMO are available.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CRC

� The National Plan of Action for Children had been implemented and adopts a Results Based Approach to the monitoring of its activities. The CRC partnership which is the Technical Working Group for the Convention convened five times and technical support is provided for the NCCRC during their six meetings. The ACEO– DFW is the secretariat for the committee. Minutes of meetings are available as records of the implementation of CRC. Annual Review of NPOA Youth Seminar and Community Policing reports are available.

� Capacity Building for Young females: To further build the capacity of stakeholders on understanding CRC, two seminars were conducted for each island on ARH issues, STI and teenage pregnancies.

� The DFW continues to support the participation of staff at the Regional Meeting held in Suva, Fiji for the UNICEF Child Protection Program in September 2008.

COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNICEF/ GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA COUNTRY PROGRAM OF ACTION

� The Program continued to provide financial support for activity implementation including the consultations conducted with stakeholders on developing the first draft of the Domestic Violence Legislation. This is to ensure that violence against children is also considered in the new bill. Amendments had been submitted to the Office of the Attorney General to ensure that recommendations from the CRC Legislative Compliance Review are being considered in line with the Convention.

� Initial discussions on developing an interagency protocol/response system commenced to

ensure free flow of information between the MWCSD and NCCRC and its stakeholders in order for the Council to make effective decisions on the implementation and monitoring of the CRC.

� Advocacy programs: Two orientations were conducted at Vaiteletai and Tanugamanono.

However, only one SGS was conducted due to the delay in funding. In addition, five trainings were conducted by MWCSD in collaboration with MOH for community facilitators. For example, a Breastfeeding Awareness process was conducted at Salua, Manono and for GWR’s for both Upolu and Savaii. One workshop was also conducted by ECPACT Samoa on the same matter. Ongoing monitoring visits by staff to ensure maximizing children’s participation is undertaken as part of the monitoring role of the GWR’s.

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� Staff’s work in advocating for mainstreaming of child right issues in national planning and budgeting is highlighted in the SDS 2008-2012 which highlights and acknowledges the NPOA for Children and will ensure that this national level direction is reflected at Sector and Ministry level plans and budgets.

� Lastly, a Training Needs Analysis for CBO’s had been completed and will be the focus of

trainings to enhance the capacity of CBO’s to address gaps in the implementation of the NPOA for Children.

� Support the work of Ministry of Police and MJCA in the protection of children in contact with

the law. The DFW continues to support the advocacy for availability of appropriate services and rehabilitation programs for children in contact with the law through the work of UNICEF Child Protection Program. Also, to facilitate technical assistance on CRC on the work of MJCA in implementing the Young Offenders Act, MJCA coordinated a SPCYCC workshop as an activity under CPAP. Finally, DFW facilitates training for GWR’s to strengthen birth registration so that no child is excluded from the system as a means of child protection safety measure.

� Monitoring of Performance Management System: 12 meetings were conducted for Government

Women Representatives for Upolu and Savaii each. Resolutions from these meetings were utilized for planning purposes and strategic direction of the work of the GWR. One of the outstanding major issues was the Government Women Representative allowance as they were only gets half of what Pulenuu earns a fortnight. It is also a gender issues and work justification as GWR implemented and done for betterment of communities.

• Completed 3 capacity building processes for GWR’s, and were conducted and facilitated by MNRE DMO, LTA and Apitaga mo tagata Soifua in line with their roles and responsibilities.

• Two consultations were held for GWR on the Ministry of Women Corporate Plan (1 for Upolu and 1 for Savaii)

• Quarterly feedback of the PMS has been submitted and presented to the GWR

• 10 skills building training conducted for Upolu and 13 for Savaii • 13 MFF trainings conducted for Upolu and 12 for Savaii. • 2 rheumatic fever and typhoid training of trainer’s trainings were conducted for GWR by

the Ministry of Health as part of refresher training.

• Facilitate the procurement of funds through proposal writing and provide technical support to 5 women’s committee and church women’s group.

• Taiala mo Faiva Alofilima has been completed but not yet published and launched

• Reports on the Skills Building Programs submitted • Report on the Falelalaga Inspection submitted.

� In relation to the work of the government women representatives, technical support through

trainings and capacity buildings were conducted in the last 12 months. These trainings focused on monitoring and reporting, as well as raising the awareness of GWRs on the various relevant initiatives by other sectors such as Health and Environment.

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� Aiga ma Nuu Manuia is a national programme, coordinated and lead by the Division for Women. The main vision of the program is to ensure that people of Samoa live in healthy and safe physical environments. The working group conducted 4 quarterly meetings to provide guidance and leadership for the program and to strengthen the network with the members so as to provide technical support for program implementation. The ANM working group membership has been expanded to other sectors like MNRE, SWA, NHS, MESC, and STA this financial year given the linkages of their work to this Program. Follow up visits have been conducted by the Community Development Section for the villages of Vailuutai, Apai and Vavau as part of the skills building orientation to verify the data collected and submitted by the GWR.

� Skills Building Programme

There continues to be a high demand for the skills building programme from women groups in the community. The division for women through the Community Development Services section conducted 10 skills building in Upolu and 13 in Savaii. The skills building trainings include garment making and sewing, handicraft production, flower arrangements, fabric arts and vegetable gardening. The resources for some of these trainings were donated

and funded through the Catholic Project in partnership with AUS Aid and the MWCSD. The skills evaluation and follow up visit was conducted to monitor the sustainability of these projects and how they have contributed to the social and economic development of Samoa. Three (3) women from Vavau Women’s Committee were hired and employed by Vavau and Taufua beach resorts as an outcome of these trainings. Some have started

sewing school uniforms for their children and their own daily attires. � Micro Finance Facility Programme

The Ministry through the Division for Women in collaboration with the Development Bank of Samoa and the Ministry of Finance have begun the coordination and implementation of this program. Trainings on enhancing and improving the knowledge of women on starting and managing a business were conducted in Upolu (13 trainings) and Savaii (12 trainings). Following these trainings was the disbursement of loans to all those women who were eligible for assistance under this scheme.

