Teen Challenge Samoa in partnership with the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development have officially launched a series of workshops focusing on eradicating gender-based violence. 

The official launching of the workshops was held on Tuesday morning at the Apia Harvest Centre hall with Teen Challenge Samoa Chairman, Pastor Amosa Pouoa, the Ministry's C.E.O. Dr. Mema Motusaga, and Teen Challenge Samoa Country Director Pauline Elijah as well as counsellors and participants in attendance. 

One of the objectives of the series of workshops is for men to learn more about gender-based violence while also using their help to identify ways to eliminate domestic violence.

The workshop which runs for the next couple of months has a focus on gender-based violence targeting men, women and schools and will conclude at the end of the year.

Pastor Amosa told the workshop participants that he hopes other churches run similar programs targeting men and women, especially youth so they are educated on the issue.

"Its one of the things that we have been longing to do when teen challenge was launched," he said. 

"When they break the law the Court refers them to teen challenge to help them with counseling. The launch of the program is a testament of the commitment of Teen Challenge."

The non-profit organisation is looking to take its program out into the communities in the future and educate the people on gender based-violence as well as gender roles within the family.

The C.E.O. of the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, Dr. Mema Motusaga expressed hope that the series of workshops have a big impact on the community.

"With the help of Australia from 2017, there was a survey for violence against women conducted where we saw the sharp increase from 46 per cent to 64 per cent," Dr. Mema said.

She said that it is important such programs are run in the community and she is thankful for the initiative taken by the Teen Challenge Committee. 

Their moto of "Live for Christ, Stop violence, Keep the peace" reminds them that much of what they teach at Teen Challenge is heavily influenced by biblical scriptures and is seen as the best remedy for young men and women who seek counseling. 

Teen Challenge Samoa Inc. operates under the auspices of the Apia Harvest Centre which comes under the umbrella of the Assembly of God (A.O.G.) churches. Other programs it runs include counselling sessions for referrals from the Courts.