Frequent visits by individuals and organisations to Samoa Victim Support Group's child refuge facility are worrying a number of their supporters. 

The humanitarian organisation has in recent weeks been running a fundraising event for its Campus of Hope residents with its facility at Tuanaimato continuing to attract individuals or organisations who've stepped forward to donate in cash or kind.

However, the various visits to the Campus of Hope in recent weeks haven't gone down well with two members of the public, who left comments on the Samoa Observer website expressing their concern. 

One of those who expressed his concern, Larry Murphy, said he supported everything that the S.V.S.G. has been doing for the child victims of violence and the donations they are getting are "fantastic". But he said he is worried about the impact of the frequent visits on the children residents.

"But, I'm starting to think, and am asking the question....are there too many people visiting the Campus of Hope?" said the former Apia resident. "All have good intentions, that goes without saying, but I think we have to remember that the Campus of Hope is the little ones' home. 

"Great to have some visitors now and then, but it seems every day they are on show, dare I say it, like an exhibit. Just concerned, the same as everyone who comes into contact with S.V.S.G. that's all. My foremost thoughts are always with the little ones and their mums." 

Another member of the public, who only identified herself as Marie, said the children at the Campus of Hope should be in school and getting counselling.

"It feels like those poor kids are being trotted out nearly every day to perform. What they need is to be in school and getting counselling for all they have gone through."

Both Mr. Murphy and Marie made these comments in response to an article on a visit to the S.V.S.G. last week by a group of 55 young adults from the Life Point Church AYC Group of the U.S. who visited Tuanaimato.

The S.V.S.G. President Siliniu Lina Chang did not want to respond directly to the comments when contacted on Monday. However, she said the visits to the Campus of Hope were "livelihood activities" and were also part of the children's "healing process".

She also said they have also refused and turned away many visitors previously for various reasons and their work is for the best interest of the children. According to Siliniu, the children also enjoy seeing new people and donors visit to see where they can help out with the children.

The visits to the Campus of Hope have also opened other doors for the children, which recently included a scholarship program for some of the girls to travel to New Zealand for studies.