The Samoa Youth Advisory Board co-chairs Jasmine Koria and Tito Taufao returned to Samoa after completing their training program in Guangdong Province, China. 

They have successfully completed the three-week training program hosted by the Sun Yat-sen University with the support of China's Guangdong Province.

"It was our first trip to China, and we made ample use of the myriad of visits our hosts organised for us to explore important cultural and historical landmarks, technology innovation centres, factories, museums, and architectural wonders. We went to the Hong Kong - Juhai- Macao bridge, as well as the Museum for Overseas Chinese," shared the two. 

"We also had the honour of representing Samoa at a special 50 Years of Friendship Celebration Day hosted by the Huizhou Office of Foreign Affairs. We spent a full day with the Huizhou Office of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director, Ms. Chunlan Yang, and Ms. Yuting Tao, a representative from the office.

"We participated in a painting activity, we tested new drone technology that is being pioneered by university students in Huizhou, and we made pottery as well as tie-dye fans. It was an important reminder of the history of our diplomatic partnership with the People's Republic of China, as well as the importance of cross-cultural exchanges in general. Thirty-three youth leaders from all over the South and North Pacific graduated from the program."

According to Jasmine, the cohort included Fiji's youngest member of parliament Ketan Lal and representatives from various government and civil society. 

"Samoa was represented by four youth; alongside us were our colleagues Dilimoa Tusani and Christopher Membrere from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We are most grateful to the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development for nominating us as SYAB co-chairs to have this important learning experience. 

"We acknowledge the support of Afioga Loau Donina Vaa, the Ministry's Chief Executive Officer, as well as all ministry staff who supported our preparations. We acknowledge too the hard work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which helped to facilitate communication between us and our Chinese counterparts."

The two are excited to begin their work with the Samoa Youth Advisory Board in the planning and implementation of youth-centred projects based on what they have learned from China.

"We have been able to make several important connections on behalf of the board and Samoa. This is a first trip by representatives of the Samoa Youth Advisory Board, and we are very honored to be able to serve the people and government of Samoa and this capacity."