“Empowering our youth today for tomorrow’s quality workforce, is our investment for the future of our government, private sector and ouR territory… that’s the youth of today,” said Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga.

Lemanu was the keynote speaker at the Department of Human Resources Workforce investment Act (WIA) 2013 summer youth employment program (SYEP,) which kicked off Monday morning with 300 students participating in this year’s program. Last year DHR’s SYEP had on board 125 students.

The Invocation and Benediction were conducted by Father Kolio Etuale of the Holy Cross Parish in Leone. Cabinet members were also present.

Lemanu told the students that despite the government struggling, given the downturn of the economy and the many competing priorities in ASG, the government has done everything to assure that they employ as many youth as possible this summer.

“So, to the youth of American Samoa — especially those of you who are part of the program this summer, we could only provide limited jobs this year due to financial constraints. So take full advantage of this opportunity and I hope that it’s not so much for the money but for the experience,” said Lemanu.

He further told the youth, this is a defining moment of your life, this is where you as a young man or young woman need to characterize your goals and dreams. “You will get to experience what you want to do in life, and from this experience find out within yourself if this is what you really want to pursue for your future. There are many different experiences you can learn on this job training, if you are willing to learn them… be curious and observe… ask questions… don’t be afraid to ask.”

Lemanu told the youth to be prompt to work and when you finish a task, ask for another one or volunteer to do other work or to help out in the office. The Acting Governor said that nothing comes easy, but hard work pays off and “dress appropriately for the job” he reminded them.

Turning his remarks to the Directors, staff and employers, Lemanu urged them to use the opportunity to help mentor and mold the youth for the future. “Inspire them, give them hope that tomorrow can be better than today.”

He added, “These youth are not in your office to just make copies of documents, or deliver mail, or make coffee or take out the trash.”

Lemanu urged them to include the youth in the staff meetings and when appropriate allow them the opportunity to observe project meetings to give them an understanding of what’s involved in completing a project.

“Director, I want you to also share with these youth the four core values or principles that are the governing pillars of our Administration— Unity, Equality, Transparency and Accountability,” he said.

Human Resources Director, Le’i Sonny Thompson who gave special remarks, noted the  importance of the SYEP is to help the youth prepare themselves for their future, in obtaining a job, pursuing college, and giving them a feeling for the work environment.

Le’i re-emphasized what the Acting Governor said — that is not to take advantage of the youth, “don’t send them on your personal errands”. Not mincing his words, he added, “do not harass them; you’re going to deal with me, if you do that, you’re not going to deal with the Lt. Governor or the Attorney General… There is a law that prohibits harassment in the work place, don’t do it.”

The HR director thanked the Directors for supporting the SYEP this year and allowing the youth the opportunity to work with them.

Also in attendance were close to ten youth from the Vocational Rehabilitation.

“I realize this morning that some of the people here have just graduated from high school — over a 1,000 graduated from high school and not everyone is going to be able to find employment, or go to school. So you who are here this morning for a specific purpose, spend your time wisely and learn something and don’t be afraid to ask. Directors, spend some time with the youth because I’m certain that they would like to be just like you one of these days,” said Le’i.

A delegation from Manu’a consisted of two teachers and about 40 youth, who are attending this year’s program, including the one week workshop to be held at Samoana High School. The Manu'a delegation will return back home this weekend.

Moana Purcell of HR told Samoa News the purpose of having workshops before the youth are assigned to their worksites is to emphasize the importance of working to improve employability skills through readiness training, and strengthening activities in educational pathways as well as occupational skills.

The training will focus on career planning, financial literacy, basic skills (including math and computer literacy), work habits, and time management, she noted. Youth participants will work four hours a day for 20 hours a week and will be paid $5.00 per hour.