� Participation in and Contribution to the Health Sector Wide Approach Programme through the Vegetable Garden component of the ANM Program.

The Ministry of Health as part of the broader Samoa Health Sector Wide approach Program for 2008 – 2012 (Health Swap) have started to implement a series of small sub – grant projects as part of the MOU signed between the MOH and the MWCSD. The Sub grant projects are to complement other activities under the component 1 – Health Promotion and Prevention of the Samoa Health Swap Program. Through a process of sub – grants the program aims to engage community based organizations such as the women’s

committee and village based organizations, to implement family level vegetable gardens for good nutrition that will lead to better health outcomes for the population in line with the components of

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Aiga ma Nuu Manuia Program coordinated by the MWCSD. This approach is very much in line with the priorities outlined in the Health Sector Plan 2008 – 2012. There were only 58 proposals (34 of which are in Upolu with the remaining from Savaii) were feasibly accepted to be implemented with the available funds for this first round. � Training and Staff Capacity Building

The Division for Women continues to value the ongoing professional development of staff as the way to enhance delivery and productivity within the Division. During this financial year, staff have attended and participated in the following forums as an opportunity to strengthen regional and international networks, enhance knowledge and skills on relevant subject matters and develop innovative ideas to enhance program delivery for target groups.

Names National Regional / International

1

Kuiniselani Tago & Henry Levasa

Child Protection Regional Meeting in Suva Fiji 1 week.

2

Owen Ah Ching

Training of Facilitators - Gender Equality – Suva Fiji 2 weeks Nov 2008

3

Tuioti Sakaria

Start to Improve your Business Training – Suva Fiji 2 weeks training

4

Vaialia Iosua

Study Tour Promoting Fruits and Vegetables – New Zealand funded by the SWAP Program Ministry of Health 2 weeks in March 2009

BUDGET ALLOCATION Advancement of Women services FINANCIAL YEAR 2008/2009

Total Resources

Personnel $864,679 Operating Expenses $104,462 Overheads $115,357

Add Donor Cash Funded Less Cost recoveries $2,000

Total Appropriation $1,082,498 Protection of Children Services

Personnel $144,669

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Operating Expenses $29,782

Overheads $78,846 Add Donor Cash Funded

Less Cost recoveries $3,000 Total Appropriation $250,297

Division for Youth The Division for Youth continues to perform its functions as noted in the Ministry’s Annual Management Plan 08/09. With the enhancement of youth in Samoa, the Division has initiated many activities affiliated to the TALAVOU Project’s aims and objectives. ACHIEVEMENTS:

• National Youth Week The National Youth Week was another huge task for the Division this Financial Year and was held from the 06th – 11th of November. The Youth Parliament was held on the 7th to the 9th discussing issues related to “Domestic Violence. “Close to a thousand (1000) young people attended the opening ceremony, which was held at the Mulivai Catholic church. It was attended by the Prime Minister and members of cabinet. One of the main activities of this National Youth Week was the Tausala and Manaia Pageant which was an opportunity to showcase the talents of our young people. Representatives from the Catholic Church won both the Tausala and Manaia giving them the responsibility of being youth ambassadors for Samoa 2008-2010. A large number of young people and Youth groups attended the opening ceremony and prize giving/closing ceremony. The youth groups also supported the volleyball and touch rugby tournaments, which were organized to promote the MDGs.

• Samoa National Youth Awards

The Samoa National Youth Awards Ceremony was conducted on the 7th May 2009 at the Hotel Kitano Tusitala, after two weeks of judging. The ceremony started with a prayer lead by the Assistant Youth Director of the Congregational Christian Church, Susuga Anzac Tuala, while the keynote address was delivered by the Associate Minister for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development – Tofa Moefa’auo Lufilufi Moefaauo. More than 150 key Government Ministries, Non-governmental organisations, Private Sector and Faith-based organisations as well as young people participated to witness the Samoa National Youth Awards Ceremony 2009. Winners of the Youth Group categories won up to ST$2000.00, while individual category winners won ST$1,000.00. Winners also received trophies. There were 6 Judges (3 per category) identified from relevant Government Ministries, NGOs, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs). The 6 selected judges for the Samoa National Youth Awards 2009 worked tirelessly in ensuring that the results would be justifiable and truly reflected the efforts and commitments of individuals and youth groups. Inspection visits to both individual and youth group projects were the highlights of the Samoa National Youth Awards 2009. It is not only part of the judging

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criteria but it provided a rare opportunity for judges or key partners to engage and develop closer contact with individual young people and youth groups that were in one way or another implementing initiatives that indirectly or directly contributing to the village economy and our national developments.

The following table provides a list of winners for each category: Categories (Individual & Organizations)

Sector Categories of the Competition

Winners Initiative

Individual Arts and Crafts & Music

Sale Galumalemana Tago

Painting and Drawing

Individual Agriculture and Fisheries

Alosina Samuelu Mix Farm

Organizations Arts and Crafts & Music

Lufilufi Methodist Youth Group

DVD

Organizations Agriculture and Fisheries

Falefa Catholic Youth Group

Mix Farm

Organizations Infrastructures Manunu CCCS Youth

Youth Hall

• International Youth Day

The International Youth Day was celebrated on the 12th August 2008 with the UN theme “Climate Change – Time for Action”. The activity for this year was the National Science Fair. The Division for Youth through the TALAVOU Programme coordinated the implementation of the National Science Fair in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Sports & Culture and the South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) and UNESCO. More than 200 students from 10 Secondary and 5 Primary schools from across Samoa participated and presented projects relating to climate change. These schools were divided into four different categories/divisions.

