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MinisQy sf You&, Sports and Cultural Affairs Government: ef Samoa Wth the Assistonce of:. Commonwealth Youth Programme A d : United N a t i ~ m Dme[opment Programme W D P ) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacijk (ESCAP) United ,Vations Educa fzonal, Scient@c, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Government and nongovemment organizations interns fed in youth dewlupment in Samoa. Published by: stry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs Government of Samoa @ Govement of Samoa 2001 The Smoa Natioi~al Youth P o k y 2001-2010 bas been produced under the direction of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural AE%rss, the Cbmnment of Samoa's key agency for you& development. Financial and technical assistance far this important initative was &st received under the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) with firrther support received by the the United Nations Development Programme (UMlP), the Economic and S o d Commiskon for Asia and the Pacific @SCAP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Principal Consultants: DK Peggy Fairbairn-Dundop G a I t ~ m a h m a Steven PePcivnt Regional Advisor (ESCAP): DE ChrEes Kick111 Poliq Dwelopmat Ta8kfor~e: Jmzet Herrig US Peace Corps Volunteer Neal J m s US Peace Corps Volunteer KiIat1' AEaidim US Peace corps Roina Faafrnntm-Frmatm MYSCA Paul Mere&& Trea511y Wartment- Planning S i y c B q Ffttz~ari MYSCA Oiiver Taitzcuga Education Department M m i a MziIitaIo MYSCA Kai~rm Fanoti Statistics Department Mose Fidv NlYSCA S M e y Miriwr N a t i o d University of Samoa Seidi Z M m I e l e m Samoa School of Music Editor: l k E m m £&we Ycrai Samoa Polytechnic Document Lay-out: MP: GaI~maIema~m S. Percivd Ms Kit@ Angel The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Cultural Agairs authorises the reproduction of textual material, tables and charts, provided appropriate acknowledgment is given, viz., Samoa National Youth Policy 2001-2010 (SNYP). The cover desiga and photo montages were bared on original designs by Tricia Tadeo, a youth volunteer who also assisted with layout and data input, Graphics and Illustrations: The official S m o a NaionaI Youth Policy 2001-2010 logo is based on a design by Vaga Tupu, a student of Papauta Girls High School (1 999). Photography: MYSCA, Gozr1.011 BensIey, Samoa =sitom Bureau, Tiapapata Art Centre (TAC), Ron Kub'i and the M~iseum fur V01kwkunBe (Frankfurt am Nlain). Photo&taphs marked NYP were taken by the principal consaltant. Illust~~ttive material m o t be reproduced without permission ofthe photographer or artist. lTIX " .. "......."......... ... !IX ............. "." ............................................. ?X Ix .............................................................................. ... ao!s!~ &!yo6 4 ~ i[i0 raogr ~ rN tto nrt?~ " .."" ""........... . q m ~ 7 ap3wjq % J F ~ p x r q ~ g spods "yzno~ 3% f a $ a m s "uofl3npoqu~ X! ............ 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'.."..............................*........................=...........'........... ~ M O I 1 V Z X 2 ~ ILLilO;\\, 9-z *9 ........ "" .................................................................... *SZIi2SSI 3 3 E i I D w lParWN x3;y samsax putr uoyMasuo3 tsuogwy(a.rg $uaunro.rpus Aaa fsuo~suaunc[ 7 m m 3 Abbreviations used in this document AusATD Australian Agency for International Development AUYS Apia Urban Youth Survey CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women CPR Contracgrtive Prevalence Rate CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child CYP Commonwealth Youth Programme DHS Demographic and Health Survey (1999) DLSE Depamnent of Lands, Suimey and Enviroment ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific FA0 Food and Agriculture Organisation GDP Gross Domestic Product GNI? Gross National Product HEAPS Health Education and Promotional Services HIES Household Income and Expenditure Survey (1997) HIv/Ali)S Hwnazl Immundeficieflcy MmdAquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome NPV Human papilloma vinls IGO International Gocrementd Organisation a0 Intmational Labour Organisation IOC Itemational Olympic Conwrittee JICA Japan hternational Coopemtion C o d t t e e JOVC Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteer ZMDS Labour Market Demand S w e y (1 998) MYSCA Ministry of Youth Sports and Cultural Affairs NEMS National Environmental Management Strategy NERDS National Environmental Resource Database of Samoa NGO Non-government organimtion NOC National Olympic Committee NPF National Provident Fund NUS National University of Samoa NYP National Youth Policy NYPAC National Youth Policy Adhoc Committee NYPCC National Youth Policy Coordinating Committee NYPDC National Youth Policy Development Committee NZODA NZ Ofticid Development Assistance ONOC Oceania National Olympic Committee PSC Public Service Commission SAT Samoan Tala (unit of currency: US$1.00 approximately SAl33.00) SES Statement of Eeonornic Strategy 2000-2001 SFHA Samoa family Health Association SNA System of Natiotwl Accounts SNYP Samoa National Youth Policy 2001 -201 0 SPREP South Pacific Regional Environment Programme SSAHD SSFNOC S m o a Sports Federation and National Olympic Committee SSS Senior Smndasy S c h d sm Sexualfy transmitt& diseases TFR Total Fertility Rate . UHAft Unpaid Howhold Activities Report (1 997) UPlDP United Nations Development Programme UNESCO United Nations Educirtionat, ScientSfic and Cultural Organisation W P A United Nations Population Fund WHO World Health Organisation YMCA Young Men's Christian Association YSP Youth Service Provider Aoga School Apitaga Dwellig place Aualuma Female descendants of the village as opposed to h-nlarrying &vies Aumaga The untitled men of a village Autalavou Youth groups estabfished under the auspices of different churches Ava Ceremonial drink made from the root of the kava plant Faalapotopotop Organisation Fadapotopotog twnaoti Independent organization Faalavelave Social obligation Faaleagaga Spiritual Fadetino Physical Faa-mat& Chiefly system of governance Faa-samoa The Samoan way Fai-ava In-marrying males Fale o faulelea House of untitled men Faletua ma tau& Women married to matai Fono Meeting or council Fono a matai Council of chiefs Fue Ceremonial flywhisk Galuega Work or occupation Kirikiti Cricket Komiti o Tina ma tamaitai Women's committee M o n a Emotions Le tago lima "Out of touch" A reference to being poor Lima vaivai Weak hands" A reference to being poor Angels trumpet (BeEaboma) a haI1ucigent Maea e tasi "One rope" A reference to unity Mafaufau Intellect or thoughts Malo Government Malo aufaaasi United Nations Manaia Son of a ranking chief Maota o Alii ma faipule House of chiefs and the village mayor Mas@ s Faletua ma Wsi House of wives of the village chiefs Maota o tamaitai ma Saoao House of the daughters and sisters of the village Matai Chief Mativa Poor Mea taumafa Food Bofotane Inmarrying females Nuu Village Malosiaga o tupulaga tdavou The strength of youth Blaga atinae Productive life Olaga faateagaga Spiritual life Pulenuu Village mayor Pulou aitu "Magic muskroom'~ducigent Sene Cent (unit of Samoan currency) So&a maloloina Health Soifitaga lautele Social Taaloga Sports or games Tafaigata Prison site in Upolu Tagata matua Adult Tala Dollar (unit of the Samoan Currency) Talavou Youth Tarnaitiiti Child Tamaoaiga Wealth Tapu Sacred Tapuaiga Religion Taulasea Traditional healer Tahllelea Untitld men Taupou Viage maiden Tautua Serve Tupulaga Generation Tupulaga talavou Ula Vaiaata Vailima Table 1.3-1 Religious &Iffiliation - I991 census and 1999 D33S Table 1.4-2 Total nuder of brides and grooms by youth age categoryf 1994-1998 Table 1.4-2 Employed youth (15-29) by occqdon, age md sex - 1991 census Table 1.4-3 Persons 10-29 years by type of main daily activity and gender Table 1.6-1 Labor participation by age group and gender Table 1.6-2 1999 enrollment data Table 1.6-3 Level of educational irttainmerrt for ppulatim 15 years and over recorded in 1999 demographic and health survey Table 1.6-4 Population 15 years and over who received further training (1999 Dm) Table 1.6-5 Publie Service C o d s i o n emp1oovmennt data (February 2000) Table 1.8-1 EGO'S providing specid needs educatifn in Samoa Table 1.8-2 Youth (12-29) suicide attempts and deaths by method 1988-1999 Tabb 1.8-3 Villages with 5 or more youth suicides, 1988-April 2000: total suicides, average age, youth %, and Sex Table 1.8-4 Young persons sentenced to prism by offence and table Table 1.8-5 had tried smoking, alcohol or spirits and marijuana by broad age gmups and gender Table 1.8-6 10-1 9 year old youth who had tried smoking , alcohol or spirits and marijuana by broad occupation and gender Table 1.8-7 Estimated drop-outs by level for 1995-1999 Table 1.8-8 Student drop-olrts at the end of year 8 for government schools by district (1998-1999) Table 1.8-9 Percentage of horneholds, by region with physiCaaly/menMy disabled persons (1991) Table 1.9-1 Youth service provider matrix (September 1999) Table 2.1 - 1 Primary causes of admission and deaths (1996) Table 2.1-2 Sexually active population and Gudy planning use (1999 DHS) Table 2.1-3 ZJretdewe of obesity Table 2.1-4 Number of those never bem beend (15-49 yem) by whether or not they have ever had sexual intercourse (1 999 DHS) Table 2.2-1 Tb.e f o d e d u d m system (1999) Table 2.2-2 Selected schooi fees f%r 2000 (full year unless stated otherwise) Table 2.2-3 Average transition rate over the 1995-1999 period Table 2.2-4 Estimated direct expenditure (1999-2000) at government colleges and junior secondary schools Table 2.3-1 Workers and average weekly wage in the public and private sectors by gender (1996 Labour Market Demand) Table 2.3-2 TotaI employed p c m contributing to the NPF by industiy (1994-1939) Table 2.3 -3 Youth (10-29 yeam) by full-time activity and sex Table 2.4- 1 Persons sentenced to prison (1995-1998) by broad age group and gender Table 2.4-2 Persons placed under probation (1995-1998) by broad age group and gender Table 2.4-3 Persons sentenced to prison and placed under probation (1995-1998) by broad age group and gender TabIe 2.4-4 Persons sentenced to prison (1995-1998) by address and place of offence Table 2.6- 1 Spoi-ting assoeiatiom register& with the Samoa Ami.&ur Sports Federation and National Olympic Committee Table 2.5-2 Sports DeveIapment Programma by h4YSCA in dldmration with Samoa Sports Federation and N & d Olmiic Ckmmittee Figure 1.1-1 Seven factors influencing youth development Figure 1.2-1 Viage structure Figure 1.3-1 I999 DNS population by religious f i a t i o n Figure 1 -4- 1 Population pyramid ffam the 1991 cesrsus and the mid-year popuiation estimates for 2000 Figure 1.4-2 Samoa's population for 1986,199 1,1996 and 200 1 Figure 1.4-3 Youth as % of total mid-year population estimate for 2000 Figure 1.4-4 Youth in the population (1991 census) Figure 1.4-5 Brides and grooms 1 5-24 years of age 1994- 1998 Figure 1.46 Femaldmale ratios: separateddivorcPxl and widowed (1991) Figure 3.4-7 Corrected age specific fertility rates 1991 Rgure 1.4-8 Still birtfis per 1,000 at government health facilities, 1995 Figme 1.49 Pemm 10-29 y m by type d activity aad sex Figure 1.4-10 Man daily activiw, 30-29 year aye p u p , KiES Report (1997) Rgure 1.5-1 Organisations in which youth participate Figure 1.5-2 Levels of participation Figure 1 5 - 3 Traditional avenues for youth views to reach village council decision making Figblre 1.6- I Matai tides given trr f a d e s and males f l99l-IW4) Figure 1.6-2 Sdary ranges for governmeat emplqees by gend~r, Febnrary 2000 Figure 1.6-3 Average male and female wages (all industries) recorded at NPF; quarterly &om September 1994- 1999 Figure 1.6-4 Participation by gender at National Youth Policy workshops held July - November 1996 Figure 1.7-1 The t o d inwrne by sowee rec&itt,ed by pemns 15 years and over in househo1ds for dl regions, HlES 1997 Figure 1.7-2 Income breakdown by region, HIES 1997 Figure 1.7-3 Breakdown of households with the lowest 20% of total daily eqenditures by region, NIES 1997 Figure 1.7-4 Levels of agriculture activity, Agriculture Census 1999 Figure L,7-5 Level of agriculture &city by r e g i o ~ Agniculture Census 1999 Figure 1.8-1 Elements affecting quality of life Figure i .8-2 Suicides attempted and complete&, 1979-1999 Figure 1.8-3 Suicide attempts by age group and sex 1990-1999 Figure 1.8-4 Youth and all other suicide attempts 1990-1999 Figure 1.8-5 Youth (12-29 years) suicide deaths by method 1988-1999 Figure 1.8-6 Youth offenders sentenced to prison over the period 1995-1998, by age and sex Figure 1.8-7 Persons under 21 years sentenced to prison in 1995-1998, by type of offence Figure 1.8-8 Persons under 21 years placed under probatim 1995-1998, by theft and all other crimes Figure 1.8-9 Persons under 21 years placed under probation 199% 1998, by offenee and gender Figure 1.8-10 Average ages of yo& under 21 years sentenced to prison and average ages at which they lefi. school (95-98) Figure 1.8- 11 Average ages of youth under 21 years placed under probation & average ages at which they left school (95-98) Figure 1.8-12 Percentage of youth (1 0-29) who have tried smohg, alcohol and marijuana by sex and full time activitv. Figure 1.8-13 ~ e r c e k e dfulItime students ( 10-14 yeam) who have tried smoking, alcohol an marijuana by sex Figure 1.8-14 Percentage of youth (10-19 years) who have tried smoking, alcohd and marijuana by occupation and sex Figure 1.8-15 blumul&ve schwi drep-otit compared with Y8-'1'9 national enrolment (1995-1999) Figure 1.8-16 Tcrtal S c h l drop-outs by level for 1995-1999 Figure 13-17 Tcrtal School drop+& by level for 1995-1999 Figure 1.8-18 Percentage breakdown of household by region, with physically, mentally disabled persons Figure 1.8-19 PerccTntage of women surveyed by v&i&ter or not they had ever experit311ced domestic violence Figure 1.8-20 Percentage of victims by age at which violence occurred Figure 1.9-1 Thematic areas of youth development Figure 1.9-2 Youth service pcoglidm Figure I. 10 Youth profile s v Figure 2.1-1 Two main sourats of Pmmy He& Care Figure 2.1-2 Public Wea1th Sector January -May 2000, by gender Figure 22-6 Age groups at which those vvho had never been manied first experienced sex Figure 2.1-7 Percent of youth 10-29 years old who had not eaten any fruit, greens or gther vegetables the day before by gender Figure 2.1-8 Obesity among youth 20-29 years old (1991-1995) study Figure 2.1-9 Regular smokers by gender among youth 10-29 years of age Figure 2.1 - 10 Regular smokers by age group, gender Figure 2.2- 1 Government and Non-govement schooIs by level Figure 2.2-2 Government and Non-government enrolment by academic year Figure 2.23 Average k;msitim rate (1895-1999) Figure 2.2-4 Expenditure breakdown betwm govement Junior Secondary Schools and the m11eges (1999- 20001 Figure 2.2-5 Per &dent direct expenditure and enrolment at the four govement colleges (estimated fw 1999- 20001 Figure 2.25 &&arison of direct expenditure and enrolment at the four government colleges (estimated for 1999-20001 Figure 2.2-7 1999 enrollment by school year (level): gender & projected population Figure 2.2-8 Current status of Overseas scholmhrp studems:l990-1999 Figure 2.2-9 Pluticipation rates: 1996- 1999 Figure 2,2-10 All secondary studmts enrolled in 1999 and estimate of those not at school Figure 2.3-1 Employed youth (15-29) by broad economic activity group and gender (1991 Census and 1999 DHSI Figure 2.3-2 ~otal'workers in Public and Prim& Sector by gender (998 Labour Market Demand Survey) Figure 2.3-3 Total employed persons contributing to NPF (1994-1999) Figure 2.3-4 Tot& employed persons contributing to the NPF by gender (1999) Figure 2.3-5 'Tilew etqbymazt'' deparhtse by gender (1998) Figure 2.4-1 Persons sentenced to prison by broad age groups (1995-1998) Figure 2.4-2 Permis sentenced b prism, by crime, gmder and broad age groups (1995-1998) Figure 2.4-3 Persons placed under probation by broad age groups (19%- 1998) Figure 2.4-4 Youth placed under probation for theft related crimes, by gender, compared with all other crimes (2995- 1998) Figure 2.4-5 Male and female youth sentenced to prison and placed under probation (1995-1998) Figure 2.44 Persons sentenced to prison and placed d e r probatwn, by gender (1995-1998) Figure 2.5-1 Comert.ation areas and reserves in Samoa Figure 2.5-2 Changes in Samoa forest cover - 1954 -1987 The Independent State of Samoa has a very young population. Over 50% of the population are young people between the ages of 12 and 30 years. This young population is the major resource for economic development, social change and technological innovation. Hence, the Government Statement of Economic Stratergy (SES) for the current national development plan, accorded the priority to Education, Health and Social improvement. ..* The most valuable resource of every country is their youth. The development of young V Z ~ Z people is the responsibility and task of everyone. The government, the community and the young people themselves are the stakeholders. This policy calls for action which contributes to the economic, social and cultural advancement of Samoan society through the achievement of self-suficiency and self-reliance. The Government endorses and enforces the formulation of Corporate Plan and Policy to assist with the overall National Economic Development Plan. This will ensure transparency and accountability of government plans to all its stakeholders and thus encourage their particiapation in providing services. The National Youth Policy portrays the real situation of youth in Samoa and provides policies, goals and objectives as well as implementation plans for youth to capitalise on their strengths and thereby contribute to progress and prosperity in Samoa. Hon. Tuilaepa S Malielegaoi Prime Minister As Minister of Youth Sports and Cultural AfSairs, I am extremely honoured and delighted to be accorded the privilege to present to the Government, the Stakeholders, the national and international community but especially to the young people of Samoa our National Youth Policy 2001 -2010. This Policy serves to highlight issues that are currently faced by our youth. The issues of gender balance, social justice, and human rights are the basis of the National Youth Policy since they are the fi~ndamental ingredients for peace and democracy. This Policy provides guidance to the Government, the Ministry, and Stakeholders involved in youth development to formulate and implement programmes for a better today and tomorrow for our children. I extend my gratitude and appreciation to all international agencies and experts as well as our Government and local people but specifically the Ministry of Youth Sports and Cultural affairs for the work well done. God bless you all. Ulu Vaomalo Ulu Kini Minister Ministiy of l.'outh, Sports and CulturalAffairs The Commonwealth Youth Ministers' meeting held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 17-19 May 1995 declared that all Commonwealth governments should, as a means to coordinating efforts to support positive youth development, adopt integrated national youth policies by the year 2000. This was further agreed to in the National Youth Symposium held 16-18 October 1996, which launched the Apia Urban Youth Survey conducted in 1994. The Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs (MYSCA) as the lead agency, established in August 1997, a National Youth Policy Development Committee (NYPDC) comprising stakeholders from both within government and civil society. The goal, agreed to by this group was a National Youth Policy for Samoa by the end ofthe year 2000. Stakeholder Participation Representatives invited' from an original list of 24 government and non-government organisztions, working together with a consultantZ appointed by the Commonwealth Youth Program (CYP) for this purpose, contributed in varying degrees, to the first draft of a situational analysis of youth in Samoa. In undertaking this task, both MYSCA and NYPDC referred to and adopted many of the ideas contained in "Policy 2000- Formulating and Implementing National Youth P~licies"~. The NYPDC divided itself into nine sub-committees responsible for researching and compiling information on pre- selected key strategy areas. These were later combinedJ, for the purpose of presentations to be made at workshops held with government and community stakeholders, under three umbrella sub-committees. Pathways: tracing the transition from childhood to adulthood including education and employment Personal: presenting issues of personal concern such as health and recreation Participation: with particular reference to decision-making in development. Each sub-committee elected a person to chair their meetings and these people formed the National Youth Policy Coordinating Committee (NYPCC). A third tier to the Policy development process was a 4-member Ad-hoc Committee (NYPAC) formed in late 1998 by the NYPCC to review the draft Policy to improve its style, content and format (adding graphs and illustrations). The first NYPAC-revised draft tabled for the consideration of NYPCC is dated June 1999. Briefly, this work: Presented a comprehensive, albeit incomplete, profile of youth in Samoa, Identified some of the key issues facing youth, Reported what the community and other stakeholders had to say about youth concerns as expressed at a series of 12 workshops held July-November 1998', Provided the basis for further work required for the Policy to be completed. MYSCA's Corporate Plan (2000-2003) establishes the Policy within the framework of the Ministry's strategic plan and provides useful background information and a profile of youth in Samoa. Adding further impetus to this process was the Pacific Youth Strategy 2005 (PYS 2005) adopted by Youth Ministers of the Pacific Community at their first conference held in French Polynesia from 30 June to 1 July 1998. This resolution provides a regional strategic framework for addressing the increasing challenges for Pacific Youth into the next century and recalls the need for governments in the Pacific region to develop gender-inclusive national youth policies. Magele L Isaako Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural AJYizirs ' MYSCA letter dated 21 July 1997 Dr Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, Fairbairn-Dunlop 6( Associates : A Commonwealth Handhook, Commonweaith Secretariat, 1996 " Ibid. Developed by the Youth Research Centre in Melbourne (1989) ' A total of 443 participants attended workshops organised for youth, adults, school prefects, women, village mayors @ulriwi), I-eligious leaders, prisoners, and Heads of Government Ikpartrnents. For every Samoan youth to have the freedom to enjoy all human rights, with equal access and oppertunities to participate and contribute fully to all aspects of development. The mission of the National Youth Policy of Samoa is to advocate and establish programmes designed to enable the spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, social and economic development of Samoan youth; thereby empowering them to achieve a better quality of life for themselves, their families, their communities, and the nation. The Policy aims to facilitate and support youth participation in local, national and international forums so that they may play a greater and more meaningful role in shaping their future and the world they live in. Moreover, the Policy will foster the mobilization and effective use of resources for the benefit of youth. * The Samoa National Youth Policy 2001-2010 is like a tree which nurtures the spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, social and economic development of tomorrow's youth. Students at Faleata Junior Secondary Schooi "0 le laau e toto nei e manuia ai tupulaga taeao". For the crafters of the National Youth Policy 2001 - 2010, "The tree planted today will benefit tomorrow's youth", is a phrase which conveys the essence of what t h E Youth Stakeholders had set developing a National Youth Policy. It is a seed planted with sincere hopevo provid he full participation and contribution of youth to* all aspects of developme%. This Policy outlines a framework in line with the Government's overall develo and assist youth development activities in Samoa. It is envisaged that it will be adopted to be the basis and framework for assistances on youth development programme nomic Strategy. .r,.e&\\ Members of the National Youth Policy Development Committee (NYPDC), compridsing of t h C various government and non-government organizations (NGOs), brought together all those in the community who have an interest and concern for youth, including youth themselves, to share information and views.The response considerable and over the course of several months, hundreds of people participated in ed by MYSCA and the NYP Development Taskforce (Adhoc Committee). The workshops ndsjsfSavaii and Upolu from October to December 1998, and involved youtl&clergy, officials, prisoners and representatives from the private sector. This information plus ad- ditional data drawn from a variety of sources and recent studies was later worked into subsequent policy drafts by a consultant in collaboration with the Policy Development Taskforce. After many months of effort, the National Youth Policy document began to take shape. Section One of the Policy document called "The Youth Profile" begins with a description of how Samoan youth are viewed from a traditional as well as a contemporary perspective. It recommends the age bracket of 12- 29 years to be the official age for youth of Samoa. It also provides information on youth with respects to demo- graphics, culture, religion, gender, and closes with a listing of Youth Service Providers and their current programmes for youth. The Second Section presents information on several key priority areas where youth stakeholders have identified major problems amongst youth and changeweeded for the betterment of youth. These include: Youth unemployment ~4$e High rate of school drop-outs xii Lack of employment opportunities Lack of viable alternatives for school drop-outs Limited access to Health Services and information Youth suicide Limited involvement of youth in the protection and conservation of the environment Lack of youth research and data collection Isolation of vulnerable youth including special needs youth, delinquents and street vendors High number of youth involved in criminal activities Absence of a judicial system for juveniles A comprehensive set of policy statements were drafted and agreed upon byMe Youth Stakeholders in the first meeting. These Policies were further refined and approved in the Second Stakeholders Meeting along with the development of Implementation plans outlining the measures and resources needed as well as identifying the responsible agencies. The Implementation Plan forms the third section of the policy document and along with the Youth Pro- file, Key Priority Areas, Vision, Mission and Policies form the framework of the National Youth Policy 2001- 2010. MYSCA in collaboration with the NYPDC will develop a more condensed version of National Youth Policy 2001-2010 highlighting key infor ' and policy statements along with a brochure to help raise aware- 4 We dedicate the%^^ 2001-2010 to all stakeholders who were involved in its development and may the pages that follow be a source of inspiration to take appropriate actions towards the fulfillment of our vision. Members of the Development Taskforce. 1. OFFICIAL YOUTH AGE POLICY -- Policy Purpose: To better target programs and services to youth within this age bracket. Policy Outcome: The official youth age for Samoa will be between 12 - 29 years. Objective 1: To request Cabinet approval to establish an Official Age Bracket for youth in Samoa to be between 12-29 years. Objective 2: To generate public awareness and acceptance of the Official Youth Age. 2. STRENGTHEN THE AIGA & FAAIMATAI IN ADDRESSING YOUTH ISSUES -- - Policy Purpose: To draw and build on the strengths of existing social, cultural and religious values which support youth development. Policy Outcome: A strengthened relationship between the aiga, faasamoa and young people in addressing the concerns of youth. Objective 1: To explore effective ways for youth and other members of the community to have greater collaboration in the aiga and community decision-making. Objective 2: To strengthen local and village controls over the negative and destructive social itifluences impacting on youth. Objective 3: To strengthen community partnership and traditional values in developing social support and placement for abused and neglected youth. 3. EQUAL ACCESS (EQUITY) Policy Purpose: To ensure equal access by all youth including vulnerable youth to opportunities and services for their growth and development. Policy Outcome: Ail Samoan youth to have an improved quality of life. Objective 1: Identify and establish support programs and services which facilitate and ensures equal access and equal opportunity for all youth 4. UOUTH PARTICIPATION Policy Purpose: To promote equitable access and meaningful participation of youth in all areas that affect their lives. Policy Outcome: Full and active participation of youth at all levels of society. Objective 1: To promote the use of recognised channels for youth participation in decision-making. Objective 2: To establish an annual National Youth Forum to facilitate open communication and sharing of information amongst youth. Objective 3: To encourage an understanding of the interconnectedness of local and global concerns. Objective 4: To propose youth representrpttion in forums where youth concerns are discussed. 5. YOUTH & GENDER Policy Purpose: To remove gender inequalities and attitudinal barriers for the advancement of all youth. Policy Outcome: Equal opportunities and treatment for all youth regardless of their gender. Objective 1: To raise awareness of gender issues pertaining to youth education, employment and all other arrears of life. Objective 2: To always include gender analysis in youth development programmes and initiatives. Objective 3: To promote equitable and fair measures in the recruitment and assessment of youth in the work environment. 6. YOUTH WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Policy Purpose: To reduce the isolation of special needs youth and to mainstream them into society. Policy Outcome: Youth with special needs are supported and provided with adequate training opportunities, services and infrastructure. Objective 1: To ensure the equitable delivery of services to all youth with special needs. Objective 2: To promote successful partnership programmes between both government and non- government organization and those responsible for youth with special needs. Objective3: To ensure that all teachers receive adequate training to cater for youth with special needs. 7. YOUTH COUNSELLING Policy Purpose: To ensure thc provision of existing formal and informal counseling services to serve all youth including vulnerable youth in rural and urban communities. Policy Outcome: An established comprehensive national counselling service that caters for all and especially vulnerable youth. Objective 1: To enforce existing legislation to protect youth from sexual, explicit and violent media. Objective 2: To develop and support the administration of appropriate and humane disciplinary measures for youth. Objective 3: To encourage the use of youth counseling services and facilities as a valid option for guidance and support. Objective 4: To encourage and facilitate effective communication between parents and youth. Objective 5: To promote the establishment and training of qualified counselors in all educational institutions where youth are enrolled. 