In a proactive move towards bolstering Samoa's resilience against climate change, a pioneering two-day workshop concluded at the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) hall in Sogi on Thursday.

The workshop, spearheaded by the Council of World Mission (C.W.M.), aimed to equip youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute effectively to national climate action efforts.

The initiative, the brainchild of the C.W.M., was initially proposed to Reverend Dr. Taipisia Leilua, Secretary General of the C.C.C.S. General Assembly. Recognising its potential impact, Reverend Leilua referred the proposal to the Christian Education Committee, which diligently organised and executed the workshop. 

The event drew participation from key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) and the Disaster Management Office (D.M.O.).

During the workshop, experts from M.N.R.E. and D.M.O. engaged with participants, imparting crucial insights on how youth can actively engage in national climate strategies. 

Reverend Maleifua Tanielu, Director of C.C.C.S. Christian Education, emphasised the workshop's primary objective: to educate youth on disaster preparedness and their pivotal role in mitigating climate change impacts.

"Youth are not just the future but the current torchbearers for climate action in our communities, churches, and government," Reverend Tanielu remarked during an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

"Through initiatives like this, we aim to equip them with knowledge and inspire them to lead transformative change."

Central to the workshop was raising awareness about adaptive responses to changing weather patterns and enhancing disaster resilience. Reverend Tanielu expressed gratitude towards C.W.M. for their support and lauded the government entities for their informative presentations.

"This marks the first step in what we hope will be a sustained effort," Reverend Tanielu noted. "Currently limited to two districts within the town area, we envision expanding this initiative across rural districts and into Savai'i with continued support from C.W.M."

Founded in 1977, the Council of World Mission has a distinguished history of global Christian partnership, integrating resources and expertise to advance local missions. This workshop underscores C.W.M.'s commitment to addressing pressing global issues through collaborative community initiatives.