• Mid Term Review of Youth Policy

In collaboration with KVA Consult Ltd, three public and stakeholders’ consultation were held both in Upolu and Savaii in the month of July 08 to review the National Youth Policy 2001-2010. The Review has helped redirect the work for youth in Samoa in particular the TALAVOU Program and the work on the developing a new policy for young people.

• Support for the TALAVOU Program

The DFY as the focal point of the TALAVOU Programme continues to coordinate the Technical Working Group as well as the Steering Committee meetings. The DFY also represents the MWCSD to various national level committees and meetings relative to the focuses of the TALAVOU Program and the following meetings were attended during this financial year:

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o ASOP Project Technical Working Group Meeting 18th Sept 08 o Sustainable Land Management Steering Committee meeting 7th October 2008 o MCIL/ILO Education, Employability and Decent Work for Youth planning meeting for the TREE

methodology training necessary technical assistance contributed to this decision. The DFY continues to coordinate the implementation and management of the TALAVOU Programme activities in collaboration with stakeholders. The TALAVOU Programme Implementation Unit was able to implement the following activities.

1. Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Diploma in Youth Development 2. National Peer Education Programme 3. YWCA Rehabilitation Programme for Women Inmates at Tafaigata Prison 4. Samoa National Youth Council Preparatory Phase 5. Samoa National Youth Awards 6. Community-based Youth Business Incubator 7. ILO TEP Pilot Projects 8. Reduction of Youth Suicide rate and suicide attempts 9. National Career Day 2009 10. Agro Business Training in Savaii 11. Youth Tele-centre training in Savaii 12. Sub Programmes

• Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Diploma in Youth Development

This initiative is a collaborative effort of the MWCSD-DFY, Commonwealth Youth Programme and the National University of Samoa which aims to promote the Professionalization of Youth Development Work in Samoa. The programme will be piloted for 2 years with funding of FD$20,000.00 secured from the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) with further assistance of ST$4,000.00 from the TALAVOU Programme to finance tuition fees for this year. This programme is based at the Oloamanu Training Center- National University of Samoa and 20 Students were enrolled in this programme when it first officiated at the beginning of the year. To date, only 11 students have continued the programme. The TALAVOU Programme Implementation Unit, Oloamanu Training Centre Management are considering the selection criteria for a retention strategy of students taking the course as well as the recruitment of new students under this scholarship scheme.

• YWCA Rehabilitation Programme for Women Inmates at Tafaigata Prison

The YWCA rehabilitation programme in partnership with the MWCSD/DFY is partially funded by the TALAVOU Programme. These rehabilitation programmes started this financial year. The workshop session on Sustainable Futures - Income Generation/Employment skills was conducted on the 6 – 22 January 2009. The household budgets, creating money and food sustainability workshop sessions was facilitated by Women in Business Development Inc (WIBDI) and the Family Enrichment Society Inc. The weaving and sewing skills training was facilitated by resource people identified by WIBDI. At the end of the sewing training workshop, the YWCA representative donated 1 sewing machine for use by women inmates at Tafaigata Prison. Women inmates are able to use it upon request. The Samoa Family Health Association also conducted reproductive health Pap smear tests for women inmates as part of this Program.

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The rehabilitation programme was extended from the original end date, 29th January, to 23rd February to include additional workshops. Hence, the implementation of Micro-Crediting, human rights and the Constitution, Nutrition and Managing relationship workshops by the South Pacific Business Development, Small Business Enterprise Centre, Consults Pasefika Ltd and the Samoa Victim Support. Overall, a total of 23 workshops were conducted during the four months of the pilot project coordinated by YWCA. Workshops were identified by and catered to the needs of women inmates across three major areas including physical health, mental health and income-generating skills and they were all considered to be an important part of the rehabilitation process. There have been varying challenges to the programme but for the most part outcomes have been positive. The YWCA has been able to establish closer relationship and linkages with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Police and Prisons, TALAVOU Programme and most importantly the Non-government organizations that willingly volunteer their time and resources to the operation of the rehabilitation programme. There now exists an opportunity to expand the programme to cater for male inmates and possibility to replicate the YWCA rehabilitation package to deal with young offenders. A graduation ceremony was held on the 23rd February to celebrate the successful completion of the 4 months pilot project and the participation of the hard working young women inmates. The event gathered the staff and executive of the Ministry of Police and Prisons, facilitators, partners, women inmates to witness this special occasion. An evaluation feedback session was conducted amongst the young women inmates as part of the graduation ceremony. The following were comments from participants as documented in the monitoring and evaluation report submitted by YWCA to mention a few see the following feedbacks as quoted: “…..each programme under the broad categories of Physical Health, Personal development, and income generation skills…have managed to capture our attention one way or another, and further instilled in us the perseverance mentality that “there is always a light at the end of the tunnel…..Such positive thinking is the kind of mentality crucial to us upon returning home. As per your encouragement “this is not WHO I am, but WHAT I did”- woman inmate – 9 months. “I think I like the impact of the overall workshops from the beginning to the end to prepare myself to face the world out there when I get out. All the ideas put together enabled me to decide on the best thing I’m good at to provide for

my family in the long run. The workshops helped me sustain my self confidence and realized my talents and passions to develop my family as well as I did before I came here” – woman inmate – 24 months

• Samoa National Youth Council Preparatory Phase

The TALAVOU Programme Implementation Unit (PIU) participated in a 3 day consultation with the AusAID Pacific Leadership Programme (PLP) and the Pacific Youth Council (PYC) on February 2009 as part of the preparatory work for the revival of the Samoa National Youth Council. At this consultative meeting, it became very clear that the Samoa National Youth Council (SNYC) concept have several significant cultural, institutional, structural and resource issues which require further exploration and resolution before a draft Terms of Reference can be developed and stakeholder consultations undertaken. As a result, an Issues Paper was developed by the DFY and the PLP to facilitate further discussions on key issues that need to be considered thoroughly with youth stakeholders before further efforts to move the SNYC agenda forward. Early discussions revealed a real need for a technical assistance to undertake a preliminary Scoping Exercise on the Samoa National Youth Council. The Scoping Exercise will assist the Division for Youth/Programme Implementation Unit to clarify key challenges to the Samoa National Youth Council’s

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establishment, provide practical guidance on the steps required to establish a National Youth Council and to start defining a draft Terms of Reference, structure and recommendations for the National Youth Council as a basis for the next stage of progress. To date, a Terms of Reference for a TA has been established and we are in the process of recruiting an expert to undertake this important task as mentioned above.