8. SUICIDE POLICY Policy Purpose: To prioritise suicide prevention for all sectors of the Samoa community. Policy Outcome: A reduction in the numbers of suicide each year. Objective 1: To promote awareness of the underlying causes of suicide and to establish prevention program initiatives in schools and in the community. Objective 2: To strengthen coordination and partnerships between health service providers and youth stakeholders on suicide preventian initiatives. 9. COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUTH xiv Policy Purpose: To promote collective community responsibility for the well being of all youth. Policy Outcome: All youth in Samoa are cared for in the provision of their basic and developmental needs which lead lo security and self reliance. Objective 1: To ensure families can provide for all the basic needs of youth, education and other essential needs. Objective 2: To instil in youth an understanding of the importance and relevance of social distances and mutual respect in their lives. Objective 3: To provide opportunities for youth and community leaders to work together co-operatively for the betterment of youth. 10. STRENGTHEN STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIPS Policy Purpose 1: To strengthen networks and partnerships among all youth stakeholders. Policy Outcome: To promote networking and foster co-operation and understanding across all sectors of society for the protection and development of youth. Objective 1: To facilitate the effective sharing of information and resources among all youth service providers. 11. HEALTH POLICY I Policy Purpose 1: To ensure that health care information and facilities are readily accessible to all youth. Policy Outcome: A healthy youth population in body, mind and spirit. Objective 1: To encourage and facilitate effective communication and networking between health care providers and youth. Objective 3: To introduce relevant subjects into the primary and secondary schools that will promote healthy living. Objective 4: To promote greater collaboration between religious and other organizations in counseling and supporting youth on health related matters. 12. HEALTH POLICY II Policy Purpose 2: To prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases before they occur amongst youth. Policy Outcome: Reduced incidences of communicable and other diseases through healthier living conditions and lifestyles. Objective 1: To involve youth in promoting healthy lifestyles in a safe environment. Objective 2: To promote youth awareness of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. Objective 3: To provide appropriate safe and responsible reproductive health education for all youth to reduce the occurrence of teenage pregnancy and STD's. 13. EDUCATION AND TRAINING Policy Purpose 1: To maximise the learning potential and talents of youth. Policy Outcome: Lifelong learning that is relevant, productive, challenging and useful. Objective 1: To review and upgrade the quality of teaching. Objective 2: To improve the quality of the learning environment for all youth. Objective 3: To ensure that all youth are safe from harm, abuse and harassment of any kind in their learning environment. 14. EDUCATION AND TRAINING Policy Purpose 2: To provide viable alternatives for all students to gain employable and livelihood skills. Policy Outcome: Youth are provided with both mainstream and alternative training and skill building opportunities which enables them to be employed, self sufficient, and maintain a satisfactory quality of life. Objective 1: To develop strategies to reduce the rate of school dropouts. (refer appendix for alternative career stream diagram) Objective 2: To increase youth employment opportunities through career counseling, mentoring, professional and vocational career placements and on the job training (OJT) Objective 3: To ensure that all youth have equal opportunity to be literate in both English and Samoan and have access to knowledge and information critical to their lives. 15. YOUTH INCOME GENERATION & EMPLOYMENT POLICY Policy Purpose: To support and promote sustainable income generating activities of youth. Policy Outcome: Increased productivity, self-sufficiency and a financially stable youth. Objective 1: To encourage viable sustainable economic options for youth in particular school leavers, vulnerable and unemployable youth. Objective 2: To provide youth with formal and informal training in a range of skills required for employment opportunities. Objective 3: To provide financial and other support for relevant and sustainable youth initiatives. Objective 4: To develop and promote programmes which attract and retain youth to live and work in the rural areas. Objective 5: To explore and encolirage other potential avenues for income generations for 16. YOUTH AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE POLICY Policy Purpose: To reappraise the importance and relevance of agriculture, forestry and fisheries for the survival of young people. Policy Outcome: Increased youth participation and productivity in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Objective 1: To emphasise the significant role of youth in agriculture and the value of utilizing and cultivating land. Objective 2: To ensure capacity building for young farmers through formal and informal training towards sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry and fisheries leading to food security. Objective 3: To promote initiatives that will enable greater youth to participation in sustainable fishing and agricultural activities. Objective 4: To reward the prominent role and contribution by youth in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Objective 5: To improve opportunities for mutual sharing of knowledge and expertise amongst farmers and youth. Objective 6: To provide equal access for both young men and women in the use of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries for their economic and social development and welfare. 17. YOUTH AND JUSTICE Policy Purpose 1: To prevent youth involvement in criminal behaviour. Policy Outcome: Reduce the numbers of youth involved in violent and criminal activities. Objective 1: To research and establish underlying causes of youth crime. Objective 2: To promote and foster mediation and conflict resolution skills training at all levels of society. Objective3: To build on the strengths of the traditional Samoan systems and religious teaching for conflict resolution. Objective 4: To support the establishment of a crime prevention policy with a specific focus on youth. Objective 5: To promote crime prevention programmes in schools and youth. 18. YOUTH AND JUSTICE Policy Purpose 2: To establish a separate judicial aQ rehabilitation process for process juveniles and young offenders. Policy Outcome: Appropriate treatment of youth &fenders in relation to: a) A separate process that recragnises the rights and needs of youth. b) Appropriate programs and initiatives for their rehabilitation into society as responsible and productive citizens. c) A separate detention centre. Objective 1: To propose and establish a juvenile court. Objective 2: To separate youth offenders from adult offenders by establishing a detention centre where youth can be counselled and have access to vocational skill based education. Objective 3: To establish a community service programme for youth offenders. Objective 4: To establish counselling and support services for youth victims of crime, offenders and their parents or caregivers. Objective 5. To establish rehabilitation centre with a strong cultural and skills based component. Objective 6: To encourage awareness of legislation that protects the rights of youth. (refer appendix) 19. YOUTH AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY Policy Purpose: To encourage and increase the involvement of youth in protecting conserving and using in a sustainable manner, Samoa's natural biodiversity. Policy Outcome: A responsible and knowledgeable youth population engaged in the conservation and long-term sustainability of Samoa's environment. Objectivel: To acknowledge and promote successful land use management and conservation efforts by youth. Objective 2: To promote income generation activities by youth which are environmentally friendly. 2 LF Fq'&"? f-."?lY$j>&C bd(: l { j p ~ j ~ ~ * ( ) " A - L p 4 \\ f& C ) tj ;:_ sfi i"i&-$" SArJc.& i J Q T i ( J ~ ~ ~ k " ?'([' . J UTFf )I ic,Y. 2uc i @ Objective 3: To preserve and ensure that traditional knowledge, practices and innovations crucial to the protection of Samoa's environment are passed on to future generations. Objective 4: To promote appropriate awareness campaigns and educational programmes which aim to encourage and strengthen youth awareness and understanding of the importance of conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. 20. YOUTH AND HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Policy Purpose: To acknowledge and develop the creative talents and natural abilities throughout Samoa. Policy Outcome: Greater participation in healthy recreational and creative activities and the development of natural abilities and talents youth. Objective 8: To preserve and develop traditional arts and crafts, oral traditions and sports. Objective 2: To promote and teach liberal and traditional arts and encourage the creativity of youth within a traditional and contemporary context. Objectives 3: To establish and improve facilities, programmes and services throughout Samoa for recreational and creative activities (e.g. village youth centers, sports facilities and a National Theatre for performing and visual arts. % RESEARCH & DATA COLLECTION Policy Purpose: To provide timely and relevant information needed for planning, assessing and monitoring of youth development. Policy Outcome: Availability of quality youth statistics on a timely basis. Objective 1: To develop a national data cnllection system that will enable youth to be identified and monitored as a distinct sub Objective 2: To identify different kinds d4 data needed to monitor the effectiveness of the National Youth Policies. Objective 3: To facilitate effective data safllection, co-ordination and dissemination among the youth stakeholders. I xvii Objective 4: To identify and address areas in which youth statistical gaps exist. PAEPT ONE: YOUTH PROFILE 1.1 WRAT IS YOUTH?. ................................................................................................ 3 1.2 YOUTH AND THE FAA-SAMOA. .................................................................................. 4 "E auau le tavae i ona fulu aua o au o matua fanau " The Aiga; The Samoan Village; Youth Roles and Reponsibilities; Youth and Marriage 1.3 YOUTH AND RELIGION. ............................................................................................... 6 "Faavae i le Atua Samoa" Introduction; Contributions by Religion to Youth Development; Religious Organisations and its Partnership with Government 1.4 YOUTH ................................................................................................ DEMOGRAPHY. 8 "la tupu i se fusi" Overview; Population Composition; Life Expectancy; Dependency Ratio; Where Youth Are; Population Density; The Samoan Household; Youth and the Matai System; Youth and Marriage; Fertility; Teenage Pregnancies; Youth and the Economy; Youth in Public Service; Census 2001 1.5 ~ARTIC~PATION IN DEVEJBPMENT AND DECISION ........................................ MAKING. 14 "E au i le tauola e au i le fagota" Youth Participation in Perspective; Organisations in which Youth Participate; Levels of Participation; Youth Participation in Traditional Samoan Society; Recommendations Concerning Youth articipation from NYP Workshops 1.6 YOUTH AND ................................................................................................ GENDER. 17 "E le sua se lolo i se pop0 e tasi" Gender in a Changing International Context; Education; Female Matai; Women and Politics; Economic Activity; Youth in Public Service; Youth Travelling Overseas; Gender Representation in National You Workshops; Village Mayors; Women in Executive Positions in Government; Young Women in Sports 1.7 YOUTH AND ............................................................................................... POVERTY. 21 "Ua faalaulautoafa le laueleele"; '"Ua le sua tumu i vao" Poverty in the Context of the faa-Samoa; HIE Analysis of Poverty in Samoa; Relative Poverty; Food Poverty; Basic Needs overty; Agriculture and Poverty; Household Size and Poverty 1.8 VULNERABLE GROUPS. ............................................................................................. 24 "0 le luau e tu ae oia" Suicide; Youth Suicide; Delinquent Youth and Incarcerated Youth; Youth Involved in Drug and Alcohol Abuse; Pregnant Teenagers; Unemployed Youth including School Dropouts and Out-of-School Youth; Youth with Special Needs; Working Children Including Urban Street Vendors; Youth Living in Dysfunctional Families Including those Experiencing Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes Such as Incest 1.9 YOUTH SERVICE ..................................................................................... PROVIDERS. 35 "Ua se afa e tasi le upega " Youth Service Providers in the Context of the Statement of Economic Strategy 2000-2001; The Youth Service Provider Network; MYSCA - A Possible Focal Point for Youth Development Youth are valuable members of Samoan society. To Samoans, youth is more than just a developmental phase pertaining to age and hormonal change. In the faa-Samoa, status within the extended family system is important. Thus it is possible for a 60-year-old person to be a welcome part of a church youth group. It is equally possible for a youth to have a seat in the village council of chiefs if, in recognition of lineage andlor service, he or she has been bestowed a matai title. The transition from youth to adulthood in Samoan society Ftgure 3 . l - l : Seven Factors also takes place with marriage or giving birth. Under the InRuenctng Youth Development Marriage Ordinance Act of 1961, the legal age definition for marriage is 16 years for the wife and 18 years for the husband. SPIRITUAL ECONOMIC Without parental consent, the minimum age is 21 years for males and 19 years for females. Once married, or with child, a young person was traditionally expected to take on a nurturing role in the family. However social attitude has changed and some unmarried mothers have returned to school to complete their studies (e.g. UPY level). While children in Samoa under 8 years of age cannot be held criminally responsible (Crimes Ordinance 1961), young persons between 8 and 14 years can be charged. The legal definition of a "young person" is a person between 14 and 21 years of age. Other legislated minimum ages are for employme sexual consent (16 years) and voting (21 years). This is a challenging time, full of choices and obstacles, of obligations and duties. It is a transitional period between the station of the tamaitiiti (child) and tagata matua (adult). It can be a turbulent period where great changes in life are usually exprienced, with developments to the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, social, cultural and economic life of the individual (Figure 1.1-1). This Policy takes a holistic approach to youth confirming youth needs to be supported and nurtured so that the transition to adulthood is secure, productive and positive. Samoa, like its youth, is also in a state of flux, and is experiencing rapid change. Improvements in information and travel technologies have dramatically reduced Samoa's isolation from the rest of the world. Along 3 with these changes come influences adversely affecting the wellbeing of youth. Issues such as HIVIATDS, youth suicide, lifestyle diseases, exposure to violence in the media, environmental degradation, and substance abuse, to mention a few, are of increasing concern to the young people of Samoa. Global influences challenge basic Samoan ideals and values in powerful ways. Whereas Western culture promotes the independence of the nuclear family, the Samoan way involves a much wider host of caregivers. Samoans have their own perspective on the younger generations and how they should be raised within their own cultural system. It is in the context of communal life that the village itself plays a role in raising youngsters. For planning and data collection purposes, this Policy defines youth as those people from 12 to 29 years inclusive. Programs may not necessarily be limited to this age bracket as it is recognized that issues continue to emerge among ever younger age groups and older groups still need to address patterns of behaviour and thinking carried into adulthood from the turbulent period of youth. The effectiveness of the Policy to adequately focus on the diverse circumstances facing youth over such a wide age range needs to be assessed at various points during the 10-year term. 11.2 YOUTH AND THE FM-SAMOA The National Youth Policy promotes an equitable share by youth in Samoa's rich cultural heritage. The Aiga The aiga (Samoan family) is the foundation of the faa-Samoa. It is through the proper functioning of its various members that the social and economic well-being of the aiga is assured. Youth roles and expectations are defined in and around the aiga. The notion of va-fealoaloai is a crucial concept in maintaining order and respect amongst members of the aiga and community. At the head of each aiga is the matai, who is elected by family members. Traditionally, the family matai is responsible for maintaining the family's dignity and well-being by administering family affairs; settling family disputes and providing for an equitable allocation of family resources. The matai is also the family representative in the village fono, which is the judicial authority of each nuu (village). Family members are expected to render their services to support their matai and to meet the social obligations of their aiga and community. Youth are important to the aiga and community because they provide visible evidence of support and continuity. The faa-Samoa promotes the sharing of wealth, a concept that is particularly important when it comes to meeting faalavelave (social obligations). These obligations include giving to the church, the village for local activities, or to support the family at special occasions such as weddings and funerals. The Samoan Village Samoan villages comprise four important houses: theMaota o Alii ma Faipule (the seat for the council of chiefs), the Maota o Tamaitai ma Saoao (for village maidens), the Maota o Faletua ma Tausi (for wives including those marrying into the village), and the Fale o Taulelea (the village workforce comprising untitled men of the village). When Christianity arrived, Autalavou (youth groups established under the auspices of the church) were formed but still within the context of the village hierarchy. The Fono a iMatai is the institution responsible for community affairs and development. Its importance is indicated by the fact that 86% of the population lives under the matai system (1991 Census). The aualuma or village maidens, is also very important in community affairs. In villages strong in tradition, all aiga are expected to have representatives in these two institutions. Although youth (by age definition) can be members of these two houses, the greater number of youth belong to the aualuma, the aumaga and the autalavou. There may be a number of autalavou in each village just as there are a number of churches. Decision-making in the faa-Samoa is by consensus, often after long debates on the matter under consideration. All members of the aiga can contribute to family discussions but to varying degrees. With regards to community decision-making, the family matai speaks for and on behalf of their aiga. Once the Sono a matai have made a decision, all members of the aiga are required to respect and abide by the village decision. While the faa-Samoa places an inherent emphasis on age and social status as a prerequisite to having a voice in the use of family and village resources, there are recognized avenues for youth participation in family which the fono allows for youth participqtion varies from village to te on issues concerning youth, others forbid this practice. Some villages may have general and flexible rules, and others have strict rules covermg almost every aspect of life right down to personal matters such as length of hair, dress code and prayer curfews. Youth Roles and Responsibilities in the Village Structure uth roles and responsibilities within the nuu are normally carried out members of the aumaga and aualuma. The autalavou, under the guidance of the churches, also have development initiatives that can benefit the entire village. I - A a i 7 , J ' +f i ~ i e ~ - 2 : L+b t c;riS ~ 2 %.s ; & I ~ \\ * > cJ ,qby1; : t - t ' s ' F \\%8\\< ' * ' \\ & 1 *' d ! j ] 3 rk e t ''f' L' !) ?' 1 f J d r J All taulelea belong to the aumaga until such time as they are chosen by the family to be a matai. They are the strength of the village and its work force: the farmers, the fishermen, the cooks and, in former times, the warnors.The chosen manaia leads the aumaga. Taulelea attend to the needs of the fono a matai. It is in rendering service (tautua) to the matai at the council meeting that the young men learn their traditional roles. Selecting matai is a 5 complex affair ultimately requiring a consensus of the assembled members of the aiga. Service is a significant factor in choosing a matai as expressed in the Samoan saying: "0 le ala i le pule o le tautua" (the way to authority is through service). The decision is also made easier if the encumbent is a direct descendant of the title and is regarded as capable, clever, and knowledgeable of Samoan lore and genealogy. Money and professional status are now important factors and can influence traditional considerations. thefaa-Samoa, the embodiment of which is hospitality, weaving and other handcr with small development projects. sother villages have the aualuma, faletua ma tausi, and Komiti o Tina ma Tamaitai united as a single entity. It is the norm that young girls join in the aualuma once they leave school if they do nokhave a paid job. Leadership in the Komiti o Tina ma Tamaitai is usually in the hands of the matai's wives, while the wives of the untitled males and unmarried girls usually provide support services. Youth and Marriage Youth who enter into marriage usually do not live in their own home but have to decide whether they will live with the husband's family or the wife's family. The fai-ava (in-marrying man) and the nofo-tane (in- Introduction The Samoans had an ancient belief system with many gods governing different aspects of life. Foremost among these reigned Tagaloaalagi, believed to be the creator and provider of prosperity. Belief in these deities changed with the arrival of the Christian Gospel by missionaries in the middle of the 19th century. Early missionaries came from the London Missionary Society (later renamed as the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa or CCCS), and the Methodist and Roman Catholic churches. Other more recent faiths include the Seventh Day Adventists, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and more recently still, Islam and the BahB'i Faith. In recent years several evangelical churches and charismatic movements have emerged. Christianity is the predominate religion in Samoa. The arrival of Christianity brought profound change to Samoan F~gure 1.3-1 : 1999 WHS Populat~on by culture and society. The national motto, Faavae i le Atua Welrgtous Afiilnatron Samoa, acknowledges the christianisation of Samoa. With respect to youth, the establishment of the Aoga AsoSa and Autalavou provided an avenue for youth representation. Along with their manpower contributions, a large portion of household O t h ~ r Nut %ad income from youth is donated to church and village development. The 1997 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) found that donations and contributions to church nd village are easily the largest regular household expense over twice the amount spent on education). eligion is clearly a major part of life for Samoan youth. Both the 1991 Census and the 199QDemographic and Health Survey found less than 1% of the population not stating to which religion they belong (Table 1.3-1). Figure 1.3-1, based on the 1999 DHS, shows the breakdown of the population by religious Cangregationai Christian Church of Samoa, Malie affiliation. While the churches have helped shape much that is good in Samoan society, youth today are exposed to other influences. Youth looking for other spiritual alternatives may encounter serious resistance in their families and villages. This is often a case of conflict between individual versus communal good. Although churches have diverse teachings they do share one thing in common, the largest percentage of their membership is youth. The 1994 Apia Urban Youth Survey found 65% of respondents (9,374) belonged to at least one organisation. One such organisation to which a great number of youth belong is the autalavou, the youth group under the auspices of the church. Programs of the autalavou place emphasis on nurturing and developing religious values and beliefs for their spiritual and social advancement. Autalavou are also involved in a range of development projects, particularly farming, and also come together to discuss social issues and problems. Almost all churches have adopted the traditional decision-making model, with separate arenas for women and men. Although women are half of church membership, their participation in administrative or religious affairs is not equal to that of men. In Samoa, women are not generally accepted as clergy. While the concept of equality is heing promoted generally, meaningful progress among most religious organisations is slow. Contributions by Religion to Youth Development The single most notable contribution made by the churches in the development of Samoan youth is in the area of education, both formal and non-formal. Almost one-fifth of all schools are mission schools. In addition, there are four technical institutions staffed and supported by religious organisations. The aoga faifeau, the first schooling for most Samoan children, has also been significant in maintaining high literacy and numeracy rate. In addition are four vocational institutions staffed and supported by religious organisations. These cater largely to school dropouts who have no where else to go. Religious Oganisations and their Partnership with Government An important contribution of the churches is their partnership with government. The Youth Directors Committee, comprising representatives from various religious organisations, forms the core of the MYSCA's Youth Service Provider network. This group meets regularly to facilitate national and regional programs for youth. Church-coordinated youth leaders training workshop, Safotuiafai, Savaii. SOURCE FOR ALL FIGURES: Statistcs Department unless noted otherwise 1.4 YOUTH DEMOGRAPHY Overview A detailed analysis of Samoa's population can be found in the draft 1998 National Population Policy and the 1999 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The Population Policy calls for youth educational programs, both in school and out of school, to raise awareness of how the growth, distribution and composition of Samoa's population impacts on health, lifestyle, education, the environment and social and economic development. Samoa's total population during the 1991 census was 161,298, an increase of 2.6% over the 1986 Census. Just over 70% of the population live on Upolu. Samoa's underlying population growth rate is about 2.45% a year, reflecting steady fertility rates and improved mortality rates. Steady emigration reduces the effective rate of population growth to around 0.5%. From this analysis, the net migration rate amounts to 1.95% or 3,145 migrants - annually. Samoa's population growth rates is one of the smallest in the world, smaller than that of most industrialized countries. New Zealand, Australia and the United States have significant and growing Samoan population with an estimated 150,000 in New Zealand alone. Around 2,000 people emigrate annually to New Zealand: up to 1,100 under the quota scheme and the rest under other schemes. While emigration reduces pressure on both the economy (around SAT $120m was received in remittances in 1999) and the fragile environment, it also drains the country of its most valuable resource: people - skilled and unskilled. Population Composition The population pyramids in Figure 1.4-1 show how the structure of the population has changed since the 1991 census. The momentum of the wider population base in 1991 is beginning to bulge in the older brackets making for a greater proportion of youth in the 20-29 group. Projected growth by 2001, just over 172,000, is shown in Figure 1.4-2. The projected midyear population for 2000 is 170,727 of which 60,983 or 36% are estimated to be in the 12-29 year age bracket. (Figure 1.4-3) The large base for both pyramids reflect a continued high fertility Figure 1.4-1 : Popuistiot: Pyramid From the 1991 Census and the Mid-Year Population Estimates for 2000 1991 2000 Female Male Female Male 10 5 5 10 in 10 5 5 10 Thousands rate despite emigration. Samoa's young age structure is reflected in the median age: 19.4 years (1999 Demographic and Health Survey), the lowest in all of Polynesia. This means 50% of the population are younger than this age, and 50% are older. The projected 1999 population by sex shows 54% of the defined youth population are males and 46% are females, a sex ratio of 108 males to every 100 females, the highest male dominant ratio in all of Polynesia. Life Expectancy F~gure 1.4-2: Samoa's Population for 9 Life expectancies at birth have increased from 46 years for males and 58 years for females in 1962 to 65 years for males and 72 years for females in 1996 (Health 175000 Department Annual Report 1995-1996). 172092 Although youth make up a large 170000 decline in the proportion of children and n percentage of the total population, the age 165371 structure shows there have been an overall 161298 r-7 a corresponding increase in the proportion ::;, 0 5 thc elderly over thc period from 1971 to 1901. This trcnd is reflected in the 150000 ; projcctcd population structure for 2000 (Figure 1.4- i). 145000 ' 1986 1991 1996 200 I children and the elderly). Figure 1.4-3: Youth as ?