Three-days of training facilitated by lecturers from the N.U.S School of Nursing in Savai’i focused on developing home-based carers’ practical skills in first aid, hygiene and general care.

The training is funded by the British High Commission and facilitated by the N.U.S School of Nursing. 

The workshop was rolled out in three villages; Asau, Safotu and Iva, from 27 - 29 October 2020. 

Participants included people from the community looking after older people and people with physical disabilities needing long term care within homes and community nurses. 

In a media release, the Project Coordinator and Faculty Member at N.U.S, Ramona Boodoosingh, highlighted the importance of carers and acknowledged the support of the British High Commission. 

"Carers play an essential role in the care of our elder population and persons with disabilities in Samoa. A significant amount of long-term care for persons with complex support needs is delivered within the home," Mrs. Boodoosingh said 

"The School of Nursing is grateful to the British High Commission for supporting us to deliver a community capacity development opportunity for our rural carers to give them a basic guide to assist in their carer responsibilities and improve the quality of life for persons who require long term home-based care." 

British High Commissioner, David Ward said that they were fortunate to be able to be of help in the public health sector of Samoa through the provision of funds. 

“I am delighted that in this difficult time of COVID-19, the British High Commission has been able to make a small contribution to Samoa’s public health capability through this training of carers, which I hope will make a lasting difference,” he said

The Nuanua o le Alofa also took part through a presentation on the provision of rights-based care for persons with disabilities and ensuring their connectivity is open and inclusive to address the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. 

“It has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with carers of persons with disabilities in Savaii and support the provision of rights-based care for our persons with disabilities who have complex support needs,” said Mata’afa Fa’atino Utumapu, the General Manager for Nuanua O Le Alofa.

The training is a part of a broader initiative led by the School of Nursing to ensure the capacity, confidence and ability of home-based carers to offer vital support to people living with complex mobility and support demands for self-care.