• Community-based Youth Business Incubator

A presentation of the Community-based Youth Incubator Model Adaptation was conducted for all sites. i. Tanugamanono Methodist Youth Carpentry Workshop ii. Piu CCS Youth Starch Project iii. Uafato CCCS Youth Sewing workshop iv. Gataivai Methodist Sewing, Gym and telecentre project v. Asau Utuloa Methodist Youth Sewing Workshop vi. Avao CCCS Youth Sewing Workshop

It was a consultative and interactive process with the 6 youth groups to thoroughly discuss the status of the 6 initiatives and what needs to be supported within an incubation period of one year. As a result of the abovementioned consultations, Sewing and Elei Printing Workshops for Utuloa, Asau and Avao in Savaii have been confirmed with the Division for Women’s Community Development Staff and are now scheduled in the second quarter, 2009. The TALAVOU Programme Implementation Unit is in close collaboration with technical and specialised institutions such as the APTC and NUS, to assist with the Piu CCCS Youth Group’s Starch initiative and the Tanugamanono Methodist Youth Carpentry Workshop. For Information the focus of the Youth Business Incubator has shifted to target the established 6 pilot projects with the main purpose to introduce the business incubator concept and to further strengthen the mentioned pilots. It is an avenue to build the capacity of the 6 pilot projects in terms of the following provisions:

a. Business concepts/skills identified and demonstrated that needs to be incubated and supported

b. Business training package c. Ongoing advisory and nurturing d. Preparation for Graduation

Overall, positive feedback from, from the 6 youth group pilot projects was clearly noted during the abovementioned processes, as reflected by the youth groups’ eagerness to start their respective Incubation program. Billboards for 4 pilot sites have been erected with the other 2 being negotiated. On the 14th – 18th April 2009, an advance sewing, elei printing and flower arrangement training was conducted at Utuloa Asau, whereas the advance sewing skills training for Avao CCCS youth group was conducted from the 25th – 29th May 2009. These trainings were requested by the above youth groups to further improve the quality of their sewing skills, especially their chosen garments of focus and to build

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their capacity on skills like fabric printing and flower arrangement. As an outcome of the two trainings, 3 young people from Utuloa Asau were identified as being highly qualified with improving sewing skills. The Division for Women’s Community Development Staff or trainers highly recommended that the three potential young people be constantly monitored for the quality of their sewn garments and to continue as trainers for other members of the youth group. Likewise with the Avao CCCS Youth Group, young people of high potential are being guided and supported by the Pastor’s wife (Faletua). The positive element for Avao, is that they have identified markets in Australia for printed fabrics or elei materials as well as uniforms for the Vaipouli College, located on the village. The programme has also procured sewing machines for both sites. The Avao youth has been strengthened through the provision of 10 hand sewing machines and one electrical sewing machine. Similarly, the Utuloa Asau Methodist Youth would be strengthened through the provision of 5 hand sewing machines and one over locker.

• ILO TEP Pilot Projects

The ILO Employment Project is a parallel activity under Objective Three of the TALAVOU Programme. The ILO TREE model training of trainers was conducted in September 2008 of which a staff member of the TALAVOU Programme participated together with representatives from MCIL, SBEC and Women in Business Development Inc. As part of the implementation phase of the TREE model, Samoa will adapt the Transition Enterprise Project - TEP methodology and it will be utilized to conduct business trainings at four (4) selected youth projects (2 pilot projects Upolu and 2 pilot projects in Savaii). The TALAVOU Programme Implementation Unit received a cheque of USD$10,000.00 to implement TEP trainings and to procure equipments for the four (4) youth pilot projects. The four selected pilot projects are Leauva’a and Falese’ela Lefaga for Upolu and Fusi Safotulafai and Salailua for the big island of Savaii. The four Projects were identified from the Mapping Exercise of the Vulnerable Young People in Samoa - Desk Review Report. The TEP training for Leauva’a was conducted on the 18th April 2009 in collaboration with the MCIL and SBEC. The highlight for Leauva’a’s attempt was a joint TEP project amongst the young people of the CCCS, the Assembly of God and the Catholic Church. The Programme Implementation Unit in collaboration with SBEC is facilitating the TEP form to confirm procurement of resources as identified during the TEP training.

• Career Day

The DFY/PIU through the TALAVOU Programme worked in partnership with the Avanoa Tutusa and the National University of Samoa in the implementation of the 2008 Career Day on the 16th September 2008. Approximately more than 500 students and the public that attended the 2008 Career Day together with the NUS Open Day of 2008. It was a good turn up of Government Ministries, Non-governmental organisations, private sectors and companies to showcase and disseminate information of their respective services. It has been a great achievement this year in terms of securing sponsorship and support of the private sector in realising employment opportunities for young people of Samoa. The partnership of Avanoa Tutusa and the Ministry of Women through the TALAVOU Programme was able to secure the sponsorship of Digicel Company and with possibility to continue this partnership next year. On the day, over 20 businesses and government ministries set up booths. There were also booths by training institutions such as the Oceania School of Medicine, APTC and the Rhema Bible College. These booths were visited by over 500 students from schools mainly in the Apia town area. As the Career Day was held at the time when fear of the spread of swine flu as an epidemic was high amongst Samoans and the world, students from Savaii and most of the rural schools did not participate.