& ofTotal Mid-Year Population Estimate for 2000 Where Youth Are Urban Apia, with a year 2000 population estimate of 36,120, contains a significant number of young people. One-fifth of Samoa's population lives in urban Apia, almost 50% of whom are youth. This is around one-quarter of the nation's total youth population. Around 17,000 youth live in Apia. The considerable interplay between Samoa's rural and urban areas makes it difficult to clearly distinguish between the two and this has implications for where to target services. For statistical purposes Apia area is classified as "urban," and the rest of Samoa as "rural'.' Using this classification, the majority (76%) of Samoan youth reside in rural areas. The 1994 Apia Urban Youth Survey initiated 40409 by MYSCA with UNDP assistance and conducted by Figure 1.4-4: Youth* the Statistics Department found that around 25% of in the Population the youth residing in Apia originate from the rural areas, (1991 Census) the largest number of whom are from Savaii. The flow of migrants between regions recorded in the 1991 census revealed gains to urban Apia and Northwest 0 0 41713 E 0 . ri *For This Analysis Youth is C) cd - Age-Defined as Being 10-29 Years 5 5 s a Upolu but losses to population in the rest of Upolu $ '.cr 0 and Savaii. This is considered part of the continuing w process of urbanisation with several new settlements recently established beyond the official urban REST OF UPOW boundaries (in northwest Upolu). Population Density National population density averages 58 persons per sq. km which is equivalent to 4.25 acres per persons. Apia contains 565 persons per sq. km Gust under half an acre per person), northwest Upolu has 161 persons per sq. km (1.5 acres per person), and Savaii is 27 persons per sq. km (9.1 acres per person). Rural settlement is mainly in small villages. The 1991 census found one-third of the population in villages of fewer than 500 people and just over half in villages of under 700 people. A full two-thirds lived in villages of less than 1,000 people. Two-thirds of Samoa's total land area of 2,785 sq./km is on Savaii and yet this island holds 28%, less than one-third of the total population. In direct contrast Apia has only 2% of the total land area and 21% of the total population. The S a m n Household Statistics show that the number of households in Samoa has been decreasing. A total of 22,195 private dwellings were enumerated in the 1991 Census. This fell to 21,807 in 1997 (HIES) and to 20,174 in 1999 (Census of Agriculture). In the 1999 Demographic and Health Survey, 3,819 households were interviewed, 1005 in the urban areas (with a population of Samoan fales are sMi common in rural areas 8,318) and 2,814 in rural areas (with a population of 20,320). The overall 5% reduction Figure 1.4-5: Brides and Grooms in the number of households over the period 15-24 &ars of Age: 1 994-1 998 means, with an increasing population, a greater average number of persons per dwelling, from 7.2 persons in 1991 to 8.3 persons in 1999 (based on the population projection for 1999). The average household size found in the 1999 Demographic and Health Survey was 7.5 persons. For the rural and urban areas, the survey's average household size was 7.2 persons and 8.3 persons respectively. The DHS also collected data on household composition. Of all heads of households in Samoa, 85% were men and 15% were women. A marked difference was found between woman headed households in urban (20%) and rural (13%) areas. The DHS found that while almost two-thirds of all , households were members of the nuclear family, the fact that a third were other relatives shows that the extended family is very common. Youth and the Matai System In 1996 there were some 18,000 matai in 320 villages - approximately 56 matai per village or one matai for every 9 citizens. In household terms, this is equivalent to 9 matai for every 10 households. While there is a high number of matai, it is not known how many of these fall in the youth age bracket but such information would shed an interesting light on the demography of traditional governance given the high percentage of youth in the population. Youth and Marriage A larger proportion of female youth are married (to older men) compared to their male counterparts as shown in Table 1.4-1 and Figure 1.4-5. Female youth are marrying earlier than their male counterparts by almost 8:l in the 15-19 age bracket. Almost twice as many females are marrying in the 15-24 age group. It should be noted that the data given here is of certified marriages as recorded by the Justice Department and does not include de facto unions which are considered acceptable in most cases as far as Samoan custom is concerned. 11 - In addition to marrying earlier than males, female youth have much higher rates of divorce/separation than male youth. Figure 1.4-6 shows the ratios of females to males who are separated/divorced and widowed. In 1991 there were almost six separated or divorced females in the 15-19 year age bracket to every one separated or divorced male. The total for all age categories works out to 1 in 43 females separated or divorced compared to 1 in 199 males. In 1991, there were 107 widows in the 15-29 age bracket compared to 47 young widowers of the same age group; a female dominant ratio of over 2 to 1. It is not known how these statistics have changed over the last 10 years. Research is required to define the strengths and weaknesses of single parent families in order that appropriate strategies can be devised for this group. Fertility Figure 1.4-7: Corrected Reliable measures of fertility Age-Specific Fertility Rates - 1997 require a sound system of birth 1 registrations and, despite efforts SOURCE: 1991 Census to improve data collection, records remain incomplete 216 especially with respect to home births. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has been estimated at 4.5 (1999 DHS), an indication of the average number of children women give birth to during their reproductive lives (15-45 years). Age-specific fertility rates in 1991 show that fertility peaks in the 25-29 age group (Figure 1.4-7). The 1999 DHS age at first birth was 22.3 years. Given the earlier marriage rate for female youth, this suggests there may be fairly widespread contraceptive use. The fertility rate plotted in Figure 1.4-7 shows the number of women in the age bracket divided by the number of live births in the "past year': corrected against a sample survey which later revealed higher total fertility rates than the 1991 census. Teenage Pregnancies The 1991 Population Census recorded a national total of 204 live births to teenage mothers, i.e., 15-19 years, during the "last 12 months': This amounted to just under 5% of all live births, which in 1995, increased to just over 7% with 316 live births recorded at government health facilities and an estimated 44 deliveries by traditional birth attendants (TBA). The Department of Health states that younger women are more likely to deliver in the hospital than in' the 'a community. The number of live and still births recorded 6 in government health facilities by age group reveal that teenage mothers have a higher risk of having still births at an estimated 16 per 1,000 as compared to the 20-29 year age group with 6 per 1,000 and the 30-44 year age group with 12 per 1,000 (Figure 1.4-8). Figure 1.4-8: Still Births Per '1,000 at Government Healih Faciiiiies, 1995 fions in pregnancy among young mothers Youth and the Economy Data clearly shows that youth contribute a significant amount to Samoa's economy. The 1991 Census classified 57,142 people as economically active. Of this total, 25,387 (45%) were 15-29 Figure 1.4-9. Persoris 10-29 Years by Type d Aclrvity and Sex 30000 ; Male Part-time paid Figure 1.4-10. Main Darly Actwly, 10-29 Year Age Group HIES Report (1 997) Self-emoloved Income and Full-time paid employment years old- 17,499 male (31%), and 7,888 female (14%) (Table 1.4-2). The prominent role played by youth, particularly male youth, in subsistence agriculture is also evident by the fact that some 70% of these youth were classified as skilled agriculture and fisheries workers. The Unpaid Household Activities Report (UHAR) of the 1997 Household Income and Expenditure Survey presents information on time spent in various household-related activities that have not, until now, been included in the System of National Accounts (SNA), the framework used to derive the Gross National Product (GNP). UHAR data for the 10-29 year old age bracket is presented in Figure 1.4-9. The UHAR also determined the "main daily activity7' of those doing the non-SNA activities as shown in Table 1.4-3. When main daily activity is examined by age group, it is clear that most of the 10-19 year olds are full-time students, with a small proportion involved in economic activities. Among males, 24% were working as farmers, planters and fishermen while a significant 42% of the females indicated that "domestic duties" was their main daily activity, over double the number of males involved in domestic duties. Youth in the Public Service The Public Service Commission recorded in February 2000 that 978 people under the age of 30 worked in various capacities in the government. This represents 29% of the entire government workforce. Of these, 614 (63%) were female and 364 (37%) were male. Young men workrng a taro patch ~uoyed!:,yed JO L ~ l e n b pue aaBap ayl p a g e osIe ue:, 'seas~aao 10 'sluaaa leml~n:, ~o %u!l.rods 'Lpmej ~e Lquno:, aql jo s l ~ e d .raylo uy JaylayM 'amsodxa .aledgyed qlnod y : , g ~ 01 a a ~ 8 a p aql 33ajje os[e spadse 3 p o u o 3 a pue s m ~ o u jemqn3 'ajg ~noq%no.ql palajjo s a p n y o d d o p o p : , n p a ~em~ojuy pue pmloj Lq pap;r~old sl uopedpynd ~nj%upwam ~ o j day aql 'm2hpe~ed s q UI -dpl3os %u~3ueape-~a~a pug Lyqeaq e Bum!nq ul aledyued 6 1 a a p j j a ue3 qlnod q3ym ol lualxa ayl S I ~ U I ~ - ajq a a g m p o ~ d e pea1 01 L q ~ q e aq1 pue uogwnpa '~aqays 'ypaq 'pooj ut - mIeaJ p;rsLqd ayl ul 8 u p q .%uraqllaaz puoqoura put! pnpqds I!aqI ylrM %uyuu@aq '8upq 30 alels qaql uo spuadap %uqem-uo~spap pue luamdop~ap ur a ~ e d p y n d ymod qqqm 01 luaixa aql '%u!yeads L l p e o l ~ at the workplace. The 1994 Apia Urban Youth Survey found some 65% of youth belonging to an organisation. In the rural areas, all youth are expected to be a part of one or more of the village organisations. At the international level, there are known to be numerous events that Samoan youth can participate in but these are often not taken up due to various reasons including a lack of awareness of the opportunities, a lack of funding, and difficulties associated with the nomination to selection process. Levels of Participation National Youth Policy Coordinating Committee Samoan society is structured with matai at the head of Meeting, 1999 families and villages. Any youth who is a member of an organisation does not automatically have full rights to participate at all levels. Stratification of organisations is a natural tendency and members grow to know their place when they are permitted to voice their opinion and when they are required to remain silent and trust that others, the leaders, will have their best interests in mind. This idea is reflected in the Samoan expression "$esili mulimai ia muamai"symbolical1y meaning the last to arrive asks first arrival for guidance. This can bring tension to a group, particularly when well-educated or financially wxlred youth feel they should have more saying. Figure 1.5-2 illustrates the various and decision- making) levels of participation in group organisations and was used for discussion purposes in the policy development workshops. Youth Participation in Traditional Samoan Society In traditional society, holding a matai title is the only avenue that can empower youth at the level of village governance. The village fono is comprised of all holders of matai titles and is ranked according to importance of 15 title and seniority. While youth can be conferred matai titles, the change of status and associated responsibilities -- means they are no longer considered or treated as youth. They are, however, more likely to see issues from the perspective of the younger generations and can, unlike other youth, voice these concerns and interests in council meetings. Figure 1 5 3 : Traditional Avenues for Youth Views to Reach As presented earlier, there are two Village Council Decision Maklng institutions in which youth are traditionally expected to be involved: the aumaga and the aualuma. While the views of these formal institutions for male and female youth can be conveyed through clearly defined channels to the village council, this latter body generally makes decisions without further consultation. The avenues for and the degree of dialogue between youth and their traditional leaders can vary from village to village and can, where protocol is strict, cause discontent among youth. Youth views can also reach the fono a matai via a parent or any other matai who may sit on the council. Section 1.2, on youth and the faa- Samoa, gives further information on youth in the village structure. Some Recommendations Concerning Youth Participation Voiced by Youth at the National Youth Policy Workshops: * Promote a greater recognition of the rights of youth within village systems and in Government. Recognize and strengthen the voice of youth in governing organisations: parliament, village councils, religious organisations. * Promote the bestowing of chiefly titles on youth in order that their views may be formally expressed at the level of the village council. Produce radio and television talk shows for youth. - Give youth (21 years and older) the power to elect the Member of Parliament to represent them (i.e. the Minister of Youth). * Foster the participation of male youth in village organisations in order that they may contribute to village programs and activities. * Strengthen the value attached by the different religious organisations to the views of youth. 8 Young people should be encouraged by their parents to participate in youth groups such as the autalavou, Girl Guides, Boys Brigade, and the Girls Brigade. - Foster greater understanding among parents of the importance of recognizing what their young have to offer for the benefit of the family. In like manner, the young must understand not only their rights to express their views but also how to do this in a respectful manner. Hold village meetings that include all the different village organisations, at which opportunity is given to the youth to express their views and give their recommendations. * Foster the establishment of village development organisations to promote vegetable gardening, plantations and the like. * Enforce the participation of young people in the villages in Bible study classes, Sunday school classes and all Church development programs. Conduct leadership training courses for youth. Give equal opportunities to male and female youth for employment and education. * Include youth on Government committees and boards. Encourage the association of parents in churches and villages in which they work together to raise funds for school fees and consult on the difficulties that arise from time to time with their children and the village. Parents valuing the views of the young are open to recommendations. This should also be the case with the churches, the village and any organisation. * Set aside one day in each month, to be called "Maea Tasi" (one rope), in which the traditional leaders meet with youth and vulnerable groups to consult on problems and needs and, in particular, development programs for youth in the villages. * Promote the importance of young matai in village councils by giving them the opportunity to be appointed village mayor. A younger leader may likewise be appointed as the Member of Cabinet representing the interests of youth. Produce a youth newsletter to publicize programs, festivals, and sports activities, while also conveying recommendations to help youth with their problems. Encourage elders to consult with their children and invite their participation in family meetings. National Youth Forum 31 January - 3 February 1999 1.6 YOUTH AND GENDER Youth and gender explores the principle of the equality of the sexes and the implications this has for the definition of the roles of young women and men. Gender analysis considers all aspects of human relations- in domestic, economic and community life. Traditional habits and practices, stereotyped roles, and imbalanced patterns of decision- making can hinder the development of both male and female youth and impede the overall social and economic advancement of the nation. The National Youth Policy promotes equal rights and opportunities for all young women and men in accordance with the United Nations Human Rights Declarations. It calls particularly for women to be respected and valued as equal and able partners. For Samoa to enjoy sustainable and peaceful social and economic development, it must recognize that fundamental rights and freedoms for both men and women must be promoted and protected. As presented in policy development workshops, the question of gender equality is like the wings of a bird in which one wing is woman and the other is man. Unless both wings are strong and well-developed, the bird will not be able to fly. Three documents are referred to in this section: 1. "A Situation Analysis of Children and Women in Western Samoa7' (1996), gives a socioeconomic profile of children and women in Samoa. - 1 4 I I 2. "A Report on the Status of Women in Samoa 1992-1997" is an initial report on the Convention -- on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). 3. "The National Policy for Women 2000-2004" (September 1999). The Ministry of Women's Affairs is the focal point for the issues relating to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Gender in a Changing International Context A growing international awareness of gender issues has brought attitudinal and lifestyle change to women in Samoa. Samoa was the first Pacific developing island country to ratify CEDAW at the end of the UN Decade for Women. Most Samoans are yet to be aware of this important global instrument for the promotion and protection of women's rights. Measures are nevertheless being developed to bring about implementation of CEDAW in society. Economic, political, and social change in Samoa has also changed the roles of women in society. Today women make up a significant part of the labour force although this is often not so much a matter of choice a& a matter of economic necessity. Change, by its very nature, demands a constant redefinipon of gender roles and this introduces an element of stress to gender relations. It is how we manage this change and accommodate it in our every day lives that - determine how successfully we will evolve into a gender-balanced society. The government's recognition of the importance of women in Samoan society and to family, community and national development, led to the establishment of the Ministry of Women's Affairs in 1990. It is worth noting however that the Minister of Women's Affairs has always been a man. Female Heads of Households The 1999 Demographic and Health Survey found 15% of all households to be headed by women most of whom were either never married, widowed or divorced. In connection with households headed by women, the 1997 Household Income and Expenditure Survey found these households were less likely to be in food poverty than those headed by men. tly fewer females were enrolled in Years 8 and 9 in 1999, Years j t i . 1 2 and 13 recorded more females with the greatest differentce, 20% more, in Year 12. (Table 1.6-2). The 1999 Demographic and Health Survey found girls to have attained higher levels of education than boys (Table 1.6-3). The DHS found 14.9% of males and 13.9% of females to have undertaken post-secondary training (Table 1.6-4). Analysed together this data indicates that females achieve a higher level of formal education than males. This trend is continuing with 118 females and 93 males enrolled in the 2000 University Prepatory Year programme at the National University of Samoa. In all other courses, a total of A85 males enrolled in Semester One 2000 compared to 646 females (almost one-third more). While there are still disproportionately high numbers of females entering the teaching and nursing schools, (over double the number of males) more females than males enrolled the first semester in commerce, computer studies and accounting. Female Female Matai Matai Becoming a matai does not; for most aiga, depend on gender but with many more male matai than female matai (roughly in the ratio of 9:1, Figure 1.6-1) the weight of numbers makes this a difficult aspect to change. Of the 2,966 titles bestowed between 1991 and 1994, 10% were to women. As discussed earlier, men and women at the village level have well defined, socially constructed roles that are designed to complement each other. While women can become matai, the fact that an overwhelming majority of Samoa's traditional leaders are, and have always been, men, means that traditional decision-making can be deprived of the views and meaningful contributions of women. Women and Politics That matai are predominantly male has implications with national elections and "!JUre ' : Given to Females & Males governance. Up until 1992, only registered matai were eligible to vote. Although there 11 991 -1 9945 is now universal suffrage for 21 years and over, it is still the case that only matai may stand for election. The only exception are the two non-matai who are sitting members of Parliment elected by individual voters. As matai are predominantly male, this obviously leads to many more men being involved in national politics and governance than women. Economic Activity The 1991 Census listed a total 57,142 economically active population, about 60% of the population aged 15 years and over. A total of 18,303 (32%) of these were female while 38,839 (68%) were males. Table 1.6-1 shows the labour participation rate for youth by age group and sex. While almost all males were economically active once leaving school, just over half of the females were in the labour force. The 1999 Demographic and Health Survey found around 52% of Table 1 .&'I. Labour Particzpiltton by Age those 15 years and over to be economically active, either employed and Gender or working in farming and fishing- 23% of females and 75% of all males. While the overall labour force partici~~ation rate appears to % in Labour Force have decreased, the proportion of economically active males has risen but that for females has dropped markedly. The percentage &I%?? - Male Female of employed men who worked primarily to earn money has increased 15- 19 33.5% 14.1% slightly over the period from the 1991 Census (32%) to the 1999 DHS (33%) but for women, the percentage has dropped from 36% 20-24 90.4% 55.1% in 1991 to 21%. Female involvement in subsistence agriculture has 25-29 98.5% 56.8% reduced dramatically. Whereas the 1991 Census found 64% of the - - - : F,a-x:-5~ I-; r,~j[+C :A(" r;p,ii;.,i;i: T ~ ~ , I ; S . P ' ~ r' C :; ~ . { 4 $ , ~ 3 ~ 5 h i ; j ~ ; ~ ~ \\fy7:i714~ ";r;: 1- Fgr"il,y 230: ;y: 1~ 6w employed females to be agricultural and fisheries workers, the Demographic and Health Survey found only 1.6% to be involved in this occupation group. The data does not indicate where young women are moving to in terms of employment and occupation but both paid employment and agricultural work by females have declined. It may be that young women simply have fewer employment and occupation opportunities in all sectors than they did a decade ago, i.e., more are being classified as not economically active. Among those classified as not economically active, the percentage of females found to be occupied with domestic duties has increased from 53% in the 1991 Census to 83% in the 1999 DHS. Clearly more investigation is needed to identify the current trends, in women's economical activities in Samoa. The proportion of males that are self-employed is much higher than for females. The 1991 Census found only 14% of the self-employed to be females. There has been an increasing involvement of women in small businesses and, in 1991, the Women in Business Foundation was established to improve women's business skills and to look at ways by which women could have easy access to credit for setting up businesses. The Development Bank of Samoa has noted a growing number of women applying for loans at both the cottage industry and medium levels. In the experience of financial institutions in Samoa, women's groups, have a better repayment record on all forms of loans than men's groups. Youth in Public Service Public Service Commission records for February 2000 reveal 978 people under the age of 30 working in various capacities in government. Of these, 614 (63%) are female and 364 (37%) are male. The overall earnings disparity between the sexes is significant as shown in Figure 1.6-2. The median annual wage for government employees under 30 years of age is $6,668 for females and $7,395 for males (i.e. 50% of workers had an income above these median values and 50% had an income below it). While the difference in average annual earnings is not great for those under 30 years ($7,224 for females Figure 6.6-2: Salary Ranges for Government Employees by Gender, and $7,609 for males), the gap widens February 2000 significantly for those over 30 years ($10,179 for females and $18,305 for males). Table 1.6-5 also shows that the highest I3 Male male salary among those under 30 years 13 Female of age is 1.4 times the highest female salary in the same age group. The lower average wages for females is partly explained by the great number of females involved in teaching and nursing, professions with low average wages ($3,958 and $4,879 per annum respectively on PSC data for February 2000). This data does not reflect the fact that women tend to have a higher level of educational attainment as mentioned earlier. NPF Data Data from the National Provident Fund show the average female wage for all industries to have been consistently lower than the average male wage (Figure 1.6-3). For 1999, the average female wage was 75% of the average male wage. F~gure 1.6-3: Average Male and Female Wages (all industries) Recorded at NPF Quarterly from September 1994 to September 1999 * Total - Males - Females Youth Traveling Overseas An analysis of monthly departures of Samoan citizens in 1998 reveals Figure 1.6-4: Pafiicipation by Gender ar interesting data on gender and travel. While slightly more females National Youth Policy Workshops held (243) left Samoa during the year in the 10-19 year age bracket, this July - November 1998 position reversed in the 20-29 year age group with 1,561 more males recorded as having travelled overseas. For all ages and by purpose of travel; around twice as many males travelled overseas for business and new employment. Travel for educational purposes showed a lesser male bias with 828 males departing as compared with 637 females. (Source: Statistics and Immigration Department). Gender Representation in National Youth Policy Workshops Of the 443 participants who attended the 12 policy discussion workshops held from July - November 1998; 160 (36%) were females. (Figure 1.6-4) This representation emerged despite efforts to promote and ensure that stakeholders maintained a gender balanced representation. Village Mayors The establishment of village mayors in each village is under the Pulenuu Act administered by the Internal Affairs Section of the Prime Minister's Department. Pulenuu are selected for a three-year term based on the consensus of each village council of matai. As with parliament, only those holding matai titles are eligible to become a village mayor. Of the total 224pulenuu in the country in 1993, only one was a woman. Previous years reveal that a total of three women have been selected to this position from three different villages. There is currently one female pulenu~l. Women in Executive Positions in Government Of the 49 currently elected Members of Parliament, only three are women, one of whom is Minister of Education, the first woman minister. Women's participation in parliament is restricted by the fact that only matai are eligible to be members and, as discussed above, this is heavily biased towards men. In fact women's direct participation in national decision-making is relatively new. The introduction of universal suffrage in 1990 allowed non-titled women to vote (with the excption of the individual voters.) Whereas prior to ratification of CEDAW, there were only three female heads of departments, there are currently six. Women make up some 40% of the department deputies and assistant directors. Young Women in Sports Young women, like their male counterparts, are very athletic, enjoy sporting activities and, for a small population, do remarkably well in international competitions.Overal1, however, women's involvement in sports tends to be less than that enjoyed by men. Despite the growing participation of women in sports in recent years, representation of women in decision making and leadership roles in sports adminstration has not followed. This needs reconsideration, for equal sporting opportunities to be Some of the Members d the Women's ?