A course for Samoa Spinal Network (S.S.N.) members to equip them with knowledge and skills to overcome their physical disabilities to become leaders has been completed.

Over 20 members of the S.S.N. attended and completed the "Strengthening Vaogagana o Feso’ota’iga in aid Of Disabilities in Leadership" course with all the participants awarded certificates.

The recipients of the certificates included participants who are confined to their wheelchairs and attended with the assistance of their caregivers.

The certificates that were awarded to the participants have been accredited by the Samoa Qualification Authority. 

A small ceremony was held at the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort, Mulifanua on Saturday to mark the completion of the course and the awarding of the certificates. 

The presentation emphasised the message that those with disabilities can also be leaders. 

 One of the course participants, Vern Lusiano thanked the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development which provided the funding to make the course possible. 

The Ministry's C.E.O. Dr Mema Motusaga, who spoke on behalf of the Minister, acknowledged the funding assistance of the Australian Government's Aid Program which enabled such courses to be held for the disability community.

Mr. Lusiano, who spoke in his capacity as the S.S.N. President, said the course can help the participants seek employment and contribute to enhancing knowledge on Samoan culture.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Mr. Lusiano said the course started Thursday and concluded on Saturday.

“Despite the limited time we had, we were still able to fit everything together and complete successfully,” he said.

“A significant message we have received from this course especially for us who have a disability, that what is good for others without a disability, it is also good for us.

“It is also a challenge for participants to continue being part of such programmes to better equip them for employment.”

The Member of Parliament for Afega, Maulolo Tavita Amosa added that while this is not the first time the course has been held, it is the first time it has been done for persons with disability.

He spoke as the Director for Fautai’upu Consult who were the trainers of the programme.

Maulolo said the course enabled those who attended to be empowered, while adding that there is power in the spoken word, and those with physical disability can also use their voice.

He said some of the participants were not born with a disability but were victims of accidents such as falling from coconut trees or sports.

“Some look down on them because they come in wheelchairs while others say they cannot voice their concerns because they are considered sick.

“However, they may have a physical disability but their voices can be their contributions."