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The Opening Ceremony was held at the NUS Fale, and was led by the assistant Director of Methodist Youth, Rev. Isaako Nuualalo. The keynote address was delivered by the Hon. Minister for the MWCSD, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa. In her speech, young people and students were challenged to make the most of the opportunity to hear from the private, business and public sector on best practices and the right subjects to choose, to assist their preferred career choice. The speech by the Minister was followed by an inspiring and thought-provoking speech by the former Ms. Samoa, Gwendolyn Pona Tuaitanu. Ms. Tuaitanu reflected on her background as a medical student, attempting to fulfill the role of the Ms. Samoa – which is all in God’s plans for her life. She concluded with the song by Mariah Carey – Hero, challenging young people to always look for that hero, that would provide inspiration, guidance and direction, when all else fail. The Opening Ceremony concluded with the announcing of the 15 Institute of Technology scholarship students, whose tuition fees would be paid by the TALAVOU Programme for their final semester at the NUS.

• Agro Business Training in Savaii

The Agro-business training for young people in Savaii was conducted from the 18th to 22nd of May 2009. The main purpose of the training was to provide small business training for young people engaged in agricultural initiatives that could potentially generate income. This training opportunity was extended to young entrepreneurs in Savaii who operate arts and crafts small businesses and potential young people that are interested in starting small businesses. The Agro-business training was facilitated and conducted by SBEC business trainers.

The TALAVOU Programme worked closely with SBEC to ensure that the small business-training package used is simple and relevant to development from the grassroots level. Twenty one (21) young entrepreneurs and potential small business operators attended the training in Savaii, which was held at the SBEC conference room at Salelologa. Participants were selected from the three pilot incubators in Savaii and young people who participated at the Samoa National Youth Awards of the last two years. The SBEC will continue to monitor and provide business advisory role to the young entrepreneurs that attended the Agro-business training. The Agro-business training for Upolu has been postponed to the third quarter due to the unavailability of SBEC business trainers.

• Youth Tele-centre training in Savaii

The establishments of 2 youth tele-centres (1 Upolu and 1 Savaii-Fagafau) are planned activities under Objective Three of the TALAVOU Programme. This is a partnership component of the TALAVOU Programme and the Ministry of Communication, Information and Technology (MCIT). The awareness training on the Fesootai Centre or Tele-centre concept was conducted at Fagafau (Joint Youth programme) on the 19th June 2009

• 9. Sub Programmes

The first round of applications for the sub-programmes small grant scheme was advertised in February 2009. Twelve (12) sub-programme applications received and vetted by the Programme Implementation Unit before the final screening and decision by the two oversight committees of the programme.

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The screening by the Technical Working Group endorsed only 4 sub-programme applications and was also given approval by the Steering Committee. Five sub-programme applications are on-hold and the Technical Working Group have recommended for the Programme Implementation Unit to conduct inspections and to verify information provided. However three applications have been unsuccessful due to not meeting either 1 or 2 selection criteria. The second round of applications for the sub-programmes small grant scheme was pre-screened and vetted by the Technical Working Group during the second quarter April-June. Ten (10) sub-programme applications received and tabled for discussions of the Technical Working Group meeting. Five sub-programme applications were recommended by the TWG for funding and will be tabled in the upcoming meeting of the Steering Committee, for their final review and decision. The remaining five applications required further inspections to clarify critical issues such as ownership, as suggested by the Technical Working Group.

• Monitoring and Evaluation of DFY community development activities Two monitoring visits were held in the last half of the year to monitor and evaluate the progression of the different DFY activities in both Savaii and Upolu. In these visits, equipments and supplies required to strengthen some of the youth groups were identified and later supplied through the TALAVOU Programme funding. Accommodation and meal costs for staff visits to Savaii were covered also through the TALAVOU Programme. BUDGET ALLOCATION:

DIVISION FOR YOUTH Financial Year 08/09 Total Resources

Personnel $239,241 Operating Expenses $68,090 Overheads $84,670

Total Appropriations $392,001

2.5 Division for Research Policy Planning and Information

Processing (DRPPIP) The Division continued with its role of being the Ministry’s technical arm for developing policies, planning, conducting social research and dissemination of information pertaining to the Ministry’s core functions and programs. ACHIEVEMENTS:

• National Policy for Persons With Disabilities The MWCSD through DFRPPIP worked closely with the Office of the Attorney General to submit an Issues Paper and proposal to Cabinet on strategic ways to deal with issues of persons with disabilities. In October 2008, Cabinet approved the establishment of a Disabilities Taskforce comprised of relevant Government Ministries and NGOs to address these and appointed the MWCSD to assume the role of chairmanship for this committee, and the Attorney General’s Office as Co-chair. The Committee membership included the, Commissioner of Police, CEO MOH, CEO MESC, CEO MWTI, Secretary NCC,

Formatted: Indent: Left: 1", Nobullets or numbering

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President NOLA, Principal Loto Taumafai School, Principal Fiamalamalama and President of the Society of the Blind. The Taskforce was directed to undertake 3 tasks and to report back to Cabinet within a period of 3 months. The tasks were: (i) Develop a National Policy for Persons with Disabilities (2) Develop a National Action Plan for Persons With Disabilities (3) Report on current legislative implications on persons with disabilities.

The Taskforce then appointed a Technical Working Group comprised of staff of MWCSD – DFRPPIP and staff of AGO. The TWG co-chaired by the ACEO DFRPPIP and Senior Solicitor of AGO worked closely with a Technical Assistant funded by UNESCAP to provide technical assistance in the development of the National Policy for Persons With Disabilities. The TWG coordinated stakeholder consultations on the Policy Framework and simultaneously included an implementation

plan for the Policy as issues were consulted and discussed by the stakeholders. In April 2008, Cabinet approved the Report from the Disability Taskforce which comprised the National Policy for Persons With Disabilities 2009-2012 as well as its Implementation Plan. The third task which was to do with legislative compliance and review, was left to the office of the Attorney general to consider whilst its office was also undertaking comprehensive reviews of the existing laws and legislation. The Disability Taskforce continued to meet regularly whilst developing the Policy and Action Plan and whilst awaiting Cabinet’s approval of its initial report.