-Aside Rugby Squad established. Samoa's Februarv 2000 national sport, rugby, is followed in popularity by netball. Both sexes now play in these traditionally segregated sports. Other sports available for youth in Samoa are Samoan cricket, soccer, tennis, weight lifting etc. , :-L-$ ~ A < : ( ~ A F,&5j&E ,'4<>-'JF kiL2iz#~, ~;~~~~~~~t('t~i b;134yt-;\\ ; 9 : ; : ( 1 * p 1 - 2 1 0 : U HIES Analysis ofPoverty in Samoa Figure 1.7-2: !ncorne Breakdown by Region The total household income by source (received by persons 15 Savaii HIES 1997 years and over) recorded in the HIES for Samoa in 1997 is shown in Figure 1.7-1 on prior page. While paid employment is the biggest source of income, it is interesting to note that remittances from abroad (in kind and cash), is the second highest source. Savaii received the largest share of remittances from abroad. It also recorded the lowest household income from paid employment. These factors can lead to dependence on remittances rather than developing the resources around them for earnings. This untapped potential can help rural people to enjoy much higher standards of living than depending on remittances. Aithough Apia and Northwest Upolu recorded the smallest Figure 1.7-3: Breakdown of Mouseholds with population (21% and 25% respectively) these regions earned the the Lowest 20% oof Total Daily Expendjiures most income in the country (35% and 31% respectively) as shown by Region, WES 1997 in Figure 1.7-2. The contrast in earnings for Savaii and Apia is all the more striking when the land area of the regions is considered. Apia Relative Poverty The HIES analysis of relative poverty examines more closely the characteristics of the lowest 20% of daily household expenditures. Figure 1.7-3 shows the results by region. Savaii and the Rest of Upolu have the highest proportion of households with the lowest total daily expenditures. Food Poverty The HIES study found that 48% of the nation's households did not meet the recommended minimum dietary requirements. The study concluded that "subsistence afj7uencen in Samoa is declining and that households in rural areas are more at risk to poverty than those in the Apia urban area. The highest proportion of households in food poverty was found to be in Savaii. Basic Needs Poverty Adams and Sio, in their 1997 study on malnutrition in Samoa, suggest that absolute poverty, or the inability to meet one's basic needs (as is found in other developing countries), is not prevalent in Samoa. They found that cash income on its own is not a sufficient indicator of disadvantage as there are many transactions between families, families' access to land for farming, the sea for fishing, and cash remittances from overseas relatives, that occur outside the formal money economy. The HIES nevertheless found 32% of households did not have sufficient total daily income to meet their estimated basic needs requirements. This analysis again reveals rural Samoa, particularly Savaii, as having the highest number and proportion of households in poverty. All three types of poverty analysis undertaken in the HIES point to Savaii as the region of most concern in Samoa, followed by the Rest of Upolu, Northwest Upolu and Apia Urban area. The HIES report concludes that poverty is of concern to all regions, with levels of daily food expenditure in particular at lower levels than expected. While correcting for weaknesses in methodology may serve to lower the overall number of households in poverty, the regional pattern as outlined above is likely to remain the same as the shortcomings in data collection Husking coconuts in the plantation- both young women and men work applied generally and not lo any one region. in agr~culture although statist~cal data suggests that the role of women Agriculture and Poverty Various studies of the Samoan economy, including the HIES report, show that * 0 subsistence agriculture has declined. Commercial The agricultural census undertaken in Producer Non-agricultural 1989 estimated a significant 50.3% of 19% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as having originated in the agriculture sector (including fishing and forestry). Agriculture, and the subsistence sector within it, has declined markedly since then. Subsistence contributed 16.8% of GDP in 1998 and 16.3% in 1999. Despite this decline, agriculture continues to be a very important component of the village economy where most youth live. The prominent role played by youth, particularly male youth, in subsistence agriculture has already been mentioned in Youth Demography. A second agricultural census in 1999 confirms the continuing importance of agriculture as shown in Figure 1.7-4. Note that agricultural activity mainly for home consumption is highest in Savaii. Figure 1.7-5, shows the highest level of agricultural activity in Samoa is for "mainly home consumption7' (38%). Both figures 1.7-4 and 1.7-5 suggest there may well have been an undervaluation of subsistence agriculture in the HIES, particularly in Savaii where the occurrence of food poverty was thought to be highest. A revitalized village economy, the mainstay of which is agriculture, is one of eight key strategic outcomes of the Statement of Economic Strategy 2000-2001. Invigorating agricultural activity will greatly reduce the incidence of food poverty. "Capacity Building for Future Farmers", a multi-sector project aiming to address this very issue will be looking 23 to work closely with youth. The project, if approved, will involve the Ministry Of Youth Sport and Culture and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Meteorology. Household Size and Poverty It appears from statistical reports that while Samoa's population is growing, albeit slightly, the number of households is decreasing thereby increasing the average household size. In much of the Pacific and in the "developed" countries, household size been decreased in the last century. Figure 7 .T-5: Levei of Agr~cultlare Actwily by Region, Agriculture Census 1999 (Proiimrnary Report) Every youth is entitled to enjoy a full productive life regardless of his or her nationality, aigalfamily, culture or religion. They must have access to adequate shelter, food, clean drinking water and education. They must be free from all forms of discrimination and exploitation. Youth who are deprived of such freedoms or whose access to this basic human need is restricted or perceived to be restricted by some F , 1 &3 ~: ~ ~ ~ situation or action of others, are ElementsANebing g $ classified as vulnerable youth. Figure Of Lie g & 1.8-1 below depicts the various elements affecting one's quality of life and which, when lacking, lead to vulnerability. Vulnerable youth are exposed to some form of danger or risk which, if not addressed, is harmful. The following groups are identified as vulnerable youth in Samoa but given Aganuu Tamaoaiga the ever changing nature of society, (lifelong educatzonj (socio-cultural aspects) (economic aspects) the situation facing these groups should be closely monitored and periodically assessed. By examining these groups, there is a danger of focusing on the end results and not fully addressing the underlying causes. The Policy also recognises that these various groups are not mutually exclusive. A youth may fall under several categories and face even greater risks. There has been some research on suicide in Samoa. Suicide Suicide is intentional, self-inflicted death and it has been found that those who attempt or complete suicide usually suffer from emotional pain and distress, feeling unable to cope with their problems. Suicide ranks as a leading cause of death worldwide. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the Pacific, in 1994, had the highest youth suicide rate in the world. In many countries, suicidal people are likely to suffer from mental illness, particularly severe depression. In Samoa, various factors combine to paint a unique yet equally horrifying statement against life. The high number of suicides in Samoa has been a concern for many years (Figure 1.8-2). In the late 1970s and early 1980s, close to 100 people attempted suicide each year (records range from 80 to 90 but these are unlikely to be all attempts). A suicide awareness campaign launched in 1981 helped lower the rate of attempts but the numbers, on the rise again, has recently attracted media and community attention. In February 2000, a suicide prevention group "Faataua le Ola" was established. From 1983 to 1999, the average yearly number of suicide attempts was 37 with a death rate of 57% or around 21 deaths. There have been 13 attempts at suicide recorded at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH) for 2000 up to the end of April. Youth Suicide The majority of suicide attempts are made by young people as revealed from an analysis of medical records at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. This analysis examines data for the 10 year period from 1990 to 1999 (Figure 1.8-3 and 1.8-4). 68% of all suicide attempts in this period was by youth (138 or 40% by male youth and sexaal crimes such and 98 or 28% by female youth). Over this period, there as incest were 18 cases of attempted suicide by youth 15 years of age and younger, the youngest being two children of 11 years old each. Seven of the 13 suicide attempts to the end of April 2000 (54%), almost one every two weeks, were by youth between the ages of 16 and 27 years (4 of whom died). Of all the methods used by suicidal youth over the period from 1988 to 1999, paraquat ingestion is the most common at 67% of all attempts accounting for 66% of all suicide deaths (Table 1.8-2 and Figure 1.8-5). Of the three leading causes of death however, hanging and gunshot wounds are more lethal methods than paraquat. Just under 60% of the youth interviewed in the 1994 Apia Urban Youth Survey identified suicide as the most serious problem they face today. The highest number of respondents identifying suicide were in the 15-19 year age bracket. It should be noted that, as grim as this picture is, the figures are not complete. Not all cases of attempted or completed suicides reach the national hospital, or for that matter, any hospital. Suicide data kept at the Police Department and those reported by the Statistics Department differ slightly from those maintained at the hospital and used in this analysis. It is imperative that accurate records be maintained and periodically crosschecked with others who also keep suicide data including non-government organisations. While the more serious suicide cases are likely to be transferred to the national hospital, the fact that not all cases are, requires records to be maintained in all health centres in the country and at the Malietoa Tanumafili I1 hospital on Savaii. To determine where youth who attempt suicides are from, data for the period 1988 to the end of April 2000 was analysed. A total of 427 suicides were attempted over this period, 301 (70%) of whom were youth (176 or 58% were male and 125 or 42% were female). A total of 123 different villages were given as addresses for these 301 Figure 1.13-2: Suicides ARempietl and Completed. 1979-.I 999 100 youth suicides. 119 of the addresses given are on Upolu (of the F~gure 1.8-3 Sulclde Attemps by Age Group and SEX 3990-3999 remaining four, 3 were from Savaii and 1 was from Manono-hi). All Others Ii is not known however if the place of origin was given as the address or place where living at the time of the suicide. Table 1.8-3 lists the villages with five or more youth suicides over the period from 1988 to the end of April 2000. All 16 villages are on Upolu with the leading five coming from Northwest Upolu Figure i .&-4. Youth and Al Other Suicide Attempts f 990-1 899 45 j Figure ? .8-5 'r'outh (3 2-29 years) where there are high numbers of migrants from Savaii. Suicide Deaths bv Method: 1988-1 999 Dr. John Bowles, a consultant Psychiatrist with the Knife Drugoverdose National Hospital from 1981-1983, noted that Samoans living abroad do not have as high a rate of suicide as those living in Samoa. He also found a connection between suicide and alcohol abuse, violence in families, differing expectations between generations and a lack of communication between parents and children. The 1994 Apia Urban Youth Survey found that among youth not in full time education or employment, a significant 42% saw improving their relationship with parents as the best way to improving their social life (almost twice as many females [964] than males [508]). There is urgent need for further research into this problem. An informed dialogue among youth and their elders of the underlying causes is required. Further, the urgent need for counselling services is generally accepted by those involved with this issue. It is possible to refer the question of youth suicide to the National University of Samoa who may direct staff and student research in degree courses such as sociology and counselling. Delinquent Youth and Incarcerated Youth The term juvenile delinquency refers to criminal or antisocial behaviour of young people - acts which, if committed by adults, would be considered crimes. The law defines a minor to be any person under the age of 21 years. Section 2 of the Infants Ordinance 1961 defines "child" as under 16 years. As stated earlier, children aged 8-14 years can be held criminally responsible and charged. Of the 406 people sentenced to prison over the period from 1995 to 1998, just under 60% were by people under the age of 29 years - 229 or 57% were male youth and 10 or 2% were female youth (Figure 1.8-6). The vulnerable group of delinquent and incarcerated youth refer specifically to those offenders under the age of 21 years, i.e., minors. Among those under 21 years sentenced to prison over the period from 1995 to 1998,54% were for theft-related crimes (Table 1.8-4). While it is encouraging to note the downward trend in thefts by young persons over this period, this data only shows those who have been sentenced to prison, a sanction the judiciary are reluctant to administer given their knowledge of the conditions at Tafaigata and Vaiaata. When examined the data for those under 21 placed under probation (Figure 1.8-8), shows that all manner of crimes committed by youth are actually increasing. The only crimes committed by young women for which they were placed under probation in the period 1995-1998 were theft-related. For young men, theft-related crimes have steadily increased over the period. Figure 1.8-9 shows the breakdown of youth placed under probation over the period from 1995-1998. For other crimes, increases were recorded in sex-related offences (carnal knowledge), wilful damage (throwing stones), drugs, and assaults. Average Ages of Young Offenders The average age of those under 21 years sentenced to prison over the period analysed was 18.9 years, while the average age at which these youth left school was 14.7 years. Among probationers under 21 years of age, the average age was Figure 1 .%-6: Offenders Sentenced to Prison by Figure 1.8-7: Persons Under 21 years Sentenced to Age and Sex: 1 995-7 998 Prison 1995-2 998, by Type of Offence F d e Negligent Physical Driving Other Male , , 17.7 years and the average age at which they left school was 14.8 years (Figures 1.8-10 and 1,8-11) Figure '1.8-8: Persons Under 21 Years Placed Under Probatitlon 1995-1 998, bac Theft and AN Other Crimes Crime and Gender It should be noted that for all age related crimes were committed females under probation, the committed was theft. Crime Prevention This data gives some indications activity of delinquent youth. A cr policy is currently being developed Department as a part of its corpora F ~ g u ~ 1 e . D-9 Persons Under 21 Years Placed Under Moral considerations aside, the main issue of concern in Probatran 1995- 1598, by Offence and Gender the justice system exposing young offenders to various risks, is the fact that there has never been separate treatment for young people in the courts system. Moreover, for those whose crimes warrant imprisonment, A11 other there is no separate correctional facility for young people who end up in the company of seasoned criminals. In the present system, it would be extremely diEcult for a young person to break out of the cycle of crime once he or she has entered it. In countries with a juvenile justice system, young offenders are usually considered to be in need of special treatment, rehabilitation or discipline. Counselling agencies are established to assist with crime prevention and the process of social integration. A special study was undertaken in Samoa in 1997 to investigate the establishment of a rehabilitation centre for young offenders. It 27 was noted in that study that the unsuitable conditions at Tafaigata for young offenders has long been recognised. -- Recommendations for both a Figure 1.8- Y 0: Average Ages of Youth binder 21 Years Sentenced lo Prison separate legal process to deal with and Average Ages at Which They Left School (3 995-98) iuvenile cases and a s e ~ a r a t e 19.0 20.0 18.9 18.6 19.0 correctional facility for young *. - - a. m e offenders were made as far back as April 1974 in a letter written by the then Chief Justice G J Donne to the Minister of Justice. This, basically, was what the 1997 committee recommended to Cabinet but it is not known what, if any, action may have been taken since then. Youth Involved in Substance Abuse Figure 1.8-I 1. Average Ages of Youth under 21 years Placed Under In the 1994, drug and alcohol abuse Probation Ei Average Ages at Which They Left School (1995-98) was ranked by 35% of respondents as the second most serious health prob- 18.0 lem (after suicide) facing youth today (Apia Urban Youth Survey, 1994). The problem is of growing concern in Samoa and the obvious risks associ- ated with such behaviour demand the attention of policy-makers. The sub- stances most abused by youth in Sa- moa include: alcohol (mainly Vailima beer and home brew),tobacco, cannabis (marijuana), logo (Angel's Trumpet), and pzdou aitu ("magic" mush- room). Research overseas has shown a correlation between substance abuse and other health concerns such as suicide, accidents (road crashes, fall injuries, drowning), offences (violence in families, assaults, theft, sexual abuse, wilful damage), and "lifestyle" dis- eases (such as obesity and stroke). The cancer caus- ing risks associated with smoking are also well known. While the physical consequences of substance abuse are measurable, the social consequences are often over- looked or minimized. Limited family finances squan- dered unwisely can result in unpaid bills such as school fees and electricity further impinging on the wellbeing of the family. The tensions within a family are com- pounded when youth see substance abuse as a way of escaping, albeit temporarily, stressful or painful expe- riences. Other factors motivating youth to try drugs The Department of Health runs antr-smoking campaigns and alcohol include curiosity and a real or perceived involvina school children. Pictured above are some of the pleasure to be derived from the substance. winners for the Worid No Tobacco Day competition prize-giving, Alcohol. Smoking and Mariiuana 3'1 May 20100. Standing right and lefi are the Director General s2 s of Health Taulealeausumai Dr. Eti Enosa and Namulauulu Dr. There is 'pecific policy On it is Nuualofa Potoi, the Assistant Director. It is interesting to note dealt with briefly in the draft policy On and that six ofthe eiaht orize-winners were airis. Statistics show a nutrition. Control of the liquor industry is through greater 1ikelrhoo;d t o boys to take up &&Eng. the Liquor Control Board operating under the authority of the Liquor Act of 1971. In addition, alcohol-related problems are addressed in various ways by some government departments, viz., Health, Police, and MYSCA and by non-government organisations such as Sautiamai, Alcoholics Anonymous, and other church organisations. Another factor reducing alcohol consumption stems from the social controls established by the village council of matai who often impose restrictions on alcohol. Vailima beer and cheap imported spirits are widely available throughout the nation being sold in village stores and licensed premises. Although it is an offence for a person under 21 years to possess or consume alcohol, it is common for shopkeepers to sell beer to children and youth who usually say they are buying for their fathers and uncles. This practice is unacceptable and mechanisms should be introduced to ensure that the law is enforced. F~gure 1 8-12 Pecentage of Youth (10-29 years) Who had Tned Smoking, Aicohol or Spirts 8: Senior police officers Mat riuana, by Sex &Whether Fulltme Employed, Fuiltrrne Student or Neither advise that alcohol i s 25% 1 I3 Tried Smokmg heavily implicated in most 13 Tried Alcohol or Spirits serious criminal offences and in many minor offences Cl Tried Marijuana although data on this is lacking. Data on the illicit manufacture of home brew and the geographic and demographic distribution of consumption is also not available. F i g ~ ~ r 1e . 8-1 3: The main drug youth are involved in is marijuana. Pecentage of Fulllime Students (10-14 years) Who had Tried Marijuana is known to be grown all over the Samoa Smoking, Alcohol or Spirits & Marijuana, by Sex islands and is believed to be widely used by youth. As SOURGE: analysed from the 1994 AUYS data, the main group o n Tried Alcohol or a Tried Smoking 1994 AUVS who seem to be attracted to its use are full-time Spi students. Drug abuse among youth in American Samoa has been of growing concern to the government there in recent years. With tightened border controls in recent years, a number of attempts to smuggle marijuana, originating from Samoa, have been intercepted by American Samoa authorities. The flow of drugs between the two Samoas is not one-way. In qrcences of substance 1999 a shipment of cocaine from American Samoa was intercepted by Customs officers in Samoa. Hard are sjten overlooked or minimised. drum in Samoa would have to come in from , " overseas. It is understood that the Customs department are looking into the idea of establishing a canine drug detection unit at entry points. Any initiative aimed at tightening up drug surveillance is strongly supported by this Policy. The 1994 Apia Urban Youth Survey asked youth whether or not they had tried smoking, drunk beer or spirits, or tried marijuana. Figure 1.8-12 shows the results for the 10-29 age group as a percentage of the total respondents in the three broad categories of full-time employed, full-time student and neither (and by gender). For those under 20 years of age, the results show that a small percentage of youth are trying smoking and beer or Figure 1 .$-I 4: Pecentage of Youth (1 0-19 years) Who had Tried Smakng, Alcohol or Spirits and Marijuana, by Occupation and Sex el Tried Smoking - Tried Alcohol or Spirits spirits in the 10-14 year age group (Figure 1.8-13). With a projected 10-14 year population for 2000 of around 10,000 males and 10,000 females, these percentages extrapolate nationally to some 500 male students and 300 female students trying smoking and some 400 male students and 100 female students trying beer or spirits. While these may be conservative estimates, it should be noted that most of these students would have been in primary school. In this regard, the importance of the attitudes and behaviours of parents and older siblings and the influence of the media cannot be underestimated.Attitudes more than knowledge, influence the initiation of behaviour and, once acquired, guide a person either to substance abuse or to a drug-free life. Table 1.8-15 shows the percentages of youth found in the 1994 AUYS to have been involved in these risk behaviours. Almost a third of those intenriewed in the 10-19 year age bracket had tried smoking, just under 1 in 4 had tried beer or spirits and just under 1 in 5 had tried marijuana. As can be seen, the percentages increased dramatically in the older youth bracket. Table 1.8-6 shows that among youth under 20 years of age, full-time students are the ones most trying smoking (61% of those who had tried cigarette smoking), drinking (61% of those who had tried beer or spirits) and marijuana (42% of those who had tried marijuana). Moreover, male students outnumbered all others in each of the risk behaviours except for those who had tried marijuana who were neither full-time students nor full-time employed. To place these values in greater perspective, Figure 1.8-14 has been constructed to show those youth in the 10- 19 year age bracket involved in these risk behaviours as a percentage of all respondents in the various categories (and by gender). Note the higher percentages of full-time students placing themselves at risk compared to the other categories. Pregnant Teenagers As indicated earlier, teen pregnancy is emerging as a major health problem for young women with the increased risk of stillbirths and other complications noted among those treated at the national hospital. In a study on teenage pregnancy conducted in 1995 (Health Sector Strategic Plan 1998-2003), 81% of the survey sample did not plan their pregnancy. Although 77% were aware that they were at risk of falling pregnant, 65% had very little knowledge of contraception and 95% had never used it. Moreover, among the pregnant teenagers interviewed, \\2 t E ;-fi"G A-Ar"*VPPE +?O 7 lj2?_rLAd;A 1"P;,L.Adr=!U (3 SjahGA SAFb*jOA p$gTiCJb&s Y O k i ^ ' ~ CraSi-iCs.". 2QO 1 - 2ij ! 0 55% had been sexually active for less than a year while 45% between one and four years. This and other reports suggest an urgent need to provide pre and post-natal care and education for young unmarried mothers-to-be whose families, for various reasons, often do not provide the kind of support needed by these young women and their unborn children. Adoptus, an NGO involved, is breaking new ground in this area. With lives at stake, this issue must be reviewed and addressed. It is generally accepted that there is a lack of preparation for adolescence and puberty, marriage and parenthood. This is due mostly to the taboo placed on discussing sexual matters although the arrival of HIVIAIDS to Samoa is helping to open up a community dialogue on the issues of sexual and reproductive health. While materials on reproductive health have been produced by the Department of Education, it is not clear Ftgure 1 8-3 5. Curnuiahve Schoo! Drop-outs Compared with Y8-Y9 how widespread it is being used in the Nationai Enrolment (199549991 1 schools. " a 207000 17,792 17,853 e: - d l 0 PC--.\\*- I - - School Dropouts, Out-of-School Youth .; : and Unemployed Youth a w 15,000 1 / 16,382 School dropouts are the number of students enrolled in any given year who are not enrolled during the following year. National enrollment in the youth age bracket, i.e., Year 8 to Year 13, has remained fairly constant over the last five years averaging at around 17,600 students (Figure 1.8-15). Available data from the Education Department do not indicate post- secondary enrolment so it is not known h is the last year of school, these figures are not included in dropout calculations. Over the period from 1995-1999, school dropouts peaked at just over 4,000 in 1996. The number, while fluctuating, has since declined to just under 3,000 in 1999. Nevertheless, there are still large numbers of students leaving school before completing their secondary education. A cumulative 16,382 students have dropped out over the five-year period from 1995-1999 as shown above. Table 1.8-7 shows this total number who dropped out by level. Over a third stopped going to school at the end of Years 8 and 9, the first two years of secondary schooling, while two-thirds left in the last two years. This information is shown graphically in Figure 1.8-16. Whilst overall, more boys (52%) than girls (48%) dropped out of school during the period; slightly more girls stopped school at the end of Year 12. Over the period Figure 1.8-17 shows that the average government transition rates for Year 8 to Year 9 for the 1995 -1999 period has declined to 57% while the national average, boosted by mission and independent schools has remained fairly Figure l.8 16: ToEai Schooi Drop-Outs Figure 'f 23-1 7 : Total School Drop-Outs by level Tor 1995- 1999 by Level for 19954 999 SOURCE: P!;miring awi Rescar.ch Unit, DOG / Y I 2 t o Y13 loo T A E 95 4 -Year 8 - Ye!r 9 Transition Rate, Nationally (I,) y11i0 Y12 90 4 -* Year8 - Year 9Tonsition Rate in Fovernmnt Sckooir (%) 2 Q < l stable at around 80%. Table 1.8-8 lists the districts with government schools that recorded the highest dropout rates of over 50%. While the data from which these figures have been derived do not show pupil movements across country or into mission and independent schools, they are nevertheless indicative of the areas experiencing high numbers of student dropouts. It is obvious that those who stop school at the end of Year 8 face many disadvantages. These dropouts join the ranks of the many unemployed youth already out of school. The likelihood of their finding paid jobs is extremely low as employment policies, for obvious reasons, often restrict early school leavers. The PSC, for example, has a policy of employing only those students who have completed Year 11 (i.e. who have sat the School Certificate exam). PSC applicants must also be a minimum of eighteen years of age. It is not known exactly what happens to early school leavers who, influenced by relatives living abroad and the media, return home after searching in vain for jobs and disillusioned about their future prospects. It is often these youth who become attracted to alcohol and drugs and, with such limited access to resources, resort to crime, mainly theft, to get what they want. A study (Employment in Western Samoa - Present and Potential, 1989) One of the concerns facing youth with concluded that the majority of school leavers were unlikely to proceed to special needs is that they, like this further education and training or to secure paid employment. Agriculture young Illnited has traditionally absorbed school dropouts and out of school youth. edclcation and training by being kept at Declining agriculture and a youth population increasingly disinterested in home, isolated from peers and friends. working the land, is also adding to unemployment in Samoa. They often also do not receive the kind of rnedlcal treatment recjutred for thetr youth with Special Needs condition. Youth with disabilities in Samoa lead a difficult and, often, lonely life. Although physically or mentally disabled youth can nevertheless live an enjoyable life and fulfil their potential with the help of medical science, appropriate aids and equipment, education and training, and understanding and support from the community. For complex sociocultural reasons and a general lack of facilities to support their integration in society, disabled youth in Samoa often receive very limited education and training and tend to be isolated from their peers and friends. There is very little information available and limited research conducted FigUre -&* 8: Percentage in the field of disabilities. The lack of data for policy formulation begins of Households, by Region, with PhystcallyiMentally Dtsabled Persons at birth. While individual records for deliveries at the national hospital will reveal birth defects or babies born with congenital disorders, this Apia Urban data is not captured in the health information system unless the baby is Area admitted for diagnosis and treatment. The tendency for disabled youth to be kept at home further hides the extent of the problem. The 1991 Population Census enumerated a total of 1,405 households with disabled persons (Table 1.8-9). Estimates projected from research conducted in the 1990s indicate around 600-800 youth (12-29 years) with disabilities. It should be pointed out that some countries estimate their disabled to be around 10% of the population. Applying the 6% of households rate found in the 1991 Census to the estimated youth population in Samoa for 1999 (12-29 years) yields around 3,600 youth, five to six times greater than that estimated from research available to kble 1 .$-I :MGO's Providing Special Needs Education in Samoa 1999 2000 Organisation: Special Needs emphasis Bracket Enrolment Enrolment - Loto Taumafai Physical disabilities 5-26 years 52 63 Fia Malamalama Intellectually handicapped 4-25 years 37 27 SENESE1 Learning difficulties 5-10 years 5 6 PREB2 Blind All ages Nl A N/ A Special Needs Education Society Inc. Prevention, Rehabilitation and Education of the Blind Society (unable to obtain data but it is understood that blind students are integrated into schoolslsociety). date. Beginning to address this issue more systematically, the Education Department, in early 2000, launched a Special Needs Education Survey project with UNDP assistance. The project which is nearing completion, surveys primary school students to assess special needs students by location J and type of need. The project also aims to provide training for teacher trainees to be able to identify special needs students and provide for an increasing demand for special education at the secondary level and beyond. As a part of this initiative, two satellite schools have been selected to pilot special needs classrooms, the first step towards special needs education in the Government education system. The Educational Amendment Act 1991 makes it mandatory for government to share responsibility for special needs children by supplementing and supporting community initiatives in special education. Students at Loto Taumafa1 Sckooi for the Disabled. June 2000 Four non-government organisations currently provide for special needs education in Samoa. Located in the Apia area, these NGOs are listed in Table 1.8-1. Excluding PREB who are understood to work with the blind on a case by case basis, these organisations currently have a combined student roll of just over 100 students. Loto Taumafai and Fia Malamalama include woodcraft in their programme to help students generate their own income. In following up on their school leavers over the last five years, Loto Taumafai discovered that 83% (5 out of six students) have found full- time employment. There are currently no special education services in rural areas where the majority of people with disabilities live (71% as shown in Figure 1.8-18). A pilot special needs classroom, however, has recently been established at Ulimasao Junior Secondary School in Vailoa, Palauli, the first such facility for Savaii. A survey recently conducted by PREB Society in the Palauli district identified some 26 young people with special education needs. The classroom has been equipped under a Young boy sell~ng fans In Apa "_E &:i, F4fit\\'AL $$c" ' J r U t A a A ~~A\\.