An inclusive outreach program run by the Siva Afi Ailao Club has great potential to become part of the healing of children survivors of violence who are resident at the Campus of Hope.

In a media release issued on Saturday by the not-for-profit organisation, the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) said a total of 15 children currently resident in the Campus of Hope participating in the sessions.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is working with the S.V.S.G. to give the sessions a trial run, specifically targeting street vendors who could have artistic talents in dancing.

The National Coordinator for the ILO in Samoa, Laufiso Tomasi Peni, confirmed the partnership with the S.V.S.G. in the media release issued by the not-for-profit.

“ILO and Siva Afi Program are working together on introducing try out sessions in support of the street vendors who have the potential to make fire dance a talent, said Laufiso.

“Part of this year’s competition is to visit the Campus of Hope with the intention to host try out for the children at part of an inclusive outreach program."

While previous fire dance programs had invited a couple of children to be trained at the Siva Afi compound, this was the first time the team visited the Campus of Hope at Tuanaimato and introduced the traditional cultural dance to more than 10 children.

The danger, the excitement, the curiosity were all expressed by the children throughout the program, according to the S.V.S.G. media release. Therein lies the connection of the traditional fire knife dance to the children’s healing in progress.

Through channeling their anger, frustrations and loss into mastering the art of fire dancing, the children are killing two birds with one stone, added the media release, and they will also learn the tradition of the fire dance which will support their healing processes.

The S.V.S.G. President Siliniu Lina Chang acknowledged the initiative led by the ILO and the Siva Afi through this program.

“Thank you so much Leota Lene and the Team for such an enjoyable first day of the program.  The children are now practicing with any stick they come across to.

“Thank you also Laufiso Tomasi for always looking out for the children of hope.”