The American Samoa Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (ASCADSV) located at Lions Park in Tafuna at FAA – 11 Tolu Street  finished the first session for its Employment and Job Training Project, which began on the 15th of June and ended on Thursday, July 2nd.

The Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) through ASG-Department of Commerce funded this “Employment and Job Training” project, under the direction of Mr. Keniseli Lafaele.

ASCADSV expresses its sincere gratitude to Chief Executive Officer of the Territory, Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga, to Keniseli Lafaele, his assistant Charlene Fa’alevao, Falefata Moli Lemana and the entire staff for this award.

Catering to women of different nationalities and aged 18+, its Adult Learning Class in English as a Second Language (ESL) course and Hands-on training in Horticultural/Hydroponics has built capacity and enabled women to be self supporting and independent, helping them to secure a brighter, more helpful future not only for themselves but also for their children.

Being a non-profit organization, the American Samoa Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence believes in proactive partnerships with faith based organizations, community and government in providing a holistic approach towards strengthening families to prevent and end domestic sexual violence in American Samoa. In building a safe and healthy island community, ASCADSV designed its employment and job training project to help women secure employment, enhance their income, start their own business, and/or grow their own food. 

Though the weather during the day was bipolar, light showers were visible and it was significant of the day being special and blessed.  Mistress of Ceremony and Project Coordinator Faith Malele Sivoinavatu welcomed the guests and participants, then began the ceremony with the hymn, “Fa’afetai i le Atua” with the crowd joining in. Invocation was offered by Mesake Sivoinavatu before ASCADSV Executive Director Mata’utia Liliu Mailo gave welcome remarks.

Charlene Faalevao of the Department of Commerce explained what the Community Services Block Grant Program provides and who is eligible for CSBG funding. Then the most important part of the ceremony took place and as their spouses and children looked on, the participants of the project were awarded for their time and effort, as it was not easy going back to school. Benediction was given by Samani Matanisiga, the spouse of one of the project participants, then lunch followed!

The Project has addressed and helped participants gain valuable experiences in all of the following areas (as identified by the ASG Department of Human Resources Employment and Training Division assessment of territorial employer needs in regards to general employment skills):

1. Lack of work ethics amongst new employees
2.  
3. Lack of technical skills (e.g., computer literacy)
4.  
5. Lack of English Proficiency
6.  
7. Low overall workplace skills
8.  
9. Lack of experience
10.  

The second session of the project will start on the 27th of July, 2015 lasting three weeks, teaching English as a Second Language 1 (ESL 1) and Hydroponics again. 

For Further Details, please call Faith Malele Sivoinavatu at 699-0171.