&,'~{"'u 3 S&ht!s.;Sgd&i ' \\ 5A%892, h4hj :()i\\j,?il_ yO:l f!i P531.i'Y 20Q; z:j$ grant from JICA who have also provided a van for student transportation. Technical expertise will be provided collaboratively by PREB, Loto Taumafai and Fia Malamalama. Working Children Including Urban Street Vendors The Labour and Employment Act 1972, in line with the Minimum Age Convention 1973 (ILO), makes it unlawful to employ any child under the age of fifteen except in safe and light work suited to his or her capacity. A paper on Child Labour, prepared by the Commissioner of Labour and submitted to Cabinet in 1999, outlines three categories of child labour in Samoa, viz., those under fifteen years of age who are: - Unpaid workers in family-run commercial or semi-commercial businesses, the most problematic sector involving "many" children Unpaid subsistence farmers in the non-formal sector where the problem is twofold: youngsters doing heavy work not suited to their physical capacity or likely to be injurious to their health and children under fourteen years of age working in the plantation instead of going to school, and Paid workers in the formal sector of which there are no cases known to the Labour Department The Department of Labour is presently reviewing relevant legislation including a proposal to ban the employment of children during normal school hours and at night. Semi-commercial enterprises are also culturally orientated in the sense that a child may not be directly paid a wage but their service is reciprocated in a variety of ways e.g provision of money, food, educational support etc. It must be noted that family-run commercial businesses and other ventures are also often the site for promoting family unity, and entrepreneurial skills from an early age. Street Vendors Street vendors sell a range of products including food items, agricultural produce, handcrafts, and imported items such as batteries. While the work itself may be suited to their physical capacity, and certainly the income they earn would help meet family expenses including school fees; their work, as with children working in subsistence agriculture, interferes with their education. Most of the children who are selling on the streets certainly appear to be under the age of fourteen years and to have dropped out of school early. This can lead to other problems. The nature of the work can expose these young people to risks. One of the worst examples could be young girls and boys who start selling uia (leis) outside nightclubs at night but end up selling their bodies. While there is no data to support such a statement, the possibility of this happening is one of the reasons why these youth have been identified as vulnerable. They may also be exposed to violence and to drugs and alcohol. Those under fifteen years of age who are selling items legitimately (after school) may also acquire habits and practices detrimental to their moral character. Import items, and the products are many and varied, may well be black market products (smuggled into the country by parents or guardians as personal effects) with no duties paid. This has obvious implications for legitimate trade, for government, and also compromises ethical standards in these young people that, if left unchecked, may lead to other, more serious ,.' A 12 vear-old b o ~ sells cabbages durmg onences. school hours. Note the $2.34 million lackpoi advefiised With virtually no data available on this group, its inclusion here aims to open up investigation into the circumstances facing these young people and the activities they are engaged in. Youth Living in Dysfunctional Families Including those Experiencing Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes such as Incest The aiga, the foundation of faa-Samoa, can also be a powerful agent for human destructiveness if domestic violence or other manifestations of family dysfunction are present. Youth growing up in homes where they witness or are routinely subjected to beatings, verbal abuse or sexual abuse (or a combination of these), are traumatised by the experience. The social and economic costs are incalculable and can lead to a host of problems as discussed throughout this section. Sadly, the cumulative affect of domestic violence and the violence which too many youth are Figure 1 8-19 Percentage ofm/omen S u ~ e ~ d Ftgure 1 8-20. Percentage of victims by age at whch experiencing in schools a)ywheaer or notthey'vbexpertenced clornesf~c vfQlefl@ocmrted vioience seems all too often to be 35-44 years SOURCE disregarded under the K l vtctims of 3% has not been adequately assessed partly because it has not been adequately acknowledged as a problem- privately or publicly. This denial is the first obstacle to be overcome if youth today are to break the cycle of violence and not become abused or abusive adults. There are two nongovernment organisations with programmes addressing violence in families. Mapusaga o Aiga (MOA), was formed in 1993 in response to a growing concern about the occurrence of domestic and sexual violence in Samoa. In a 1996 study by Mapusaga o Aiga on domestic and sexual violence against women, 73 out of 257 women interviewed (28%) said they had been victims of violence (Figure 1.8-19). Of those who experienced violence, 51 (70%) were in the 15-24 year age group (Figure 1.8-20). The National Council of Women has more recently launched "TeteeAtu leSasa ma UpuMamafa7', a programme aimed at stopping child beating and the verbal abuse of children. This programme, targeted initially at mothers, is looking also to reach teachers as young people can also be subjected to violence in schools. Youth Victims of Sexual Crimes -Incest and Rape As with other areas in criminology, only a small percentage of sexual crimes are reported, a smaller number get as far as prosecution, and an even smaller number of convictions are actually made. Compounding this issue is the fact that sex in Samoan society is a matter of tapu making sex-related crimes all the more difficult to deal with. As with other forms of violence, there is also a common attitude that this matter should only be dealt with by the aiga. While the criminal justice system work for urban Apia, crimes committed in the villages, unless they are of a very serious nature, are usually dealt with by the matai council. Given that the topic of sex, let alone scxual crimes, is tapu, these crimes may never make it to the matai council. If a case does appear before them, they are ill-equipped to effectively deal with the problem especially when the perpetrator may be from among their number. A young woman faced with the prospects of taking her case to the authorities in Apia requires considerable courage and self-confidence. Seeking justice also carries the risk of causing isolation from the family; with no other support currently available for counselling and care, this risk is often too high and can result in a victim's eventual denial in the courtroom. There is an urgent need for ongoing research into this problem to determine not only its scope but also the issues needing to be taken into account for justice to prevail. While there has been improvement in the community's response to seminars on sex-related issues such as HIVIAIDS and teen pregnancy, there is an ongoing need to raise awareness of the problem and to develop strategies to meaningfully address them. There is also a need for counselling and support services for the victims of sexual crimes (and their families) in order to facilitate healing. img net is gwatb a only one sinnet co any eontribrate to 2 s making. A ~tnanimous decision reyecling unify of pul-po,se. The cstrlmorz / h e a d for Youth Servtce Providers are the youth themselves. .9 YOUTH SERVICE PROVIDERS Youth Service Providers (YSP) are any organisations, formal and informal, that provide services of various kinds for youth. Such services are designed to assist with the spiritual, emotional, physica!, intellectual, social, cultural and economic development of youth or any combination of these as provided by many of the different organisations. Pa~icipants at the Youth Stakeholder's Workshop held 2-3 December 1999 Youth Service Providers in the Context ofthe Statement of Economic Strategy 2000-2001 The theme for the Statement of Economic Strategy (2000 - 2001), "partnership for a prosperous society", emphasises the important developmental role played by all stakeholders. The broad areas of youth development outlined above are not mutually exclusive. Neither is any one area of greater importance to any other (Figure 1.9-1). A holistic approach to youth development necessarily cuts across many sectors and, as such, requires the support and cooperation of all those who have an interest in the advancement of youth in Samoa. The important role played by religious organisations has already been discussed. In addition to these religious organisations, there are many nongovernment organisations that, to varying degrees, allocate resources for the betterment of youth. The Youth Service Provider Network The Youth Service Provider Network (Table 1.9-1) is not meant to be an exhaustive list but rather an attempt to identify those recognised in the current landscape of youth development.While many of these organisations - already have strong links with others, with some the F~gure 1 9-1 : Thematic Areas of Youth Developrrlent partnership needs strengthening. While some have been SPIRITUAL consulted in policy development to date, others have not. ECONOMIC It may be necessary to split the stakeholders into two groups: a main group may be comprised of those recognised to have a high level of relevance to ongoing policy development and monitoring while a second, wider group, will be necessary for the policy to filter into grassroots society. Non-governmental organisations also serve youth. Key among these are the religious organisations and particularly those that have Youth and Education Departments. Church Education Departments provide formal schooling at mission schools working in partnership with the Department of Education. Some focus on Early Childhood Education, others on technical and technological skills. Church Youth Departments primarily provide religious education and a variety of non-formal educational opportunities. Given that most Samoan youth are affiliated with a religious organisation through the autalavou, they are seen as an important channel to reach large numbers of youth by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Other NGOs with programmes reaching youth usually fill a perceived need. Some are structured with a Board of Directors and paid or volunteer staff to execute their mission. Others are loosely structured and are often limited in their effectiveness due to inadequate manpower and other resources. The Samoa Umbrella of Non-Government Organisation (SUNGO), with approximately 40 affiliated organisations, is increasingly being recognised as the umbrella for NGOs in Samoa. A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture of NGOs, highlighted some common interests among Youth Service Providers s (Table 1.9-1). Youth, according to the various organisations surveyed, varied widely in age. The majority of these organisations do not set a particular age limit for participation. Some include children as young as 5 years old in their youth activities. Others begin at 10 years, 12 years, 15 years and upwards to 40 years and over. Each Service Provider has a particular mission to follow and many provide programs to enhance skills and empower the individual to become more self-sufficient and self-reliant. In doing so, they help to build self- esteem, strong moral and spiritual character, and develop appreciation for the importance of youth in society. Organisations vary widely in involving youth in decision-making from very little involvement to very high involvement. While the organisational structure often determines how much say a youth has in the affairs of the group, this is strongly influenced by leadership style. MYSCA - A Possible Focal Point for Youth Development At the present time, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs may be in the best position to tie the Youth Service Provider network together. It has, in the course of developing this Policy, consulted with many of the organisations identified above. As mentioned earlier, MYSCA has also developed a "Youth Directors" network comprising representatives from various religious organisations. It has, for many years now, consulted successfully with this group to plan such events as National Youth Week, and MYSCA workshops and seminars. figure. 1.9-2 Youth Servree Providers Agriculture Police and Prisons PART TWO: KEY PRIORITY AREAS 2.1 YOUTH ... HEALTH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1 Alternative Sources of Youth Health Care; Current Dimensions in Health; Healthy Islands; Fanau ma Aiga Manuia; Youth Health; Disease Patterns by Gender; Health Services for Youth; Barriers to Health Information Needs; Communicable Diseases KEY YOUTH HEALTH ISSUES. ................................................................................. 4 4 2.2 EDUCATION AND TRAINING. ....................................................................................... 49 Formal Education; National Examinations, Corporal Punishment; Equity of Resource Allocation; Post Secondary Education; The University Preparation Year; Studying Overseas; Participation Rates; Special Needs Education; Non-formal Education KEY EDUCATION AND TRAINING ...................................................................... ISSUES. 54 2.3 EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION. ........................................................................... 56 The Economically Active Population; Agriculture; Other income-generation; The Formal Sector; NPF Data; MYSCA Surveys concerning Employment; Unemployment and Underemployment KEY EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION ..... ISSUES. .......................................................... 59 2.4 YOUTH JUSTICE. .................................................................................................... 60 Introduction; Correctional Facility for Youth; Youth Sentenced to Prison; Persons placed under probation; Analysis of those Sentenced to Prison and Persons Placed under Probation KEY YOUTH JUSTICE ...................................................................................... ISSUES. 61 2.5 YOUTH AND NATURAL RESOURCE USE. ...................................................................... 63 Current Dimensions; Key Environment Organisations; Conservation Areas and Reserves KEY NATUR~L &SOURCE ISSUES. ............................................................................... 64 2.6 YOUTH ............................................................................................... RECREATION. 6 7 Formal and Informal Youth Recreation, Sports. Regional and International Games; Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Sports and Recreational Facilities; Creative Arts KEY RECREATION ........................................................................................... ISSUES. 72 The Samoa National Youth Policy envisions and advocates a healthy youth population as fundamental to its mission. Youth represents a sub-population with distinct lifestage-related health risk factors, health priorities and preventive health service needs. The policy recognizes that in order to achieve the fullest potential of health in our nation's youth, integrated national policy and program strategies will need to be developed that clearly identify, address and track youth as a distinct sub-population at risk. Long-term commitment and active collaboration on the part of both the community and government need to expand in scope to include youth-specific health priorities. Given the need for limited health resources to be used efficiently and effectively, youth health issues can and should be addressed within current health prevention and intervention departments and programs. AdolescentJyoung adult health priorities should join those identified in other at-risk sub-populations. The first part of this section focuses on youth health status. What is known, and equally important, what is still unknown about the risk factors of this sub-population. It also identifies some of the major health-related initiatives, services and resources targeting youth. Alternative Sources of Youth Health Care There are two major health and healing paradigms available in Figure 2 1-1 : ( Youth Seeking Samoa: allopathic (science-based, "Western" medical approach), Two blam 1 (Medical Treatment Sources of and traditional Samoan healing practices. Although frowned upon Primary Health Care Initial during the Colonial era, traditional healing practitioners, including birth attendants (faatosaga), herbalists (taulasea), and massage specialists (fofo), are still commonly 1st Traditional Healer Public and/or referred to for treatment. Also not to be overlooked are a small number of Christian faith healers who -Lzd#u Private Health are approached exclusively or concurrently for Facilities: Secondary treatment. In addition, a Chinese Acupuncturist Hospitals and contact based at the National Hospital is another option 1 Health Centres / available under an agreement with the Chinese 2nd Traditional Healer 1 Government. Who youth turn to for medical help l%w%&6i varies considerably amongst individuals and presenting symploms.This is influenced by family preferences, peers, accessibility, affordability, availability and prior experience with practitioners. It is not uncommon for a sick youth to be under the sequential or concurrent care of both traditional and allopathic health practitioners (Figure 2.1-1). Current Dimensions in Health Samoa's relatively sound overall health picture reflects the nationwide system of primary health care that networks into every village though public rural health facilities. The Public Health Sector consists of 33 government health care facilities (Figure 2.1-2). Medical staff per 20,000 people is shown in Figure 2.1-3. GOVERNMENT There are some Private Health Care facilities as listed below, but these y, 7 3 /11HEALTHCEN7RLS/ I I 17 HEALTH SUB-CENTRES - District or Village 1 Women's Committees I per 20;000 people , Figure 2.1 -3: Medical Staff per 25,000 People F i g u r e 2.4 -2: Public Health Sec?or are all located in or around Apia and generally charge fees that are beyond the reach of most people (up to thirty times the fee charged at public health facilities). The Public Health System focuses on preventative health that encourages Samoans to protect against infection and injury, promote and maintain good health, and take more responsibility for their own health. The Health Sector Strategic Plan 1998-2003 seeks to promote "sustainable partnerships" with all sectors in the community to achieve health goals. Its guiding principles are; equity of access, quality of care, acceptability, affordability and sustainability. Health among Samoans has, in certain areas, EHEAETH CARE 1 !vleaoie Motootua in 7 MED~CAL CLINICS Apia, is the 2 DENTISTS national hospital. / 2 PHARMACIES * improved over the past several decades. Infant mortality is decreasing and life expectancy is increasing. Samoa enjoys one of the highest immunization rates in the world with approximately 96.3% of the infant population fully immunized. Most of the infectious diseases are under control. Despite these improvements, diseases such as respiratory infections and gastroenteritis remain significant causes for inpatient morbidity and mortality. There have been outbreaks of typhoid fever (1993) and dengue fever (1995) in recent years and there is a growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as Figure 2.1-4 Components of Healthy ?siands circulatory diseases including rheumatic fever, diabetes related illnesses, injuries and poisoning, and cancer. Ecological Children are Healthy Islands At a 1995 Pacific Islands health conference on Yanuca Island, Fiji in 1995, Health Ministers adopted the Yanuca Island Declaration on Health in the Pacific for thc 21st Czntury. IIealthy islands, according to the Deciaration, should be places wherc children arc Pcoplc work -- Environments nurtured i n body and mind; environments invite and a g with invite learning learning and leisure; people work and age with dignity: dignit) and leisure and ccologicai balance is a source of pride. Fanau ma Aiga Manuia (Child and Family Health Project) In response to a 1997 study of Samoan school children which found a high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, malnutrition, scabies, impetigo, chronic ear infection and parasitic infection, the Department of Health has taken deliberated steps to "strengthen its child health policy and program planning, delivery of primary care services, and promotion and protection of child health and development7' (Director General of Health, 2000). This child health strategic initiative, calledFanau maAigaManuia, targets those 0 to 18 years of age, and is currently being finalised for Cabinet approval. The following priority programme areas are proposed under the project: ChiLd development and parenting (including developmental screening, care and support of handicapped children, early childhood education and child rearing practices) Injury prevention and safe environmenl L- " ' 8 - Rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease Nutrition and exercise ' ?+ Tobacco, drugs and alcohol Reproductive health (including pregnancy, c e"ldbirth, sexual health and family planning Integrated management of childhood illness Meratal health SOURCE: Fanau ma Aiga Manuia Sirategy Oral health (duly 2008 Draft) It is encouraging that among the proposed strategic directions listed are health issues commonly associated with youth (injury prevention, tobacco drugs and alcohol, reproductive health). This project addresses the first seven youth years in the official youth age bracket and can therefore form an important first part of a broader Youth Health policy that considers the many risk factors issues facing the official youth age range (12-29 years). Youth Health The leading cause of disease or ill health among youth arc injuries and poisoning associated with risk behaviour including cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and suicide. Other significant causes of death include diseases of the circulatory system, infectious diseases and cancer. The leading causes of morbidity (disease) among youth are related to reproductive health, risk taking behaviour and infectious diseases. Non-communicable diseases among youth have increased from an estimated 10% in 1978 to 15% in 1991. Possible contributing factors include poor dietary practices and sedentary lifestyles. Disease Patterns by Gender Suicide and ulcers of the stomach are predominant in males whilst diseases of the urinary tract predominate In females. The majority of diabetes admissions are female. Of the 281 admissions to the Orthopaedic Ward in the five months from January to May 2000,112 (40%) were youth. Almost three times more male youth than female youth were admitted (Figure 2.1-5). F w r e 2.1 -5: Admissions En the Orthorseadlc % , It is not known how many of these patients sought treatment as a Ward, January May 2000 by Gender result of work or sporting injuries but these are believed by senior nursing staff at the Orthopaedic Ward to cause the higher number of Male Youth male admissions. f Health Servicesfor Youth Despite some barriers to youth health information needs (listed to the right), youth do have access to a range of public and private health services, two of which are targeted specifically to youth. Adolescent Reproductive Health is financed by government and provided by the Samoa Family Health Association. The Health Education and Promotional Services (HEAPS) raises public awareness on a range of priority health issues affecting youth such as alcohol consumption, c sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Moreover, information on good nutrition is provided to youth groups and --- schools. Health promotional activities for youth have used the role modelling approach involving Samoan celebrities such as sporting figures Brian Lima, Michael Jones, and David Tua, the late Pat Mamaia, comedian Petelo, former and current Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific. These celebrities convey a range of health messages to youth. Another approach strengthens health partnerships between key government departments such as the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs, the Division of Environment and Conservation; and NGOs such as youth groups, YMCA, Red Cross, Sautiamai, Samoa College Old Pupil's Association, Avele Old Boys Association, Marist Old Boys Association and the Samoa Rugby Football Union. Another innovative health promotional medium for reaching youth is through the youth to youth or peer education approach . . Thrs 13 year old bay at tno olfhogeadic ward was one of seven injured while using youth lo promote health watching the Manu Samoa vs. Fy rugby game on 3 June 2000. messages to other youth. Communicable Diseases Barriers to Health Information Needs Communicable diseases are still a health The following are some of the barriers that prevent youth concern featuring in both the top five causes from getting the health information they need: for admission to hospital in Samoa and the top Youth take good health for granted and sometimes do not five causes for inpatient death (Table 2.1-1). seek needed information from health care providers. One third of the total cases (31) of tuberculosis treated in 1997 were youth. Three were under Vital youth health issues such as reproductive and sexual 19 years and seven were between the ages of health are not properly addressed because they are 20-29. Of the 72 new leprosy cases in the 1990- considered culturally and religiously sensitive. There is 1996 period, 34 (50%) were youth limitation in the depth and scope of reproductive health (Department of Health). topics covered by the Samoa Family Health Association. Gonorrhoea has increased markedly over the Not all youth health information providers are properly past decade, particularly in urban Apia and trained resulting in misinformed youth. amongst the 15-24 age group. Health There are too few opportunities for youth to discuss these Department staff estimate that the actual health concerns. number of cases may be nearly three to four Youth say.. . times the o%cial figures. This 'hidden' epidemic of STDs is a concern as sex is the main mode "Family Planning Association Clinics are too of transmission of HIV. There have been seven public- everyone can see us. known Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome We cannot (will not) go to the Women's Committees (AIDS) deaths in Samoa to date. Youth, for health information and advice. including children, were among this group. Local doctors are judgmental when questioned about sexual matters and needs. Youth Suicide There are not enoughplaces where youth can get a condom when they require one." As mentioned in the section on vulnerable groups, the most serious health issues identified by youth surveyed in the Apia Urban Youth Survey found were suicide and substance abuse. Suicide is often termed the 'disease of despair'. Reasons triggering youth suicide attempts are believed to include lack of communication between parentslguardians and children/adolescents, failed love affair; alcohol and drug abuse and failure in school. A significant number of suicide attempts can be traced directly back to family arguments, which suggest changing relationships within families today, and perhaps a need for families to learn to communicate with each other more effectively. The 1994 AUYS showed that 1,472 (42%; 508 males and 964 females) of the youth felt their social life could be better with an improved relationship with parents. The social environment is therefore a vital factor in youth suicide. There is an urgency for informed dialogue and communication of these issues; amongst youth, and between youth their parents and community elders. Further, there is a need for neutral venues where youth can resolve arguments instead of choosing suicide as a solution. Youth Awareness of Health Issues Despitc concerns youth have for these health issues, there appears to be little overall awareness of other major health issues- their a n d i t i o n s originating in the Perinatal period Injury and poisoning causes and ways to protect and Infectious and parasitic diseases promote good health. For an example, the 1994 AUYS found that only 1% of the youth were aware that a virus caused AIDS. Awareness of health issues also increases with education. Wi education were most aware of the disease (91% aware). education (55% aware). (Health Sector Strategic Plan 1998-2003). There is also a lack of understanding regarding the relationships between good diet, exercise and good health. Reproductive Health The very high incidence of illnesses relating to reproductive health is alarming: two-thirds of youth admission to hospital are for complications of pregnancy and childbirth. This suggests several things: reproductive health education is not reaching girls, women and families; there are unknown social and economic factors that affect women's health during their reproductive years. Reports Figure 2 1-6 Age Groups at Which Those Who Had note that most Samoan women of childbearing age suffer Never Been Marrled First Experienced Sex from anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies. Samoa h%& a high literacy rate and extensive health outreach; yet the rate'oFfamily planning practice and the use of contraceptives is low. Suggested contributing factors are: an ineffective follow-up system, inadequate participation of males in the promotion and practice of family planning and shortage of contraceptive supplies. In addition, some believe that the faa-Samoa means of education, communication, and learning have not been fully used to promote reproductive health and family planning messages to adolescents. Table 2.1 -2: Sexually Active $ap~lation* and Family Planning Use (1999 DHS) 8" " Includes those who were married (including defacto relationships), widowed, divorced, separated, and never married but have had sex The customary view that Samoan youth should not be sexually active makes reproductive health a very sensitive issue. The 1999 Demographic and Health Survey asked all persons aged 15 to 49 years who were never married "Have you ever had sexual intercourse?." The results are shown in Table 2.1-2. Those never married who responded "yes" to having had sex (24% in total) were also asked their age when sex was first experienced. The results clearly indicate a sexually active youth population. Almost half of all those who had experienced sex had first done so during their teenage years (Figure 2.1-6). It should be noted that among teenagers, the rate reported is much lower (6% for males and 5% for females) which suggests a reluctance among teenagers to report the truth until it is morally, socially and culturally safer to do so, i.e., when they are older. The average age at first sexual encounter was 19.9 years (19.6 for males and 19.9 for females). Family Planning The 1999 DHS found a Contraceptive Prevalence Rate among the sexually active population aged 15-49 years Youth need basic health care and health promdional education on how to maintain their of 31% (20% for males and 42% for females). Table 2.1- heailh and prevent ill health. 