• Domestic Violence Bill / Family Safety Bill The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), together with the Office of the Attorney General have contributed primarily in terms of soliciting funding from the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP) for the development of a legislation to address the issue of domestic violence within Samoa. A legal drafting consultant was recruited to advance an initial draft of the Domestic Violence Bill that was developed in 2007 by the office of the Attorney General. The Legal Consultant, worked closely with the Division for Women as well as DFRPPIP in conducting initial consultations with all relevant stakeholders to ensure there was still strong support for the establishment of a specific legislation on this issue. The initial draft legislation was tabled by the legal consultant at the Gender-based Violence Steering Committee and was approved for consultations with all relevant target groups as well as the public. The

DFRPPIP staff were tasked with the coordination and convening of these meetings as well as the provision of technical and logistical support for the work of the legal consultant. During the course of the consultations, the name of the Bill was changed from Domestic Violence to Family Safety Bill. There was overwhelming support from the participants not to highlight the negative but focus on the positive and “family safety” would achieve the latter and may make it easy for people to grasp.

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By June 2009, the Legal Consultant had submitted her final report with the Draft Bill incorporating all the issues raised during the consultation process. At the end of the financial year, this was another work in progress.

• MWCSD Annual Reports The Annual Report for the Financial Year 06/07 was completed and endorsed by the CEO and the Executive Management for submission to Cabinet and subsequent tabling before Parliament. The compilation of the Annual Report for 2007-2008 also commenced and initial, second and third draft were circulated to Executive Management for their scrutiny and final comments.

• Service Charter The Service Charter for the Ministry is in place for 2008/2012 and was completed in the Year 2009. The Charter provides information on our locations, services, guiding Values and Principles, contacts as well as what we do as the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development.

• Directory for Women Completed and printed the 2nd version of Directory for Women Parliamentarians as from 1970-2011. The Directory for Women Heads of Ministries and Corporations continued to be updated as there were continuous changes in appointments and promotions of CEOs as well as ACEOs given the nature of their contractual terms. The information therefore could not be printed and published however, the database continued to be updated as changes occurred.

• Village Profile A revised questionnaire, format and structure of the existing Profile was developed, taking into consideration the various feedback from Executive Management Team as well as other users of the Village Profile information. A proposal was also forwarded to the CLGF Project currently administered by the DFIA for funding the Village Profiles Update given its magnitude.

• Pulenuu (Salary) Database for Corporate Services Division The IT Unit was instrumental in developing an electronic database for the purpose of updating salary dates and information for Pulenuu. This database was agreed to be housed under the Division for Corporate Services.

• Newsletter/Radio Program With regards to the Ministry’s Newsletter, (6) Publications were made and twenty bi-monthly Radio Programs were conducted within the this financial year

• UNFPA/UNDP Work Plan

In regards to Information Dissemination functions, newsletters have been published bi-monthly and radio programmes on a fortnightly basis due to budget

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constraints. As the focal point for UNFPA/UNDP Gender-Based Violence Project, staff has been working tirelessly in implementing activities of this project from developing IEC Materials to disseminating findings of the Samoa Health and Safety Study and all other tasks related to Domestic Violence. Least to mention, most of the work carried out in Policy, Planning and Research Division are reflected in output 1 “Policy Advise to Minister”. DRPPIP has continued to represent Ministry in various meetings of MNRE as well as Law and Justice Sector. BUDGET ALLOCATION: DFRPPIP FINANCIAL YEAR 2008/2009

Total Resources Personnel $338,289

Operating Expenses $53,900 Overheads $103,709

Add Aid Cash Funded Less cost recoveries $300

Total Appropriation $495,598

2.7 Division for Printing

The Division for Printing continued to provide printing requirements of Government Ministries,

Corporations, Organizations and the general public. The Division also continued to provide advisory

services to Government Ministries, Corporations and the general public on matters relating to printing,

production costs and delivery time.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• General Printing

During the first half of the reporting period, eighty percent (80 %) of General Printing e.g. Receipt books, Letterheads, Invitations, Business Cards and assorted medical forms had been printed and dispatched. Approximately 30% of General Printing jobs took place during the last six (6) months of 2008/2009 Financial Year.

• Publications Four hundred (400) approved estimates, five hundred (500) Corporate Plans, five hundred (500) Management Plans and sixty five percent (65%) of the Division’s publications e.g. Annual Reports, Monthly Bulletins, Savali Newspapers, and Samoan Novels had been printed and dispatched. For the last six (6) months of the reporting period, a number of named publications were in place during the last half of the 2008/2009 fiscal year which kept the Division busy during this

particular period. As such, the 2009/2010 Budget of the Treasury Department

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was published in May 2009; medical forms as requested by the Ministry of Health (MOH), arrival and departure forms for the Immigration Department were also in place, general printing requirements of the Ministry of Finance such as cheques and Annual Reports of other Ministries were published on time.

• Enquiries Printing enquiries about quality, delivery time and costing had been increased tremendously in the past six (6) months of an average of forty (40) enquiries have been received each week.

• Overseas Printing Papers The Division for Printing only managed to place three (3) orders instead of four (4) due to insufficient funds.

• Staff Development (Trainings) On the job or In-House Trainings were conducted by Senior Officers knowing the unavailability of printing skills in the Institute of Technology’s Curriculum. A positive outcome to this was whereby staff was able to manage the operation of their resources, since they have sought the assistance of the Public Service Commission for an In Country Training of the staff but there was no proper response. Fortunately, the Division for Printing receives ongoing technological

assistance from overseas Sales Consultants every six (6) months notwithstanding the help of Printers Magazine with the provision of ideas in conducting staff’s daily work tasks.

