Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD) recipient, Anita Reynolds, will work in Apia for six months assisting the national association to re-establish the central office. Among her duties, Reynolds will provide training to a National Executive Director, staff and volunteers and seek funding for capacity building programmes.

The YWCA of Samoa hopes to develop the organisation nationally, revive dormant local branches and develop new membership. HIV and AIDS, teenage pregnancy, children’s health, suicide awareness and counseling will be a priority for the YWCA of Samoa. Visits to existing branches will be arranged to discuss possible programmes with a special focus on young women that members of the YWCA would like to plan.

The YWCA of Samoa announced the re-opening of their headquarters at a fundraising breakfast on May 3 to celebrate World YWCA day. The guest speaker at the event was Sina Retzlaff-Lima, the first woman President of The Samoa Chamber of Commerce. Funds raised during the breakfast went towards programmes for young rural women.

A mentor programme for young women students in High School and University ‘Nurturing Futures’ has been developed and will be piloted in May. The programme will involve prominent Samoan women leaders who will give young women regular leadership and mentoring advice to ensure they complete their education and achieve their qualifications.

The YWCA of Samoa hopes to make an appearance at the South Pacific Festival of the Arts in Pago Pago, American Samoa in July this year to sell handicrafts made by members in outlying villages.