3 also shows that for teenagers, the rate is higher for males (34%) but is significantly lower for females (18%). This suggests that young males enjoy easier access to contraceptives (condoms) than young females (the pill). That the majority of the sexually active are not using family planning methods can have disastrous implications. Combine the unprotected sex with the relative ease of entry to nightclubs and bars, limited communication between parentsJguardians and adolescents, the influx of blue and x-rated movies, the inadequacy of programmes and information on sexuality and the result is ideal conditions for an increase in both unwanted T h e unborn human fetus: how qany teenagers are aiternptmg abortion pregnancies and the exponential spread of when they fall pregnant? STD's including the dreaded HIV. Unplanned Teenage Pregnancies and Abortion Pregnant teenagers have been identified as vulnerable and some information on this problem has been given in Section 1.8 (page 36). The high number of stillbirths recorded among teenagers has also been noted in the Youth Demography Section (page 12). There is no logical explanation for the higher rate of stillbirths among young girls who are presumably fit and healthy. When a young, unmarried girl still going to school discovers she has accidentally fallen pregnant, she faces two broad choices: allow for the birth and the issues involved (spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, social, cultural, and economic) or conceal the pregnancy andlor try to abort the baby. It is also recognised that there may be many compelling reasons why a young mother would seek to abort a baby. These include cases of rape, incest, - and extreme social and family pressure. It is suspected that abortion attempt is the reason why the rate of 47 stillbirths among teenagers is so much higher than among older women. While abortion is illegal in Samoa under . - the Crimes Act 1961, senior medical staff both in pub& and private health facilities and the Samoa Family Health Association (SFHA) believe that it is happening. ~ h d i t i o n a l methods include drinking toxic concoctions and inserting toxic leaf-stems of plants known to induce &iscarriage. The SFHA Strategic Plan (1996) states "there is evidence, too, that doctors and nurses conduct dbortions:' It also notes that "the National Hospital admits many cases of incomplete and septic abortion, only some of which are the result of spontaneous miscarriage'? Many attempts were made to obtain data from the National Hospital on this subject but this was not possible under the time constraints for the writing of this document. Cancer There appears to be an increase in the number of women suffering from cancer of the cervix and breast although data in this area is lacking. It is not known how many women in the youth age bracket are afflicted with cancer but health officials have placed early diagnosis and treatment of cancer illnesses as one of the priorities over the next "few7' years. The specific Cause is not known but it is suspected that for cervical cancer some of the factors may be the early age at first intercourse, Fgirre 2.1 -7: ?b af Youth 10-29 Years Old Who Had Not Eaten Any multiple sexual partners, human papilloma Fruit, Greens or Other Vegetables the Day Before, by Gender virus (HPV) infections of the cervix and smoking. LIFESTYLE DISEASES > Diet and Nutrition .' Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and related complications are an increasing health problem for youth. The 1994 AUYS asked youth if they had eaten any fruit, green vegetables or other vegetables the day before. Among the 12,894 youth 10-29 years old, 42% had not eaten any fiuit, 26% had not eaten leafy green vegetables and 35% had not eaten any other vegetables. There Figure 2.1 8: Obesity Among Youth 20-29 Years Old (1 991 -1 995 Study) are gender differences in diet with females eating more h i t s and vegetables (Figure 2.1-7). Micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron deficiency anaemia, are problems among women and children. Nearly 56% of women attending antenatal care at the National Hospital in 1995 were found to be anaemic. Obes@ While malnutrition among children is about underweight children, with adults the opposite is the problem. Obesity (overweight) affects Table 2,l-3: Prevalence of Obesity a s i e c a n t proportion of the Not Severely Total S- ~o@ation. A five year Total Obese Obese Obese Obesity longitudinal study of the Male20yearsandover 132 49% 25% 26% 51% dovasculardimriskfactors Female 20vears and over 161 29% 27% 44% 71% lggl and 1995 shaved that the prevalence of obesity in Savaii Samoa is on the rise with well over Rural Upolu half the population over 20 years Apia of age overweight (cited in a 1998 20-29 years 88 59% 24% 41% World Bank document - "Samoa SOURCE 0 Mendoza (1995), nted in SamoaHealth Sector Remew, I998 Health Sector Review: Meeting the Challenges of Development7')). Among those 20-29 years old, there was found to be a total obesity rate of 41%: 24% obese with 17% severely obese (Table 2.1-3 and Figure 2.1-8). Alcohol & Snu~kkg Figure 2.1 -9: Regular Smokers by Gender Among Youth This problem is touched on in the discussion under vulnerable groups (Section 10-29 Years of Age 1.8, pages 33-35). A large percentage of youth are known to be drinking alcohol and it seems they are starting the habit fiom a younger age. Tbompsen's 1995 survey of 750 teenagers found that 50 % of males and 33% of females aged 13-19 years drank alcohol and that 73% ofthem had started drihking between the ages of 13 and 17 years. It is significant that 70% of males and 87% of females said their parents did not allow them to drink. This raises questions about how, where and when youth are getting alcohol. The 1994 A W S 1994 found among youth 10-29 years old that 43% were regular smokers, i.e., smoking at least one cigarette a day. By gender, three times more male youth than female youth were smoking regularly (Figure 2.1-9). As to be expected, cigarette smoking was found in the A W S to increase with age (Figure 2.1-10). It was also found that youth in full time employment smoke more than those in school or unemployed. Figure 2.1-10: Regular Smokers by Age Group, Gender &af Health 7 1 Despite limited data on this subject, a senior 68% member ofthe dental unit considers the= to have been an overall decline in oral W t h 60ph 1 - 1 among young people over the recent past. The 1995/1996 Annual Report of the Department afHealthshows WJustunder half of all patients seen in the Dental unit (includes both clinical and preventative services), have had diseased teeth extracted, i.e., some 20,728 extractions out of 46,357 patients. This issue requires, among other initiatives, educational programmes to address the eating habits of children and youth. While education is compulsory from ages 5-14 years F~gure 2 2-1. Government and Non-Government Schools (to Year 8), it is not free. It is nevertheless heavily by Level subsidized in public schools. There is provision under the Compulsory Education Act 1991192 for families to apply for assistance from Government to pay school fees if they need such assistance. It is known that there are children 12-14 years of age who are not attending school. What is not known is how many. To date, no families have exercised their right to apply for government assistance with fees, although inability to pay school fees and to meet other costs, are commonly cited as the reason why a child is not at school. A breakdown of the range of school fees at the primary and secondary levels is given in Table 2.2-2. National Examinations: Year 8, Year 11, Year 12 Figure 2 2-2: Government and Non-Gavernment and Year 13 Enrolment by Academic Year Starting at five years of age, a child can, without 4,00 repeating, theoretically enrol in Year 8 when he or 3S0 she is 12 years old, the lower limit of the youth age 3300 bracket of this policy. Education Department data for 1999 show Year 8 as the most repeated of school years (192 in 1999). The Year 8 examination is the first of a series of four. Other examinations with a high number of repeaters are in Year 11 (181 in 1999) and Year 12 (151 in 1999). Interestingly, the only other year with a high number of repeaters is the first year of school (154 in 1999). While just under one in four schools are non- government, government schooling is Figure 2.2-3: Average National Transition predominant at lower levels of education Rate (1 995-1 999) accounting for just over 80% of all primary schools (Figure 2.2-1). By the time a person enters the youth age bracket, he or she can attend one of four government senior secondary schools, mostly in Apia, or 17 non-government schools. Figure 2.2-2 (government and non- government enrolment by academic year) indicates the dominant role played by non- government schools in secondary education. In 1999, non-government schools enrolled some 36% of all students in Years 8-13. For Years 11-13, this figure rises to half of all enrolment. Analysis of the 5-year average National Transition Rates (1995 to 1999) reveals that 1 out of every 21 students (the average class size at this level) who start out in Year 8 eventually gain entry to the University Preparatory Year (Table 2.2-3). The sharp decline of transition rates over this critical period of education can be seen in Figure 2.2-3. Corporal Punishment Sometimes administered severely, corporal punishment is a disciplinary action still common in many schools. This is despite a clear regulation that prohibits teachers from striking students. Article 15 of the Education Department Policies (1992) given to all new teachers states that "teachers are not permitted to inflict any physical punishment on any student", that it is a "criminal ofSence for a teacher to lay hands on any student". There have been many reports appearing in the press over the years concerning the physical and verbal abuse of students. There is a need for teacher training and on the job support with regards to classroom discipline and application of more effective non-violent methods. However, many still Figure 2.2-4: Expendibre Breahdowrt believe in the old adage "spare the rod and spoil the child" Again this is Bemeen Secondary Schools and the Criiieges (1 999-2000) a situation of traditional methods of discipline which will not bend to more innovative and effective techniques of class control and creating an effective learning environment. Most teachers get away with this kind of abuse when they are not monitored and to a certain extend when parents also believe in the extremes of such methods. Equity of Resource Allocation (Government) An examination and close scrutiny of allocation of public resources reveals that the Government is spending more on four colleges (Vaipouli College, Samoa College, Avele College, and Leifiifi College) than it does on all Junior 4 Scondary Schools combined (Table 2.2-4). Figure 2.2-4: shows that 54% of direct public expenditure is to the four colleges. The per-student direct cost by colleges and the combined Junior Secondary Schools is shown in Figure 2.2-5. Figure 2.2-6 looks more closely at the four colleges compared with all 21 Junior Secondary Schools. As an example, it can be seen that Vaipouli College with Figure 2 2-5 Per-St! rdent Direct Expendriure. Junror Seeonclay Schools and 10% of enrolment receives 15% of public the Coileyes Estimated for 1999-2000) funds for colleges. Leifiifi College has 19% of enrolment but 9% of funding. $3,000 While the isolation and boarding costs of Vaipouli College and other colleges may help explain the difference, a closer look at this issue is warranted as students and teachers at many of the Junior Secondary Schools have to put up with unacceptable conditions. Post-Secondary Education Post-Secondary Education options in the formal system are the National 5 1 University of Samoa, the University of the South Pacific (Alafua Campus), the University of the South Pacific (Extension Centre), and the Samoa Polytechnic. There are also other options, run by private businesses in urban Apia, in such fields as typing and computer training. Overall, only a small percentage of students actually enter tertiary education. Department of Education data for post-secondary Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 together comprise 2.4 %(1,233 students) of the total enrolled nationally in 1998 and 1.1% (563 students) in 1999. These figures are reported to include the National University of Samoa (NUS) and the technical schools. The declining tertiary level roll over these two years has not been verified with the post-secondary institutions but it is known that the UPY enrolment at the NUS dropped slightly from 217 in Semester 1 1999, to 211 in Semester 1 2000. Of the total enrolled in Post Secondary Year 1,3,430 (35 %)in 1998 were women and in the following year (1999), 117 (21%) were women, an alarming gender trend. This data has also not been verified. A major government focus is improving access to tertiary education as a way of addressing the shortages of technical expertise in the workforce. Government is encouraging scholarship students to enroll at NUS for all courses offered. There has been an expansion and consolidation of in-country options for tertiary study in the last Figure 2.2-6: Comparisot~ of D!rect Expendrture and Enroirneni at the Four Government Colleges (Esi~mated for '1 999-2000) Vaipouli ! Expenditure 1 c o l k e Vaipouli 15% / c o k e n ten years. These include the opening of the National University (1996197); the expansion of Polytechnic; the amalgamation of Nursing and Teacher Training into the NUS, and the movement of the Marine Training School into the Polytechnic. NUS'S academic programs currently under upgrade review include commerce, education, nursing, Samoan language and culture as well as the University Preparatory Year (UPY). The National Students at the University of the South Pacific, Alafua Campus University of Samoa with a University Preparatory Year (UPY) roll of 211 students in Semester 1,2000, is the only tertiary level government institution offering degree and non-degree programmes. The UPY programme, the foundation upon which the NUS was developed, is under going review as the present system is seen as elitist, fostering segregation rather than integration within the University. Another concern relates to those UPY students who drop out when they fail to obtain scholarships for studies overseas. The NUS Strategic Plan 2000-2004 proposes that from the year 2001, students will no longer be required to enroll in the UPY programme. Instead, all new students will enroll in faculties of the University so that all students can choose to continue with their studies should they not obtain scholarships. The Samoa Polytechnic has ongoing programs in commerce and computing, automotive, electrical, fitting and machining. Samoa Polytechnic has ongoing programs in three schools; School of Technology, Maritime Training, Commerce and General Studies. Programs at Samoa Polytechnic are largely industry driven, therefore when community needs are verified the institution develops appropriate programmes. A recent example is the short journalism course programme, which caters to the working journalist without formal training. A full-time journalism course is also being developed for school 1eavers.Scholarships for women in the trades / technological areas have been made available through AusAid, government, Commercial and private sponsorship. A successful gender equity promotion at Polytechnic has created equal access for both men and women into all programmes. Tertiary study is also available through distance mode at the USP Centre at Alafua. An average of 200 students per year take advantage of the USP certificate, diploma and degree courses. USP School of Agriculture also offers advanced degrees. In addition there has been an effort to increase female participation in tertiary education Figure 2.2-7: t999 Enrolment by Schooi Year Qevei): by offering scholarships to women in the trades under Gender & Projected Populat~on overseas aid schemes as well as government and private 2500 , sector sponsorship. One of the few trade areas that women dominate is computer studies. NUS Faculty of Education, whose enrolment consists of predominantly female students is trying to attract more male students. The percentage of female students has continued to increase. Of the 247 Diploma in Bducation enrolments in Semester 1 1999, 157 were &emale (64%). In Semester 1,2000,281 students enrokd, $nd 193 (69%) were female. A National Training Authority (NTA) with representatiar* gram all the trades schools, the NUS and the Department of Education, has to be established to help strengthen li ages and coordination at the post secondary level. Its roles and responsibilities include facilitating the coordination of post secondary resources and ensuring that school leavers and others have the requisite skills with respect to labour market demands as well as the knowledge required for further training. It is not known if the NTA is functioning or how it proposes to establish a dialogue with industry. Studying Overseas During 1998, some 1,465 departures were classified as "attending school" by the Immigration Office. There are several scholarship schemes available to youth to further their studies. Figure 2.2-8: Current Status of Overseas The Government of Samoa, the NZ and Australian ~kwernments, the Schoiarship Students: 1 World Health Organization, and the Commonwealth Fgfid for Technical Cooperation all have well-established programs. These schemes send a total of between 40 and 90 students abroad, around 40% of whom Terminations are mature-aged students. For the remaining 60%, awards are based on UPY examination results with the top students selected. The emphasis placed on academic achievement is seen to promote a system wherein failure offers no second option. The need upgrading of rural educational facilities as well as further professio support for the teachers in these areas is vital for the development all youth. Furthermore the development of institutions such as Polytech, Don Bosco and Punaoa as other viable and attractive option on place of origin, it also appears that most scholarship students academic terms) secondary schools are located. Other concerns include the limited employment market for an ever-increasing number of returni comparative wage levels, the need for studies to be better tailored to local needs and condition services available lo scholarship students. The Scholarships Division of the Ministry of Foreign count 830 scholarships for tertiary studies abroad awarded by the Government of Samoa from 1990-1999. Students study in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Samoa. Of this total, 374 (45%) have since returned and are known to have found jobs in the private and public sectors. Of the remainder, 310 (37%) are ongoing students, 81 (10%) have terminated (failed) and 65 (8%) have unknown destinations (Figure 2.2-8). In addition to overseas schemes, the Government offers scholarships for tertiary study at NUS (currently set at 40 full scholarships and 20 partial scholarships for the year 2000, on an incremental basis). As well, 20 at any one time to both the University of the South Pacific Extension Centre and the University of the South Pacific. Since 1997, Government has approved an annual investment of SAT$M1.8 of taxpayers' money for scholarships. Participation Rates Published enrolment data and participation rates of Figure 2.2-9: Paficcipatton Rates 1996-1 999 the Education Department for 1999 is inconsistent with projected population figures for the same years obtained from the Statistics Department. The average participation rate from 1996-1999 reveal 94% for the 5- 14 age group and 61% for the 15-19 year age bracket (Figure 2.2-9). In 1999, the national enrolment of students in Years 1 to 8 was 42,263, slightly higher than the projected population of 41,922. At the secondary level however, 17,545 students were enrolled in Years 8-13 while the projected population for the same age group (12-17 years) was 22,155. From this data, an estimated 4,600 (21%) secondary school-aged students, are not at school (Figure 2.2-10). Education Department participation data analysed with population projections also suggests more girls than boys are out of school at the primary level and that this participation rate by gender is reversed at the secondary level. Special Needs Education Figure 2 2 ' 0 . Ali Secondary Students E~lroiied m 1999 Youth with special needs has been introduced under and Esttrnate of Those kiot at School Vulnerable Groups (Section 1.8). The Policy considers all youth with with physical or intellectual impairments in need of special education and training. Defining youth with special education needs is a difficult task compounded in Samoa by the very little research conducted into people with disabilities as mentioned earlicr. This is further complicated by the tendency for disabled youth to be kept at home partly for socio- such disabilities), and partly because "mainstream" schools simply cannot accommodate youth with disabilities, i.e., they do not have trained staff or appropriate aids and equipment. Non-Formal Education While some government departments deliver non-formal training workshops on a range of subjects as diverse as the departments themselves (health, tourism, environment, water), the greater number of these programs is provided by non-government organisations including religious organisations. The range of needs addressed include promoting well-being, income generation, gender equality, leadership skills, reproductive health and environmental stewardship. Section 1.9, Youth Service Providers, lists the different organisations involved in non- formal training and gives information on the kinds of programs they provide. This section examines some of key education issues, most of which are shared by the stakeholders and the community groups who participated in workshops for this purpose held in towards the end of 1998. The Department of Education's Educational Policies and Strategies (1995 - 20051, identifies a number of other issues. Read together, a more complete picture can be obtained on this subject. Issues synthesized here are from the perspective of a youth policy and are divided into three broad areas: formal education, non-formal education, and special needs education. Compulsory and Free Primary Education While the community is calling for greater subsidies from government for education at all levels, there is provision under the Compulsory Education Act 1991192 for fees to be paid by government in cases where such payment is discovered to be warranted. Awareness of this provision needs to be raised in order for those other factors contributing to non-compliance may begin to be addressed by the community. Students at Robert Louis Stevenson School. The highsf Tees chaiged at t l h ~ rndependeni school, where teachers are better paid than rn public schoois, more Gdoasrv reflect rhe true cost of e~iucation In Samoa, at both t h e primary and secondary level Equity and Examinations At the primary level, the principle language of instruction is Samoan. The first major examination sat by students, the Year 8 exam, is in English. This exam is the first in a series that effectively selects students for further education. It also places rural youth at a distinct disadvantage given their limited exposure to English and sets the greater majority of Samoa's youth on an unstable base upon which to build their future. The evaluative approach taken with examinations does not adequately reflect the student's capacity or innate competence. Equity in Public Resource Allocation The move to a single stream curriculum in public secondary schools is a significant step towards dismantling the notion that certain schools are "best" and only the elite are accepted there. Inequitable allocation of public funds can, however, continue status quo to the disdvantage of the majority of students simply because a few schools have better resources and facilities and attract "better" teachers while most schools struggle on with extremely limited resources and facilities. Relevance of Curricula to Village Life and Economy Although progress is being made in this area, the academic orientation of secondary education still needs to have greater relevance to village life and economv. There continues to be an " FdeataJuniov Secondary Schoo! student. This over emphasis at the Senior Secondary School level on white- one ondar schooi known to have pwr collar jobs. The fact remains that, with an extremely limited job facilities and resources. market, most school leavers will need to make their living in the village economy. It is encouraging to note that with the move to a single-stream integrated secondary system, an expanded curriculum will systematically introduce applied subjects such as Industrial Arts, Food and Textile Technology, Business Studies and Agricultural Science. School Dropouts and Those Who Leave School The Education Department estimates some 3,000 to 4,000 school leavers every year with as many as one-third dropping out at the end of Year 8. The data indicates that for every 4 to 6 students enrolled at the secondary level, will have dropped out (more on this subject can be found in Vulnerable Groups, Section 1.8). The sharply declining transition rates mean that the majority of these youth do not reach a very high level of schooling resulting in limited prospects for their future. Corporal Punishment While there are regulations prohibiting teachers from striking school students, their use as a disciplinary measure is commonplace, both at school and at home. Often severe, this issue is considered one of many causes contributing to serious social problems among youth such as crime, suicide and substance abuse. The important role of non-formal education is recognized at the grassroots level, but it is not yet well-understood at policy levels, particularly in terms of its linkages to formal components of the education arena. The inadequacies of the formal system are being increasingly highlighted as the range of issues facing youth and those affected by them increase. How, where and when training programmes are delivered (outside of the classroom) needs to be fully explored and may have to be systematized in a modular, skills-based certification system approved by the NTA. SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION Students enjoy a break from formal studies While recent developments in this area bode well for the disabled and learning-impaired, the ratio of those currently receiving special education to the number of youth estimated to be in need of such programs could be as high as 1:30 and is therefore still a long way from being adequately addressed. The National Youth Policy promotes the provision of opportunities for young people to attain gainful employment or to be self-employed through a range of capacity building strategies. These strategies include the development and promotion of employment and training initiatives such as on the job training, job placement, entrepreneurship, livelihood skills training and improving access to resources. Employment and occupation are very important to the well-being, the peace and the security of the family and the individuals that compose it. The Government's Statement of Economic Strategy lists eight strategic outcomes it hopes to achieve over the 2000-2001 period. Significantly, all eight strategies have direct bearing on issues of employment and occupation. For the purposes of this policy, an employed youth is any youth working for pay or profit or who works as an unpaid worker in a family business or in agriculture. This includes the traditional understanding that caring for parents and other household services (non-SNA) is a form of employment. An unemployed youth is any youth who is looking for work or is available to take a job. The potential to further develop marketable sports as a form of employment is also recognized (refer to Section 2.6 Youth Recreation). The Economically Active Population Of the estimated 57,000 economically active people in Samoa in 1991, around 25,000 or 45% were youth in the 15-29 year age bracket. Figure 2.3-1 shows the breakdown of youth who worked primarily to earn money and to grow, gather or catch food to eal. The overall percentages of youth earning money rose from 32% in 1991 (Census) to 53% in 1999 (Preliminary Findings of the 1999 Agriculture Census). Conversely, youth growing, gathering or catching food to eat amounted to 68% of those who were economically active in 1991. By 1999, the percentage of all those who were economically active and engaged in agriculture appears to have fallen to 47% (preliminary findings). The final report of the 1999 Agriculture Census reveals, however, that some 80% of households are engaged in agriculture. By gender there appears to have been a Figure 2.3-1 1 Employed Youth (15-29') by Broad Economic F,ciivity Gmup and Gender (9 991 Census and 1999 DHS) significant , falling from 60% of the working female youth population in 1991 to just 7% in 1999 (Figure 2.3-1). Youth employment and occupation in Samoa can be examined under two broad categories: An informal sector that includes the traditionally dominant subsistence sector. Agriculture still occupies a significant percentage of the economically active population but, as shown above, is declining in importance as the economy 3ecomes more monetized. The informal sector also embraces an increasingly important and wide range of income- generating activities such as handcrafts and small engine repairs. 4griculture The 1991 Census found some 66% of the economically active population employed in agriculture. While agricultural activity continues to absorb significant numbers of school leavers, particularly young men, various factors have served to diminish both their interest and involvement in farming. Youth learn carving skills fr'ro-n Neema Tuirnaiatr.