Ads by Google Ads by Google

Newly introduced DYWA Youth Academy program opens with high hopes for youth

Some of the more than 60 young people who attended yesterday's official opening of the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) Youth Academy program at the Pago Pago Community Center.  [photo: AF]
ausage@samoanews.com

Some 60 plus youth attended on Monday, this week, the official opening of the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) Youth Academy program at the Pago Pago Community Center. The participants were selected from youth around the island, who had submitted their applications for employment in the American Samoa government.

The Youth Academy program is set up by the government under the leadership of the DYWA, to train and educate youth on how to become a good employee for the government, as well as the private sector.

Under this new program, the youth will get the chance to work under the program for 10 weeks, funded by the Department of Commerce. They will be trained in several fields, including ways to utilize their time during working hours. They will also be given the opportunity to visit each government department to observe those who are already on the job.

After the 10-week program, then each government department will see from the participants they will hire to continue working.

Among the ASG leaders who attended the opening were Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and several cabinet directors.

DYWA deputy director Va’afusuaga Roy Ausage offered opening remarks and thanked the governor for giving the opportunity to the youth to empower them to become good leaders for the future, which shows the Administration’s continued commitment to the betterment of the Territory’s future generation.

In his remarks, Lolo urged the participants to determine their own futures by taking advantage of the opportunity provided to them and acting on it.

“Ever since we became leaders of this Administration, the first thing that came into our minds was to do something special for our youth. And that’s what we have done — we are making sure our youth … get the opportunity to work for the government and to empower them to become good leaders for the future,” Lolo said.

The governor said that the latest report he has just received from the government, is that a total of over 600 applicants are still pending at the Department of Human Resources, and they are from youth between the ages of 18 to 35 years old. And it’s something that really bothers him as a leader.

“The government is still trying to find ways to find you a job, and the first thing we’re doing is to educate you, train you and to make sure you have everything you need before you move up to the next level,” Lolo said.

He explained to the participants that the government wants “to help you and we also want to see you successful. Use this opportunity wisely and don’t just come here to enjoy your time and make friends. Use this opportunity to learn something new. You’re here to learn and the government will make sure you’re returning home with everything you need.”

Lemanu echoed the Governor’s statement and encouraged all the participants to make sure they take something important with them when they go back home.

“Don’t take this opportunity lightly, wherever you’re assigned to work — inside the office, out on the field or elsewhere — make sure you do your best and show that you can be a good leader for our country in the future,” he said.