There is an increasing number of men calling for welfare support for their children.

According to the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG), for July and August this year their case management statistics have shown an increase in men calling their helpline number to ask for food and education-fee support for their children.

The SVSG said the men who called are currently unemployed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through the support of development partners, SVSG was able to respond to the different calls through welfare supplies,” said the humanitarian organisation.

“The SVSG village representatives on the other hand, have been fundraising through BBQs sold in front of the Vodafone Matafele Office, to put some of these children back to school.”

The SVSG community prevention programme also continues to engage men and boys in a bid to eliminate violence with the humanitarian organisation saying that it looks towards the power of a call to action as critical to driving change. 

“The change in mentality towards the silent acceptance of violence; the change in behaviour to speak out and seek help; and the change in attitude to say ‘no more’ to violence.

“It is in this regard that SVSG applauds the bravery of the men, women and children who are facilitating this call to action.”

The SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang said they are keen to reach out to marginalised members of the community.

“Together, we are fast-tracking actions for the most marginalized members of the community, to ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.