~ Revenues from agriculture have fallen badly over the last of Vafato, Fagaloa, a master carver ten years increasing the dependence of both rural and urban households on wage earners in the formal sector. The 1999 Demographic and Health Survey revealed the percentage working in agriculture to have declined to 58% of the economically active population. Despite this decline, the importance and potential of agriculture for the employment and occupation of youth remains significant. Other Income-Generating Activities The informal sector includes a wide range of income-generating activities. Apart from agriculture, employment in the informal sector is a relatively new development. Like agriculture, the informal sector offers the potential to bring greater benefits to more youth, and their families, than that derived from low-paying jobs in the limited formal sector. Street and flea market trading is known to be expanding in Apia. The Fornull Sector For those in paid employment, the government, in 1986, introduced a legislated minimum wage at 62.5 sene per hour. This was increased to $1.00/hour in 1991, to $1.25/hour in 1995, and in 1998 to the current rate of $1.401 hour. At 12% inflation over the period from 1995 to 1998, the 15 sene increase in the minimum wages is barely keeping up with the cost of living and can be argued to be inadequate. There is no wage differential between and Paid in the Figure 2.3-2: Total Workers in Public and Private Sectors by formal sector comprises both the public and private Gender (I999 Laaboui Market Demand Survey) sectors. Table 2.3-1 gives the average weekly wage and the total number of male and female workers in these sectors as enumerated by the 1998 Labour Market Demand Survey (LMDS). A graphical representation of this is shown in Figure 2.3-2. This analysis shows that, overall, 65% of paid employment is in the private sector and 35% is in the public sector. By gender, 48% of public sector employees are females compared to 39% in the private sector. NPF Data MI employers and employees in Samoa are required by law to contribute to the National Provident Fund (NPF) by way of monthly returns. NPF records, updated quarterly, provide detailed data on paid employment in the formal sector. Table 2.3-2 below gives the number of employees by industry over the six years from 1994 to 1999. The number of employees contributing to the Fund in 1998 was 22,678, over 6,000 more than those listed in the 1998 LMDS. The reason for this discrepancy is not known but the figures from the NPF are considered to be more accurate. It is not known what percentage in the private sector are youth but, as mentioned earlier, among those employed by the Public Service Commission, 29% are youth. The data in Table 2.3-2 has been ranked according to the 1999 returns. As can be seen, employment in Public Administration is highest at around 40%. This category includes those employed both by the Public Service Commission and government corporations. Over the six-year period from 1994 to 1999, the total number of employees has grown by 9%, equivalent to 1,895 new jobs. There has been an overall decrease of the total making NPF returns in Construction and in Agriculture and Fishing. However, it is known that these sectors have experienced growth (it is not mandatory for primary producers to furnish NPF returns). The greatest increase in employees over the period was recorded in Other Services (535) and Accommodation/Restaurants (364) ~-. t i it F&i<$b FGAlrfAE PJi7 T~jP(j:ifki;,A~ T&uVtQ[! 3 l;Aj*&Ok $4""\\<:A N&""i:2p&&: VQGYkl PC t*C;k: 230.1 >Q7 0 reflecting the growth in tourism. The 1996 peak in the number of employees came about with the creation, by the end of that year, of 3,620 jobs at Yazaki. Those employed in Other Manufacturing has since declined to only 95 more employees than there were in 1994 suggesting some stagnation in the manufacturing sector. Yazaki currently employs some 1,250 people, 90% of whom are youth and 75% are female. The average number of contributors each year is just under 23,000 (Figure 2.3-3). Of the 23,009 recorded at the NPF in 1999,13,138 were male and 9,871 were females (Figure 2.3-4). MYSCA Surveys Concerning Employment The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs has conducted two surveys addressing the question of employment. A survey conducted in 1989 interviewed some 48 youth groups on unemployment and youth needs in urban areas. That survey defined youth as between 15 and 35 years and urban areas as within a 3-mile radius of Apia. Of the 1,842 persons surveyed (1,036 males and 806 females), 32.1% were unemployed, 34.2% were students and 33.7% were employed. Given the greater opportunities for employment in the urban areas, this figure lends credence to the 41% nationwide estimate for 1999 calculated above. The highest number of the unemployed in the 1989 survey was found to be in the 20 to 30 year age group. The two major causes of youth unemployment identified by the survey were a lack of job opportunities (33%) and a lack of knowledge or education (29%). The lack of job opportunities in the country for youth holds as true today as a decade ago. The PSC, advertising 11 basic-grade positions recently attracted 149 applicants. The jobs paid $3,008 per annum or $1.45/hour, just above the minimum wage rate. The ratio applying for jobs at Yazaki is lower where, for every 1 factory worker employed, 4 will have applied. Travel consultants assisting applicants to the NZ immigration quota for 2000 have -- recorded iwo \\o three times the number of young people seeking to 6 emigrate to N Z as compared to those applying in 1999. The N Z High ,D Commission report the number applying undcr the Quota schcmt: has increased from around 2,600 i n 1999 to 4,700 in 2000. For 1998, the Immigration Department and Department of Statistics recorded a total of 4,028 departures (2,677 males and 1,351 kmalcs) . with '.new employment" as the main purpose oftravel. This rcpressnls a ratio of 2. males to cvcry 1 l'emale traveling overseas for employment .... .. , purposes (Figure 2.3-5). 5 s - The 1994 Apia Urban Youth Survey also asked questions concerning thr: Saiiiernanu beota, a youth - ,- z .e. economic sccuritv of vouth. Among thc 12,977 youth (10-29 years), 3,338 - + . (26%) were in full-time paid employment, 1,954 males and 1,384 females working w ~ i h MYSCA (Table 2.3-3). Of those classified as "neither7' full-time employed or full- time students, the highest two strategies Fgilre 2.3-3: Total Employed Persons Conir~fiut~ng to NPF if 994-99) youth felt would improve their economic life 25,000 1 were assistance with agriculture and 24,588 - technological training. 24,000 i 1 843 is I Unemployment and Underemployment The 1991 census defines employment as 'persons actively seeking work or available for work and not otherwise engaged in subsistence employment.' Underemployment may be defined as persons seeking full time employment but currently engaged in some part-time work in the informal sector, i.e., subsistence agriculture or some other income generating activity. It is difficult to estimate the levels of unemployment in a country like Samoa where people who do not have paid jobs are expected to work the family lands. By this definition, the 1991 census enumerated 5,158 (or approximately 3% of the population) as unemployed. The 20-24 age group constitute the largest percentage of unemployed youth. There are more unemployed women than males at all ages but more so in the 15-24 age group (6.2%). The largest numbers of unemployed youth reside in the urban area. The AUYS found youth to perceive under-employment as a major issue. Nearly a quarter of the youth surveyed were not working nor studying full time. Of this number, over 80% of this group were engaged in activities which supported their family's subsistence security. Reason given for Figure 2.3-4: Total Employed Persans Contributing to the N P F by Gender (1 999) unemployment included: restricted formal education, limited employment opportunities, low wages, and family responsibilities such as caring for an elderly family member. For both males and females, more than half (54% males, 58% females) of the unemployed/underemployed youth in the AUYS survey in the 'neither' category completed their education at the Junior Secondary level. A little more than 20% of both males and females (24% males, 28% females) had a Senior Secondary level of education and 3% unemployed males and females completed schooling at the tertiary level. The data seems to point out that even at a Senior Secondary School level, youth were having difficulty finding gainful employment and that education alone cannot solve the problems of employment. As the educational levels o l unemployed youths were comparable to those youth in full time employment, it cannot be said that 'lack of educational opportunities' is a significant factor in unemployment. However, unemployment could also be a result of lack of appropriate education. Fzgcre 2.3-5: "New Employment" KEY EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION ISSUES Departures b y Gender (1 998) Lack of Employment Opportunities The number of paid jobs is limited to around 23,000 and is unlikely to grow significantly. The Department of Labor estimated 20,000 students had left the formal education system and entered the job market between 1991 and 1996. The Job Employment Service, created in 1993, registered 3,300 unemployed actively seeking work between 1993 and 1996 but, only managed to place 300 (9%) of the total (1994 AUYS). Lack of appropriatc education and training for the occupation of youth in / "O"RC'" .""mi " a t 1 m " !*ma '"9" / work, whether paid or unpaid, that will improve their quality of life. This issue points to the fact that, through education and training in basic skills including technological know- how (e.g., how to fix a boken water pipe), youth can be productively engaged in work to improve the conditions in which their families live (otherwise requiring payment). Lack of support for agricultural activities beyond subsistence needs. Agriculture is a major occupier of youth time and productivity. There are many areas in which support can be provided to enhance agricultural activities that are above and beyond immediate subsistence needs- from plantation technology to processing and marketing systems. Youth in the 1994 AUYS identified access to land as a significant means to improve their economic status. Freehold land, unless it is leased, is cost prohibitive. A quarter acre outside the urban area can be as high as SAT40,000. Customary land, although relatively easy to access if a youth is more visibly involved in contributing to family and village affairs, is under the control and authority of the rnatai and the benefits sometimes trickle down to those who work the land. Employment in Urbm Apia The section on youth demography showed that almost half (46%) of the population in urban Apia are youth (some 16,000 or one-fifth of the total youth population). The perception of parents and youth that there are greater employment opportunities in Urban Apia is understandable given that this is where government and most businesses are located. A significant percentage of youth in the Apia Urban Area are neither in school or employed according to the 1994 AUYS and these numbers are believed to be increasing. At the same time the numbers of youth involved in urban crime are also increasing according to crime statistics particularly in crimes involving theft and burglary. Skills Trainiag As a result of leaving school early (one-third by the end of Year 8)' many youth find that they lack the skills or the level of education required for employment. The data from the 1994 AUYS showed that the educational level of unemployed youth were comparable to those youth in full-time employment. This suggests that "lack of educational opportunities" is as significant a factor in unemployment as, say, the lack of appropriate education. The other side of enforcing the Compulsory Education Act for school age youth engaged in the informal sector is the impact it may have on a family's earnings particularly for the many families that do not have sufficient income for their food and basic needs. More research is, nevertheless, required in this area. 2.4 YOUTH JUSTICE The National Youth Policy advocates for all young people to be able to live in a nurturing and protective environment that is free from all forms of abuse and exploitation. As young people are also involved in criminal behaviour, the community is likewise entitled to protection. Young people in these circumstances need support to change and to learn to build bridges of understanding between themselves, their families, and their community. Social problems are closely linked to moral and ethical values. Without addressing and, indeed, strengthening moral and ethical standards, social policies and programmes are unlikely to succeed. Problems of corruption, crime and the weakening of family-life in particular, result from a lack of ethical values. Human well-being requires material wealth, certainly, but even more so it requires moral and spiritual wealth. How to identify and incorporate in social policy those factors that best promote spiritual wealth is a challenge that needs to be faced. Introduction In the past, social infringements were settled within the aiga and village community systems only. While for many misdemeanors, this can still be the case today, particularly in rural Samoa, there is now a justice system that people are increasingly turning to. The increasing number of crimes reported to the police over the last two decades suggests, among other factors, a weakening ability of the family and village systems to cope with rising crime let alone the changing patterns of criminal behaviour emerging in these transitional times. Aspects of youth and the justice system, particularly in relation to juvenile crime (under 21 years), have been examined under Vulnerable Groups (Section 1.8). The findings Figufe 2.4-1 : Persons Sentenced reported there are also relevant to youth under Prison, by Broad Age 30 years of age. (1 995-1 998) Ficlure 2.4-2: Persons Placed klnd& Probation, by Broad Age Increased aspirations are causing more family Adults 30+ Groups (1 995-1 998) disputes over land, petty thieving and white years (41%) collar crime; while acts of physical and sexual Ages 30 and violence against women and children, and the SOURCE. cultivation of marijuana and use of drugs and Justtce other abusive substances are also on the rise. Depn~tment Correctional Facility for Youth As discussed under Vulnerable Groups (Section 1.8), the justice system does not separate young offenders from adult criminals, be it in the courts Figure 2.4-3: Persons Sentenced to Prison, by Crime, Gender and Broad Age Groups (1 995- t 998) T w of GI Male Youth . . or in prison. There is no Juvenile or E l Female Youth Family Court and there is only one O Male 30+ prison, which serves all offenders regardless of age or sex. There needs to be a separation in the way youth are rehabilitated in the criminal justice system. Efforts to improve family relations and parentingcould also be a part of the counseling. This issue needs to be re-examined and the recommendations made in a 1997 Report of the Committee on the Rehabilitation Centre for Young Offenders considered. That report lists several recommendations, some of which are Fgure 2.4-4: Youth Placed Clnder Probation for Theft-Related Crimes, by Gender, Compared With AII Other Crimes (1 995-98) summarised below: 1. To establish a Rehabilitation Centre for young offenders (under 21 years of age), managed preferably by a husband and wife (Ma'e Only team, and located at either Vaidata (first choice) or Tafaigata adjacent to the prison. The Centre could serve to educate, train, counsel and rehabilitate a young offender. 2. For the Centre to have a strong agricultural component and also an open area for sports and recreation. 3. For Child Welfare Officers to be appointed as Centre staff (Infants Ordinance 1961). 4. For religious and other government and nongovernmental organisations lo be involved in crime prevention programmes run at the Centre. Figure 2 4-5: Male and Female Wuth Sentenced to Prtson and Youth Sentenced to Prison Placed Under Probation (1 995-1 998) Table 2.4-1 and Figure 2.4-1 on the previous 160 7 I page show that of the total 406 persons 1 140 i sentanced to prison over the 1995-1998 period, 59% were youth (96% of whom were male). Figure 2.4-2 was constructed from an analysis of the crimes commited by those 406 persons who were sentenced to prison over the 1995- 1998 period. While drug offences are the highest cause for imprisonment overall (32%), for youth, burglary and theft is the biggest problem area as found earlier among those under 21 I years. Persons Placed Under Probation Table 2.4-2 and Figure 2.4-3 below show that of the total 178 persons placed under probation over the 1995-1998 period, 90% were youth (91% of whom were male). As found among those under 21 years of age discussed in the Vulnerable Groups section (1.8), theft-related crimes make up the majority of offences committed by those who were placed under probation. As shown in Figure 2.4-4, this amounts to 67% (59% of male youth and 8% of female youth under probation)for their related crimes. Analysis of those Sentenced to Prison and Placed Under Probation, 1995-1998 Table 2.4-3 and Figure 2.4-6 is an analysis of the total number of persons sentenced to prison and placed under probation during the 1995-1998 period. Of the total 584 offences, 68% were committed by youth (94% of whom were male). %mtenced to Prison ania PIaced Undei Probation, &Y ~ U T H JUSTICE ISSUES by Gender (1 995-l998) There has been a tendency to treat crime as an issue brought about by urbanization Female and other concerns such as unemployment and poverty. While there may be some 6% truth in this notion, reports indicate that justice issues are becoming more common in rural areas suggesting that a more complex combination of factors are coming into play. High school dropout rates, limited job opportunities, under-employment, discrimination against women and girls, the increasing cost of living, the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, and the harmful influence of movies and videos on young minds are among some of the factors which may be contributing to increasing crime rates. Over the 1995-1998 period, crimes resulting in ~mprisonment occured in over 180 villages all over Samoa although the greater majority were on Upolu. The data for this analysis is not complete with some 32 (13%) addresses not given. In fact, of the approximately 239 offences resulting in youth incarceration over the 1995-1998 period, 28 (12%) gave their address as a village on Savaii, 3 (1%) were from Manono-Tai, and 176 (74%) were from Upolu (Table 4 2.4-4). In terms of where offences were committed, the data shows half of those from Savaii commited their 0 crimes on Upolu. Burglary and Theft As the above analysis reveals, the highest numbers of youth sentenced to prison and placed under probation over the 1995-1998 period were for burglary and theft- related crimes. Contributing factors include a marked disparity between the rich and the poor of Samoa. Unlike many other countries where neighborhoods can be defined by socio-economic status, families at both ends of the economic spectrum often live next door to each other in Samoa. While stealing another person's property is essentially a moral issue, cultural interpretation of collective versus individual "ownership" and the concept of sharing wealth can also influence behaviour. Approximately 44% of the thefts and burglaries resulting in youth imprisonment over the 1995-1998 period Samoa has a 500-strong police force. T h ~ s amounts to slpproximalelv 60 Dol~ce officers Per 20.000 Deoaie or one occurred in urban Apia. It may be that young people poiice dfflcel- for every 122~outh aged 12:29 years. moving from a rural to an urban setting have more difficulty in adjusting and may fall into peer influences that result in crimes like burglaries and theft. A probation officer found that youths under the jurisdiction of the courts often had a history of parental difficulties and had moved away from home; usually to live with relatives or friends. Drugs The data analysed reveals drugs as the second highest cause for incarceration. It also identifies a number of areas where youth are frequently found in possession of marijuana such as in and around Apia (eg. at the Fugalei Market). Of those sentenced to prison (1995-1998) for crimes committed in the greater Apia area, around 98 out of 145 (68%) were by youth. Approximately 1 in 5 (22%) of 62 these youth were charged for "possession" of drugs, presumably - marijuana. Likewise, there are certain areas in rural Samoa where marijuana is known to be cultivated and where the drug is likely to continue to be grown. Basically, the growing of marijuana is in rural Samoa - 79% of those sentenced to prison (1995-1998) for the cultivation of drugs were found in rural areas. Over the 1995-1998 period, there were three youth sentenced to prison for possession of drugs who were already in prison suggesting that marijuana may be available on the inside. Rape, Indecent Assault and Other Crimes of@ Sexual Nature Of those sentenced to prison for rape or attempted rape over the 1995-1998 period, 12 out of 17 (71%) were in the youth age bracket, i.e., under 30 years of age. The average age of these pereptrators was 24 years and the average age at which they left school was 16 years. For all sex-related crimes, 43 out of 72 (60%) were by youth. Over 90% were committed in rural villages. Two areas in urban Apia where sex-related crimes have been committed in the past are Taumeasina and Mulinuu. It is not known if the grounds on the seaward side of the Government building is becoming a problem area but this and the seawall along beach road is a site selected by Sautiamai and other organisations for the distribution of literature on HIVIAIDS and substance abuse. Manslaughter, Murder and Other Acts of Physical Violence Including WiIful Damage Out of 72 cases of those sentenced to prison (1995-1998) for acts of physical violence, 42 (57%) were youth (all but one of whom were males). The greater majority of these cases are in rural villages. Crime and Poverty AS suggested above, poverty may be a contributing factor to crime as people turn to stealing and growing marijuana to survive. The biggest marijuana bust to date occurred earlier this year at a beach resort in Savaii in one of the most impoverished areas in the country recently devastated by Cyclones Ofa (1990) and Val (1991). In this village, police discovered 99 plants and 30 rice sacks of marijuana. Three men were arrested- the youngest was 23 years old. '(8661 2 a N f i ) 6861 1 3 ~ luamuolpwg pue sdaluns ' s p u e ~ ayl s! Y D ~ M )s%uome 3app 'paqsgqe~sa uaaq ailey suoyeln%a~ pue s33v luamuoqaua [euo!leu 09 JaAo ' S M ~ paseq dl!unwmo3 ol uoyppe u~ pue 'asuodsa~ u~ '(8661 &qs) s a ~ m o s a l Iempu snoua%!puy uo paseq pue aIqeu!elsns sl leql ajg 30 d e ~ e jo auypap aa;rssar%o~d 30 auo sl puarl p a n o aqA .uysns 01 ssa3ord Iernjeu ayj jo s s a ~ x au ! are ley1 uoyeqojdxa laho pue uopepeBap 30 sjarlal8ugrqyxa s! $1 .u~ax~o:, lo@^^ JOJ asne3 e mou s! luamuolpua mo JO alels luarm:, aqL 'tuamuorya aql q j ! ~ duomreq u! p a q djleuoy!pe~~ sueomes ' ~ ~ o y s UI d p ~ a q p u l ~ o d p a q p '~uauruo~!aua ayl qlrM dgsuoge1ar s,uem u!e]u!em pue a$ea!yn:, ley$ 'depol $s!xa II!$S pue palyxa sarn13n.11~ %u!ura~o% pue S M B ~ : , p a d s 'arnlln3y8e a3uals~sqns UF pasgear a3uq.rodmy aql u l paioagal se 'ajq jo d e ~ 1euoyrpe.11 s,eoweS aqt jo lred p8alu! ue sy qlwma I! l e y l l ~ e pue luamuoqhua aqL to the 1994 National Environmental Management Strategy for Samoa (NEMS), efforts to achieve sustainable development depend on the full participation and mobilization of youth creativity, ideals and other attributes. The main method of engaging Samoan youth in the environment has been through educational awareness activities which have included: National and local workshops Dissemination of information via media &prepared information packages to schools and community groups @ Educational Seminars for local schools & youth groups Promotion of conservation programs Establishment Environmental Resource Centqrs (Publication & Multi-media) example; Nalional Environmental Resource Database of Samoa (NERDS) Outreach program to villages Youth 8r Environment Activities. June 1999 Key Environment Organisations i The Department of Lands, Survey, & Environment (DLSE) is the leading government agency on environmental issues. DLSE mandate under the Environmental Legislation Review (1993) for the NEMS (1993), includes "sustainable management of environmental resources" and the promotion of "environmental awareness" among the public. Other Government Departments such as Education, Health, Samoa Visitors Bureau, Water Authority and Agriculture also pursue environmental awareness activities in collaboration with DLSE. There are also a number of non-government organizations with an interest in environmental stewardship who work both independently and in collaboration with DLSE. These include 0 le Siosiomaga Society, Faasao Savaii, Eco-Tour Samoa, and the YMCA. Some of the activities of these organizations are funded by the government andlor inter- government organizations1IGOs such as the United States Peace Corps, AusAID, NZODA, South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the UNDP. Although youth today are aware of the importance of preserving the environment, and much credit goes to the efforts of the many advocacy organizations involved, there are clear indications that understanding of the Samoa, like other small island nations, has a fragile envixonment issues and the implementing of necessary remedial measures do not automatically follow. For example, villagers, including youth, are aware that fishing resources are declining and that the main cause is destructive fishing practices. Yet there is evidence that some are still engaging in those practices despite the level of public awareness that exists. Similar situations exist in relation to forestry, coral reefs, and water management. This indicates that there are underlying factors, whether economic, social or political, that need to be addressed if environmental programmes are to be more effective. Conservation Areas and Reserves A number of conservation areas and reserves have been established in Samoa as shown in Figure 2.5-1 on the next page. THE KEY NATURAL OURCE ISSUES A youth forum conducted by the Division of Environment & Conservation (February 1998) identified several environmental concerns for the participants: water (marine and terrestrial), waste disposal, threats to biological diversity, and resource depletion caused by activities such as, logging, over fishing, the use of destructive fishing methods, and Where people throw their inorganic rubbish is of concern coastal land reclamation. Figure 2.5-1 : Gonservatian Areas and Reserves in Samoa Ecosystems Cuashl totest Lnwiand forgst Ridge - t13rest Secondatyfore$$ Disturbed veget~41t~n No n-n &ive e co s y st,^ t-n Palolo Deep Manne Reser* Scenic Reserve L1 ~attonai Pa* c 4 O ,0 50 TogiWgigaReerez\\ricn Reserve N i I I f I Kilometres Water About 70% of the population have access to water drawn from surface resources and an estimated 90-9576 of the population have access to a piped water supply (NEMS: 1993). However the yields of rivers and streams are decreasing as a result of degradation of the watershed, through the extensive clearing of land for agriculture. The dumping of solid waste into the same catchment areas also aggravates the situation. The result is reduced water resource and poor water quality to local consumers. The coastal lagoons are also being subjected to industrial and domestic pollution. Deforestation has increased the incidence of soil and nutrients being washed to the sea (NEMS1993: 32). The continuing deveIopments around water catchment areas and the discharge of domestic pollution and other waste is a major problem. Waste Dispo,sal As one study pointed out, "The insufficient care given to the disposal of human and other waste materials, is affecting national standards of environmental health quite visibly" (SSAHD, 1998). Youth concern in this area focused mainly on waste accumulated from consumer consumption such as, plastic bottles, papers, sewerage, tins and others. It was suggested by them that a waste separation at source could be one alternative of managing solid waste. As well, proper disposal systems of hazardous waste accumulated by the agricultural, industrial and medical sectors need to be established. The problem is already evident in some low lying areas of Apia, where groundwater is being polluted by effluent from many of the sewage disposal facilities (SSAED, 1998). It was also estimated in the 1989 Agricultural Consensus, that 60% of households use agricultural chemicals however there is no policy dealing with the resulting waste. Biological Diversity The lack of awareness, respect and protection of Samoa's environment is another issue which youth are concerned about. These are mainly in the loss of native and endemic plants species of Samoa especially those Mangroves with medicinal value. The loss of biological diversity in Samoa is a serious concern. The protection and conservation of land, and animal resources are affected by the current rate of poor land management and deforestation (Samoa Bio-diversity Project Document: 1999). Resource Depletion The current rate of forest depletion, about 3,000 ha per year, is one of the highest clearance rates in the world, and a cause for major concern. It could be considered the most serious environmental issue facing the country. The rates of depletion are similar on Savaii and Upolu, but 40 per cent of clearing on Savaii is due Rehabilaaiing the Environment to logging while it is considerably less on Upolu (NEMS 1993: 7). Figure 2.5-2 shows the forest depletion in Samoa over the period from 1954 to 1987. Other Environmental Concerns Also raised by youth is the destruction of the marine environment from activities such as over-fishing, the use of destructive fishing methods such as dynamiting, and the continuous coastal land reclamation for developments. Youth expressed their interest in being more actively involved in all environmentally related activities both at the national and community level. One youth concern is that they have little voice in the village decision-making forums, where decisions regarding the use of natural resources are made (Division of Environment & Conservation meeting Environment Competition 4997 for Youth Environment Program, February 1998). Youth directors and the youth leaders also expressed scepticism towards any type of youth environment program that would not directly offer money or jobs to the youth as well as not providing direct funding for youth projects. (Division of Environment iYr Conservation meeting for Youth Environment Program, February 1998). Youth can play a key role in the conservation and preservation of our environment Youth can actively participate in promoting environmental awareness programmes Youth can become key managers of environmental resources Youth need to build their capacity to take up current & future responsibilities for environmental actions * Youth and the environment are inter-dependent and inter-related Legend: ~ g g g Non-forest P Forest Deforested New forest Figure 2.5-2' Changes in S a m o a Forest Cover- 1854-1 987 2.6 YOUTH RECREATION This Policy envisages youth enjoying an equitable share in cultural, recreational and sporting activities and aims to provide a range of leisure options catering for diverse abilities