The Palauli No. 1 District Development Council has held a talanoa session with church ministers and their wives from the different denominations to address social issues affecting the community.

An evening talanoa session was hosted by the Palauli 1 District Development Council on Friday 18 August 2023 at the Salailua Metotisi Hall, according to a media release issued by the council on Friday. 

The local M.P. and Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o led the discussions and sought the input of the clergy on how challenges such as domestic violence, youth crime (including use of illegal drugs), human trafficking, and assistance for people with disabilities can be addressed.  

The members of the clergy were invited to not just discuss problems but also propose solutions, which will be used by the council to formulate programs that could be implemented and funded through the Palauli No. 1 District Development Plan.

Mulipola described the talanoa session as a "historical moment" for the district as it was the first time that such a cross-church inter-denominational meeting had taken place in Palauli No. 1. 

“This first Talanoa session has opened doors between and within different denominations to sit down in one place to discuss problems pertinent to families and villages within the district,” said Mulipola.

“The session has provided opportunities for members of the clergy to provide practical solutions that could be implemented in partnership, by both churches and village councils, and funded through our district development plan.”

The discussions resulted in the drafting of resolutions that called for the formulation of village by-laws to ensure churches and village councils work together to counter issues raised. The hosting of annual youth camps and sporting events for all denominations across the district was also recommended, together with the acknowledgement of the need for regular talanoa sessions amongst members of the clergy and village councils, to encourage networking and sharing of lessons learnt within and between villages.

Mulipola also emphasised the importance of engaging with church ministers and their wives as part of an "inclusive approach" which the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Government continues to promote. 

“They [faifeau ma faletua] play a crucial role in ensuring ‘no one is left behind’ as well as contribute to the development of the district," added the Minister.