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Aug 12, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) are holding consultations with local groups, and public and private sectors this week to explore tailored financial solutions to help communities better prepare for natural hazards, reduce loss of lives and damage to crops, livestock and other assets.
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Aug 11, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer |Galumalemana Steven Percival
It wasn’t roasted breadfruit; it was roasted ripe bananas and pe’epe’e (coconut juice). On fact checking last week’s ‘TAKE’, I found that the decision for the next step in the development of education was marked by a meal of roasted ripe bananas, pe’epe’e (coconut juice) and other goods; not roasted breadfruit, as I had it last week. With independence certain, there was a desperate need for Samoans to take over positions then held by overseas officers.
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Aug 10, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer |Galumalemana Steven Percival
In a world where unexpected disasters and conflicts can arise at any moment, the importance of first aid cannot be overstated. The Samoa Red Cross Societies have been at the forefront of this crucial training, offering seminars that equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in emergencies. First aid training is more than just a series of lessons; it's an investment in our community's safety and resilience.
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Aug 8, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny |Safia Archer
The idea that children require palliative care is challenging for many, but a new programme for Pacific paediatric teams aims to support youngsters to live their best lives. A joint venture between Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland’s School of Nursing and Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Centre fr Global and Pacific Health, will see Pacific clinicians take part in a multi-phase Paediatric Palliative Care programme.
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Aug 6, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer
The mountain of End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) is an imposing challenge for the Kingdom of Tonga. Statistics show that the main island of Tongatapu has accumulated more than 30,000 ELVs over the years – and with more cars being imported on an annual basis, this number is quickly multiplying, with consequences on the environment. “If we don’t dispose these vehicles properly, the consequences on our environment and future generations are dire,” lamented Mr Saimone Vuki.
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Aug 5, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer
Prime Minister Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was presented last week with a hafted stone adze known in Samoan as a to’i fafau. The implement, gifted Galumalemana Steve Percival of the Tiapapata Art Centre, was once the main tool used by tufuga before the arrival of steel tools. With ingeniously made stone tools, highly skilled tufuga or master craftsmen were able to build Samoan houses, fishing and voyaging canoes, and a myriad of ceremonial and household items.
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Aug 5, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny |Safia Archer
The University of the South Pacific (USP) recently formalised a grant agreement with the Pacific Women Lead programme of the Pacific Community (SPC) to facilitate a regional approach to advancing female staff leadership in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
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Aug 4, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer |Uale Tofilau
Empowering youth is essential for the growth and development of any community. Young people hold the potential to bring fresh ideas and energy that can drive positive change. To unlock this potential, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities. In this article, we will discuss how communities can support their youth to ensure they succeed and contribute meaningfully. Education is the foundation of empowerment.
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Aug 3, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny |Safia Archer
Talofa Samoa and welcome back to your weekly Physiotherapy Column. Today’s column comes to you from Leslie Trigg, a physiotherapist from Western Australia, and covers Carpal Tunnel. What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Carpal tunnel is caused when the median nerve which passes through the wrist becomes compressed. This nerve is responsible for the sense of touch in the thumb and the majority of the next two fingers. It also controls some of the movement in the hand muscles.
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Jul 27, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny |Safia Archer |Uale Tofilau
Traditionally, when Samoa hosts a sharp influx of visitors its economy has a burst of growth. In 2015, real GDP grew 6.2% on the Commonwealth Youth Games and the first rugby match between the All Blacks and Manu Samoa. In 2019, Samoa hosted the Pacific Games, and GDP grew 6.3% in Q3, bringing the throughthe-year growth to 5.4%. As one-off-event-related visitor numbers drop off, growth tends to ease. The pandemic resulted in back-to-back recessions in 2020 and 2021.