• Resignation and Recruitment of Staff During the second half of the reporting period, two (2) staff members resigned; one (1) Principal Officer and one (1) Senior Officer under the Machinery Unit. From that period until now only one (1) staff member came on board.

• Cost Recoveries Although the Division for Printing had had high spending of seventy one percent (71%) for the first six (6) months period of the financial year, overall performance of have been commended for Cost Recoveries exceeding the Mid Year target of eighty percent (80%) which is great news for a Division struggling to find ends meet.

o December 2008 – budget overspent o Cash came from the Ministry’s savings to pay outstanding in the

last six (6) months Most of the activities achieved were based on the Revenue Document – totalled up to WS$700,000.00

BUDGET ALLOCATION: Division for Printing FINANCIAL YEAR 2008/2009

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Total Resources Personnel $471,454

Operating Expenses $294,044 Overheads $97,884 Less Cost Recoveries $700,000 Total Appropriation $163,382

2.8 Division for Corporate Services The Division for Corporate Service exists to provide support services to the Ministry and its Partners by facilitating the availability of the appropriate resources and support needed for the effective implementation and execution of the Ministry’s functions and responsibilities. The Division’s overall functions can be summarised as follows;

• Administration o Provision of quality support services to all Divisions of the

Ministry o Coordinate the recruitment of employees, plan, develop and

advise on all human resources needs o Implement, advise, monitor and evaluate the level of

compliance with Legislation, Policies, Procedures and best practices for the management of all resources including Human Resources in the Government.

• Achievements

o The Division is committed to improving

the level of awareness of employees on Governing Legislation, Government Policies and Procedures which guide the work of the Public Service.

o The employees’ entitlements were properly managed and policies and procedures have been complied with.

o Several training opportunities were coordinated for all employees of the Ministry in an attempt to build and enhance the capacity of all employees to ensure the effective and efficient performance of assigned duties and responsibilities

o Relevant support was provided to facilitate and ensure the efficient management and monitoring of employment for Pulenuu, Government Women Representatives and Committee members

• Finance Section o Quality financial assessments based on budget allocations were submitted to

Management on a monthly basis o Coordinate & Compile Ministry’s annual budget and forecast for FY2008/2009. o Coordinate & Compile Ministry’s Forward Estimates for the next 3 years o Regular Cash Spot Checks of all divisions to ensure control and compliance with policies

& procedures.

Deleted: ¶¶¶¶¶¶¶

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o Processing and disbursement of cheques for payments to beneficiaries of national events, Fuataga Samoa, National Youth Week, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day

o Ensure financial activities are carried out in accordance with proposed work plan o Provide training and awareness programs for staff on Budget Systems & procedures.

SECTION 3: STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Division NATIONAL PROCESSES

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL PROCESSES

Division for Women 1. Labour Market Information & Analysis

2. Community Paralegal Training (CPT 5)

3. Training on Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers

4. PSC Induction Program for New Recruits

5. Certificate IV Training & Assessment

1. Train the Facilitator to Advance Gender Equality in Political Governance, Stronger Women Citizens and Leaders.

2. Nutrition Study Tour 3. APTC Diploma of

Community Services Program

Division for Youth 1. Labour Market Information & Analysis

2. Community Paralegal Training (CPT 5)

3. Training on Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers

4. PSC Induction Program for New Recruits

5. Community Based Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Workshop

1. 2008 Indonesian Art & Culture Scholarship Awards

2. Regional Economic Empowerment Training of Trainers

3. Fellowship on Internet Governance

4. Workshop on Youth Employment

5. Commonwealth Youth Program Diploma in Youth Development- Tutor Training

6. Translating Policy into Action

Division for Research. Policy Planning and Information Processing.

1. Training on Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers

2. PSC Induction Program for New Recruits

3. Certificate IV Training & Assessment

1. Anti-Poverty Seminar 2. Human Resource

Development in the Field of Education & Social Welfare for Persons with Disabilities

3. APTC Diploma of Community Services Program

Division for Internal Affairs

1. Community Based Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management

1. Local Resource Based Development for Small Island Developing

Deleted: ¶

Deleted: ¶

Deleted: ¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶

Deleted: ¶

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Workshop

States 2. Anti-Poverty Seminar

Corporate Services and AV

1. PSC Human Resource System Key Users Training

2. Design & Developing Training

3. Training on PSC Human Resource System

1. Pacific Work Attachment with the Australian PSC Office in Canberra.

*Division for Printing

1. In-House Trainings 2. Induction Courses conducted by Division for Corporate Services.

*Division for Printing has continued to seek the Public Service Commission for Technical In-Country Training for its staff and still no luck.

SECTION 4: REPRESENTATION

The decision by the CEO for the Ministry’s representation in various committees of other Ministries to ACEOs based on the relevance to, and nature of, the Division’s work continued for the third consecutive year since the realignment in 2003. The following table shows the responsibilities delegated to the ACEOs of the Ministry’s six (6) Divisions:

Deleted: ¶

¶

¶

Deleted: ¶

Deleted: ¶

¶

¶

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Representation Ministries ACEO – Division for Women Health/Law Justice ACEO – Division for Youth Education ACEO – Division for Internal Affairs Agriculture

ACEO – Division for Research, Policy Planning and Information Processing

Environment

ACEO – Division for Corporate Services Tourism ACEO – Division for Printing Disaster Management

Advisory Committee ( MNRE)

This decision was made to ensure that:

o The views of the MWCSD are made known and reflected in the decision making process of respective Ministries;

o Linkages between the MWCSD and other relevant Ministries of government are strengthened; o The respective ACEOs are held accountable for the Ministry’s representation and reporting back

to Management; o There is continuity in the Ministry’s representation.

Notwithstanding this internal arrangement, the opportunity was afforded staff of other Divisions to participate in the processes coordinated by these sectors as appropriate in relation to Divisional functions. For example, the opportunity was open to staff of the DFY, DFW and DFIA staff to participate in certain MNRE meetings and/or training processes which may have implications on women, youth and Pulenuu. The CEO continued to represent the Ministry in certain Statutory Boards and Steering Committees.

SECTION 5: CONSTRAINTS In the past years, the following factors often encroached on the direction of the Ministry’s work and priorities:

(i) Government’s urgent priorities (ii) Cultural Protocols (iii) Community Expectations

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(iv) Budget Allocations (v) Expectations of Other Ministries and Agencies (vi) Governing Regulations of the Public Service Commission and Ministry of Finance (vii) Global trends

The Ministry takes these influential factors into account and has devised its objectives and strategies accordingly so as to minimize any negative setbacks but rather to turn these into opportunities which it may capitalize on to enhance implementation of its strategic policies and plans The Ministry takes pride in the professional capacity of its Management and staff however, there are still gaps in various aspects as identified in the following analysis. The Ministry’s corporate culture is not totally perfect and there is a need to place more emphasis on encouraging integrated approaches and synergies amongst Divisions. The separate locations of the Ministry’s Divisions are a major factor contributing to the disintegration of activities and Divisional networking. It often delays communication and the exchange of information as well as other staffing issues which may be minimized had the Ministry been accommodated under one roof. There are also gaps in the areas of policies and research not connecting well with the planning and implementation of programmes. There is also a need to strengthen the Ministry’s monitoring and evaluation role in all aspects of its work so as to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of its service delivery.

SECTION 6:

MWCSD BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 - 2009 Output Number Output Description Allocation

amount

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Output 1 Office of the Chief Executive Officer Policy advice to the Minister (includes allowances for Pulenuu, Committees, Women Advisory Committees, Komiti o le Faleula etc)

$1,000,125

Output 2 Honourable Minister’s Office Ministerial Support

$272,618

Output 3 Division for Women (Advancement of Women Services) $1,082,498

Output 4 Division for Women (Protection of Children Services) $250,297 Output 5 Division for Internal Affairs (Village Based Development Services) $2,212,804

Output 6 Division for Youth (Youth Development Services) $392,001 Output 7 Division for Printing (Printing Services) $163,382 Output 8 Division for Research, Policy Planning & Information Processing $495,598 SUBTOTAL OUTPUTS DELIVERED BY MWCSD TRANSACTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE STATE

$6,574,625

Membership Fees & Grants

Commonwealth Youth Program $48,399 Commemorative Events / Days Mothers Day of Samoa $10,000

National Youth Week $40,000 Fuataga o le Ie o le Malo $125,000 Fathers Day of Samoa $10,000 Government Policies / Initiatives Village Plantation Access Roads Rent & Leases: Minister’s Office $397,212

VAGST Output Tax $1,045,775 SUBTOTAL TRANSACTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE STATE

$1,676,386

TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS

$8,251,011

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The MWCSD would like to acknowledge the great support and commitment of Government and in particular our Minister Afioga Fiame Mataafa Mulinuu II for leading the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development in its fifth year of operation since the merge in 2003. The Ministry also wishes to acknowledge the support and cooperation received from Government Ministries, Corporations, Private Sector, Church Organisations, Non-Government Organisations and Civil Society.

Deleted: ¶

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Special acknowledgement must be noted of the Ministry’s key stakeholders in the villages and communities, the chiefs and orators (alii ma faipule), village mayors, government women representatives and women’s committees, youth leaders and youth groups of various churches and community representatives. As well, the contribution by the various Committees of the Ministry - Komiti o le Faleula o Samoa, Pulenuu Executives Committees (Upolu and Savaii) and Youth Directors Working Group - needed to be acknowledged with much gratitude. The Ministry further acknowledges the support and financial assistance from the donor community and development partners towards achieving results this year. The untiring efforts and hard work of the MWCSD Executive Management and Staff is acknowledged with sincere gratitude and appreciation.

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ACRONYMS ACEO - Assistant Chief Executive Officer ANM - Aiga ma Nuu Manuia CAN - Child, Abuse, Neglect CDS - Community Development Services CEDAW - Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women CETC - Community Education Training Centre CEO - Chief Executive Officer CRC - Convention on the Rights of the Child

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CYP - Commonwealth Youth Programmes DFCS - Division for Corporate Services DFIA - Division for Internal Affairs DFP - Division for Printing DFRPPIP - Division for Research Policy Planning and Information Processing DFW - Division for Women DFY - Division for Youth FFS - Future Farmers of Samoa FMFM 11 - Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II FY - Financial Year GWR - Government Women Representative HECA - Health, Environment, Children Alliance HIV /AIDS - Human Immune Deficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome IDSS - International Development Support Services IRETA - Institute for Research and Extension Training Agriculture JICA - Japan International Cooperation Aid MWCSD - Ministry of Women Community and Social Development MESC - Ministry of Education Sports and Culture MNRE - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MJCA - Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration MOH - Ministry of Health MPPF - Ministry of Police, Prison and Fire Services MWTI - Ministry of Works, Transportations and Infrastructure NCCRC - National Council for CRC. NGOs - Non Government Organizations NUS - National University of Samoa NWEC - National Women’s Education Centre (Japan) PC - Personal Computer PCP - Pacific Children’s Program PSC - Public service Commission PCV - Peace Corps Volunteer POA - Plan of Action SBEC - Small Business Enterprises Centre SDS - Strategy for Development of Samoa SGS - Small Grants Scheme SES - Samoa Economic Strategy SITAN - Situational Analysis SNYP - Samoa National Youth SPA - Samoa Ports Authority SPC - Secretariat of the Pacific Community SQA - Samoa Qualification Authority TALAVOU - Towards a Legacy of Achievement Versatility and Opportunity through Unity UNDP - United Nations Development Program UNFPA - United Nation Population Fund UNIFEM - United Nations Fund for Women UNESCO - United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization UNCRC - United Nation Childs Rights Convention USP - University of the South Pacific VAC - Violence Against Children VBD - Village Based Development

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