and needs. Of particular interest are how activities are organised, their value to youth and the community, their effects on well being, and ways of fostering community support. The National Youth Policy also supports the development of talented youth for futures in professions that include the creative arts and sports. Youth need to be understood in all aspects of their lives and one area often neglected is youth pastimes. How youth spend their leisure time can have a powerful influence on their lives, affecting other aspects such as health, education, and employment. Recreational activities can serve as a positive motivational factor to dissuade youth from participating in risky or anti-social types of behaviours. Pastimes are a significant part of a young person's life both in terms of the time spent and the resources allocated to the activities. Recreational activities are not simply "play". While every family and community finds its own balance between work and play, it is not true that youth pastimes are a waste of time. Youth learn best when the experience is fun, positive and interactive. Sports are The wosid-famous Mani,) Warnoa chalieng~ng Japanese opponents, 10 June 2000 (Manu played for fun, for Samoa won 68-9) competition, for socialising within and between villages, and with increasing $t~fessionalism, as a career opportunity. Games and sports played by children and youth provide them with maRy learning opportunities- intellectual, physical, social, and moral. Pastimes can develop leadership skills, buiki teamwork and trust in one another. It teaches cooperation and sharing, develops social skills, and provides youth with a sense of service to others- all skills required in adulthood. In addition, sports build discipline, physical strength, stamina, balance and speed- all leading to greater health. Samoans have long been known for their competitive nature in sporting competitions.Their natural athletic prowess and physical strength have endeared them to the sporting public. Examples of recent years have been the performances of the Samoa and the Manu Sina and the success of individuals such as Tagifano Soonalole (tennis), and David Tua (boxing). These achievements have raised the standard of sports participation and recognition of Samoans and Samoa in regional and international competitions. Nurturing the development of the creative arts helps to stimulate a person's ability to problem solve, create new ideas, communicate more effectively, and build Volieyball ns a vet y pop~ilar sport in all v~ltages confidence and self-esteem. Creative arts are also forms of individual and social expression; of how Samoans perceive themselves and their identity as Samoans in Samoa and in the wider international community. Young people with talent in the creative arts can realise their potential with the right support and proper schooling. These fields of the expressive arts include visual arts (two and three dimensional), music, dance, drama, literature, architecture, and film-making. In the past quarter of a century, local and overseas Samoan artists have achieved regional and international recognition in some of these fields. They include people like jazz singers, writers, film makers,artists, and poets. Traditional leisure activities bring an aiga closer together - oral traditions such as matematega a tupua (riddles), tala tuu (legends) and tala faa-fagogo (stories and fables), and the passing down of genealogy (talaga gafa) are all important to youth as they strengthen both the aiga and their identity as Samoans. Modern pastimes such as television and video can have a powerful effect on youth, although not always leading to well-being. Reading is not a strong national pastime amongst the youth, mainly because of a lack of published Samoan literature. Serialised stories in newspapers are popular, such as the translations of English classics and modern fiction. The community also enjoys the pastimes of young people. They are often entertained at sports events, by youth choirs, dance and drama productions, and art exhibitions. This in turn raises the status of youth in the community. By providing for and fostering positive leisure activities, the community is also developed and strengthened. Formal and Informal Youth Pastimes Youth pastimes can be categorised as organised (formally structured) or as spontaneous (loosely structured). Loosely structured leisure activities are often learned from adults or older youth and include traditional games, cooperative games and other leisure activities. Structured youth pastimes such as sporting, cultural, and musical events, are organised by both government and non-government organisations (NGOs) at both national and local levels. A major promoter of youth sports among the NGOs are the autalavou. There are also many clubs, associations, and community-based organisations, such as the village aumaga and aualuma, providing young people with sports and other leisure options. Government, primarily through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, plays a significant role in the development of sporting and cultural activities such as that experienced during National Youth Week, an annual event for youth which includes sporting and cultural activities. Many businesses also cater to the recreational and social needs of young people through fitness centres, art and music schools, martial arts training, video outlets, video games, internet services and nightclubs. Most of these businesses are based in urban Apia, attracting both urban and rural youth. The list of Youth Service Providers given in the Youth Profile section (page 43) identifies many 68 of the organisations and departments providing a variety pf recreational and sports activities. sports Traditional sports were often related to the preparation of young men for combat and testing for strength, agility, speed and strategic thinking. Examples included aigofie (club-fighting) and taga ti'a (spear throwing). While there is currently an effort to revive some of the traditional sports, most are no longer practiced although they do live on in the many proverbs still used in oratory today. The arrival of the missionaries and the early colonial settlers played a significant role in the introduction of modern sports into Samoa. Rugby, played by staff of the New Zealand Colonial Administration, found a receptive audience among Samoans who showed a natural talent for the game. A rugby union was established in 1914. English cricket was also adopted and greatly modified lo its current form. Basketball was introduced in 1930 by American Mormon missionaries. In 1961, the Western Samoa Amateur Sports Federation was established as the focal point for all sporting organisations operating in the country. It serves to develop and promote sports and organise participation in national and international sporting competitions. The organisation plays an instrumental role in the coordination of Samoa's involvement in international sporting events. Regional and International Games The South Pacific Games was established through an agreement of Pacific Island Countries in 1961 to create bonds of friendship and promote amateur sports in the region. The first South Pacific Games was held in 1963 in Suva, Fiji, and a team of Samoan athletes participated, winning a silver medal and two (2) bronze medals. During the Sixth South Pacific Games in Suva, Fiji (1979), Western Samoa won the bid to host the Seventh (7th) South Pacific Games (1983) and Government built a new sporting complex for this purpose with aid from the Chinese Goverornment. Apart from a few exceptions, Samoa has continued to participate in the South Pacific Games with noticeable achievements by the young people of Samoa especially in the fields of boxing and weightlifting. The exceptions were the boycott of the games in 1987 (New Caledonia) and 1995 (Tahiti) due to the Kanak people's uprising in New Caledonia and the French nuclear testing on Mururoa Atoll. The year 1974 marked yet another milestone for the development of sports with the participation of Samoa in the Commonwealth Games. It served to propel Samoa's best athletes into the arena of international competition. The subsequent gains in recognition and economic benefit to both the athlete and Samoa has resulted in greater support by government for the development of sports. The expanding pool of professional athletes has changed the way sports is viewed in Samoa assisted greatly by the televising of games and players. Becoming a star athlete is now an aspiration of many youth and is seen to be the road to a more prosperous future. The general public's knowledge and interest in sports has increased with live coverage of games. Sports organisations in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education have furthered this development by sponsoring coaching workshops, competitions, and other initiatives. In 1983, a National Olympic Committee (NOC) for Samoa was established to coordinate activities for Olympic Sports being played in the country and more importantly to be affiliated in the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This enabled Samoa to participate the following year (1984), for the first time, in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles (USA). Today, Samoa's National Olympic Committee is combined with the Samoa Sports Federation to develop and promote both contemporary and traditional sports. The organisation is continuing to grow in membership as more new sports are being introduced through IOC's programs. Table 2.6-1 gives the current list of 35 sporting associations registered with the Samoa Sports Federation and National Olympic Committee (SSFNOC). Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs CC In 1976, the Act for Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs was passed by Parliament to make provisions for matters 0 relating to youth, sports and cultural affairs, and to establish a Council for Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs. The general functions of the Council included: 1. To promote the development ofSamoan youth, sporh and cultural affairs, 2. To advise government on youth, sports and cultural affairs 3. To disseminate knowledge and information concerning youth, sports and cultural affairs. In 1983, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs (MYSCA) was established to take over the functions of the Council and to host the Seventh (7th) South Pacific Games in Samoa. In collaboration with MYSCA, the Western Samoa Amateur Sports Federation and National Olympic Committee have been able to host major international championships for various sports as well as run training programs with funding from the IOC and ONOC (Oceania National Olympic Committee). In 1994, MYSCA initiated the first All Samoa Games as a national sporting event bringing together th e sportsmen and sportswomen of the nation. The 'Samoa Games' has been held every two years since it was established and was repeated in 1995 when Samoa boycotted the South Pacific Games in Tahiti due to the nuclear testing in that country. Initially only Samoan athletes participated. By the third Samoa Games in 1997, nineteen (19) other countries were able to participate with a total of over 1,500 athletes who competed in some twenty-four (24) different sports events. Table 2.6-2 lists some of the sports development programmes that involved MYSCA working in collaboration with the (Western) Samoa Sports Federation and the National Olympic Committee during 1996 and 1997. Sports andRecreational Facilities Sports and recreational facilities have been established and managed by NGO's, businesses and government. Some villages and churches have also built recreational facilities to cater to the recreational needs of both youth and adults. Most villages have a multi-purpose field in the center of the village, traditionallv known as a malae (village green), used also for playing The Musika Extravaganxa is now an annual event to showcase local talent sports. For several years, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), a non-governmental organisation ran a "Drop-In Center", where 20-25 youth would stop in daily to 8:00 pm (except Saturday and Sunday), to play table tennis, billiards, weightlift, listen to music, meet with friends and speak with peer or adult counselors as desired. In the last 15 years over six gyms have opened, Q ring fitness training, aerobics, weightlifting and yoga, for Samoa's increasingly health conscious population. The construction of sports fields in communities to comply with international standards is an initiative of government to ensure that rural athletes may successfully compete in ~stional and international competitions. A multi-purpose sports complex is also currently under construction by government with some international assistance. The complex is being built to host major international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games, as well as to train Samoan athletes to be competitive in the top circles of world sports. Not yet fully funded and expected to take years to become fully operational, the commitment is substantial. Over 300 acres have been dedicated to the project. The types of facilities being planned include a gymnasium, a golf course, various sports fields, a multi purpose center for training, swimming pools, a Youth Center, and MYSCA offices. Creative Arts VISUAL ARTS: There are currently several private art studios and schools in existence. One of the oldest is the hulurnoega Fou School of Fine Arts established in 1987 by Italian artist and teacher Ernesto Coter within the Christian Congregational Church Education System. The school provides a rigorous training program for talented and disciplined secondary school students who have already completed Year 11. Youth are trained in drawing, < , L"?- ~ ~ i ~ j f&%~f~~;- < 'dc ~ T L ~ J ~ J ~ : jQ\\t>j3 ? srsLbB\\;rj[ 1 [ I s A f b 4 ( * A sPifiCb kjP\\;ji["jNAj., i[-:!jT;/-j Pt2~_ c y *$l/i. :>[j's painting, mosaic, stainglass making, ceramics, and metal and wood sculptures. Those who successfully complete the three-year program earn a diploma which is recognized by art programs in some universities in Australia and New Zealand. Of the 60 graduates who have completed their course of study with the school, many are employed as art teachers in both mission and government schools. Others have earned reputations internationally and in the Pacific as accomplished artists in their own right. Over the years, the school has kept an impressive collection of the best of its two and three dimensional art. The Christian Congregational Church is considering building an art exhibition center for the collection. Other Samoan artists have opened studios to produce and exhibit their art work as well as to teach young people. They include Momoe Von Riche (Madd Gallery), Pa alii Penehuro Taimalelagi (Beautiful Expressions of Nature School of Fine Arts ), and Galumalemana Steven a ~ & d Wendy Percival (Tiapapata Art Center). Papalii's studio and schoob has a current recruitment of 26 students; d l males. Many public and private schools offer visual arts as 8tt of their curriculum in contrast to drama and music which is generally not offered as a graded course. The Faculty of Education at the National University of Samoa provides training for primary and secondary school teachers in visual art and music. It also offers a course in physical education which includes sports, games, movement and dance. MUSIC: Every festive occasion in this country whether it be a family, a church, a village, or a national function is not without its musical component. The range of music available to a listening and singing public is impressive as evidenced in the daily offerings of its two most popular radio stations: 2AP and Magic FM. In a short span of time, the listener may be entertained by a traditional pre-Christian era chant, an Elvis Presley song, a Christian revival hymn, and a jazz piece followed by the latest rap. Choirs are very popular with churches and some schools. Bands (e.g.marching brass bands, string bands), are another popular musical form. They are often voluntary, and organised and supported by villages, churches, schools and youth clubs. The Samoa School of Music and the June Ryan School of Music are two of the better known music schools in Samoa catering to scores of students of all ages. Both provide their students with a sound background in music theory as well as training in piano and other musical instruments. The Samoa School of Music supports a marching brass band and has performed one of its own operas based upon a traditional theme (Malietoa Faiga). Both schools offer assistance to church and village choirs on subjects ranging from the arrangement and composition of music, to conducting and voice training, and concert performance. The Samoa School of Music was founded in 1976 by Seiuli Fuamatu Titi Grey Manuleleua, a trained opera singer, and provides a certificated music course in affiliation with the Australian Music Examination Board. Over the past five years, several hundred students have taken the examination. The school caters to 150 students, mostly school leaven, ages 18 to 23. Students seeking employment in the field of music often continue to take the more advanced levels. LITERARY ARTS: Samoa has produced some excellent writers (poets, playwrights, and novelists) writing in fiction and non- fiction and publishing books both in Samoan and in English,. There are a few organised writers groups in Apia. One such group, Evaitusi, was established in 1998 to help local writers publish children's books. Seven of their books have already been published and utilized by the Department of Education. There is fairly limited support for talented young writers in Samoa. Youth interested in this field will usually obtain some exposure through their English courses. Costs, particularly, the printing costs are always a limiting factor in publishing any literary work. Without support, it may take years for a writer to put their books into print. Few serious writers have been able to sustain themselves through their writing; mostly by appealing to markets overseas. DANCE AND DRAMA: Naturally inclined to perform, villages, schools, and church youth groups will often entertain with dances and plays suited to a range of occasions. The traditional drama form is called "Fale Aitu" and is mostly for the purpose of providing comic relief. Many villages sport players adept at entertaining with FaleAitu. At a national level, the Teuila Festival, provides an opportunity for Samoa to entertain the public with the best of its performing artists. Autalavou often provide dramatisations of Bible stories. The faafafine community prefer to entertain with a more contemporary flair as demonstrated by their colourful Tutti Fruitti Pageant and other fundraising pageants for social causes. The Loto Taumafai School for the physically challenged also supports a performing arts hearing impaired theatrical group know as the Silent World Theatre. This talented group is quite active and has performed both locally and overseas. More formal training in the performing arts, however, is quite limited. Public and mission schools rarely, if ever, include dance, drama or even music as a core subject. However students themselves are quite talented and creative as shown in various festivities which allows these forms of expression within a school context. A private school was recently established to help fill the gap. Known as the School for Performing Arts and Tourism it aims to provide young people with training in the performing arts. Last year a number of its students completed their studies and graduated with diplomas. TRADITIONAL A R T S : The faa-Samoa customs, traditions and material crafts are a valuable part of the country's rich cultural heritage. Chiefly oratory and the presentation of fine mats are important components any traditional ceremonial occasion. Youth giavina video qarnes . . - - Most villages, churches and schools will train a performing cultural group for the purpose of raising funds, and representing the institution at community, national and even international events. Training in the traditional arts, to varying degrees, is provided by public, mission and private schools. With a view 72 to potential employment creation, the Methodist Vocational and Creative Center (Punaoa), Papauta Girls School and, Loto Taumafai, a private school for the physically challenged, in particular, offer training in the traditional arts and crafts (eg. weaving, carving, tapa making). Various courses in Samoan are being offered at the National University of Samoa and at AMOSA, a private school catering to the working population. Government departments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO's) are also involved in training youth in the traditional arts for the promotion of traditional culture as well as for the generation of employment. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has run carving workshops. The Ministry of Women's Affairs provides women, including young women, with training in handicrafts. Women in Business Foundation includes young women in its fine mat weaving scheme. The National Council of Women offers training in traditional dance. KEY RECREATION ISSUES Trends in Leisure Activities The global village is having a significant impact on the tastes and interests of young consumers. Computers and the internet cafe are becoming well frequented centers for young urbanities. Videos and T.V.s are almost common place in villages as more and more families are owning their own sets. These developments are changing the way young people are spending their time and along with the good that technical innovations bring to the society are some concerns. Problems Associated with more Sedentary Activities Like their counterparts in the West, Samoan youth can spend hours in front of a television set. Lack of exercise to work off excess calories can lead to early stages of obesity already identified as a problem among youth. Less Time for Quality Social and Family Interactions Evenings, after all the chores are done for the day, is often the time for time to share among family members. It is also where grandparents are most likely to impart information on the families oral history and stories of the past. When a television set dominates the evening, much of this information is not passed on. Diminished Opportunities for Unique Community Development While Western influences are not all negative, when it diminishes opportunities for a community to develop its - own unique expressions, one's own culture increasingly mimics another. The lyrics of a song may be in Samoan but the tune is distinctly country western USA, reggae, rap, or Evangelical. What is being promoted as being traditional Samoan dance and music sometimes looks and sounds like something from another part of the Pacific. Much more effort is needed to document, record, and teach the traditional art forms in order to preserve their authenticity. Without this, young people will not able to learn what is unique among the different traditional Pacific cultures including its own. Similarly with contemporary art forms, a youth can be singing a Country Western song or playing rap music with little understanding of what part of the world it came from, the culture it represents, and the evolution of the art form. There is little formal education in this regard. Losses to Distinct Samoan Cultural Oral Traditions Because Samoa is moving away from being an oral culture, unless there is a concerted effort to record, preserve, and teach its oral histories, genealogies and traditions from one generation to the next, much will be lost. Youth then will not have the benefit of appreciating their culture. As more English is substituted or Samoanized in speech, there is a subtle shift towards adopting perspectives and - values that are more Westernized (e.g. more individualistic and consumer-oriented). The concern is that young people may become marginalised in both languages, resulting in communications that can be shallow, superficial and devoid of richness, history and poetry. Lack of Support for the Arts Samoan youth have a natural tendency to perform and entertain, yet there is no adequate facility at the national level for the performing arts. Like sports facilities, access to good performing arts facilities can have a significant impact on the further development of talented youth in these areas. A performing arts center could also provide a means for Samoans to view high quality performances and authentic cultural forms from other parts of the world. Similarly, although there are many beautiful works of art in Samoa, there is no adequate facility for the exhibition of the visual arts at a national level. There is a need to revive open air koneseti (concert) as an option. Changing Nature of Sports The rise of the professional athlete has affected how sports is being viewed and supported in the country. The previously amateur and volunteer-oriented sports activities of the past is diminishing in The Teuila Festival, an annual cultural event significance. The concern with this trend is that sports, as a means of positive social interaction between communities and youth groups, as well as the enjoyment of the game for recreational purposes, leisure and health, also diminishes. Sports, instead, becomes a spectator event with sponsorships, sports advertising and prize money being viewed as essential without which games cannot be effectively organised. There is a need to establish a balance between past interaction and modern commercial infilterations which have inevitably come about. Pastimes Supervision, guidance and understanding is needed from adults in support of youth and in the provision of pastimes. The lack of this support can result in youth engaging in pastimes that could put them at risk. With increased accessibility to drugs, alcohol, and even guns a (growing problem with young men in particular,) the need for positive, social outlets is critical. Media Addiction Television, computer websites, videos, CD7s, particularly the viewing of sexually explicit and violent images can negatively affect a young person's development. There is a lack of parenting education in this regard. Public awareness of appropriate viewing material for young people, vigilance that videos are being properly coded for easy identification by parents and youth, and providing healthy alternatives to these types of pastimes can be beneficial. Literacy is also a crucial issue. Not only must literacy rates be improved and sustained, but also published in both Samoan and English. Quality writing must be promoted in newspapers and literary publications. An informed reading public needs access to quality reading materials. \\ i * i,$IT,t+ r- , , & ~ i l Y ~ j4o : i zpt:,&C,d [,l';'{tr3ij : ".,!+& J S ! % If- 7 2, &?:jp\\ P~pk ilCta\\;*:+i_ Vc,C 7 yf F1:'~_?L,t ,2012 1 z-)? f; The Key Priority Area ends with Youth Pastimes as a reminder that healthy play is so important to youth and community at large. Play is what helps people see the lighter side so they are not so overwhelmed with daily problems and concerns. It brings people together in a positive and uplifting way and provides a means to appreciate talent and ability. The ability to play is an important asset to nurture and support in youth. The assets that youth possess, however, are not limited to their talents in sports and in creative artistic expression. Youth have great potential to apply their energy, skills, talent and natural intelligence to their own development as well as to serve their community. In the process of listening to people talk about youth, many problems and issues were identified as needing to be addressed by Samoa's National Youth Policy. Eater, solutions and strategies were discussed by youth stakeholders leading to the adoption of Policy Statements. In the months and years ahead, the focus of National Youth Policy stakeholders will be shifting to developing action plans needed to implement the t.ll policy. For youth stakeholders and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the process of putting together 0 the Policy has had the additional benefit of strengthening partnerships and finding areas of mutual support and collaboration. This is also an exciting time for young people in Samoa. It is anticipated that the seeds being planted today, through the adoption and acceptance of the National Youth Policy by the Samoa government and people, will open up many more windows of opportunity for them. There is also increasing recognition that progress also means that youth, both males afid females, will need to have more of a voice in all aspects of community life. That they are to be included in planning and decision-making processes, and valued for who they are and what they can contribute both to their own well-being and that of their community. Annual Statistical Abstract 1998, Department of Statistics, Government of Samoa Census of Agriculture 1999 (Preliminary Report), Statistics Department Census of Population and Housing, 1991 Report, Statistics Department Children & Women in Western Samoa - a Situation Analysis, 1996, T. Afamasaga, Government of Western Samoa. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. Convention on the Rights of the Child Country Report for Samoa, 1999 Draft Convention on the Rights of the Child, Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 20 November 1989 Demographic and Health Survey 1999, Statistics Department Department of Health Annual Report, 1995 and 1996, Department of Health Domestic and Sexual Violence Against Women in Western Samoa, A Study, 1996, Mapusaga o Aiga Education Department Policies, 1992 (for the teaching profession), Education Department Employment and Income Generation in Rural Western Samoa, February 1992, Employment Promotion, Manpower Planning and Labor Administration in the Pacific, ILO/UNDP/AIDAB Employment in Western Samoa, Present and Potential, February 1992, Employment Promotion, Manpower Planning and Labor Administration in the Pacific, ILO/UNDP,AIDAB Enhancing Post-School Learning Opportunities: Planning at the School / Post-School Divide, Alan Male, Samoa Secondary School Curriculum and Resources Project, Department of Education Fanau ma Aiga Manuia Strategy, July 2000 Draft, Department of Health Formulating and Implementing National Youth Policies, June 1996, Commonwealth Youth Programme, Commonwealth Secretariat. Household Income and Expenditure Survey, 1997, Statistics Department Justice Department Corporate Plan 2000-2002, Justice Department Mental Health and Substance Abuse, WHO 1995 Mission Report, Dr. Anthony Williams Ministry of Women's Affairs Corporate Plan 2000-2001, Ministry of Women's Affairs inistry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs Corporate Plan 2000-2003, Ministry of Youth, Sports & Cultural Affairs National Food and Nutrition Policy for Western Samoa, 1995, National Food and Nutrition Council National University of Samoa Strategic Plan 2000-2004, March 1999, National University of Samoa Partnership for a Prosperous Society , Statement of Economic Strategy 2000-2001, Government of Samoa Partnerships in Wealth, Health Sector Strategic Plan 1998-2003, Department of Health Prevention of Alcohol-Related Problems in the Pacific, WHO 1995 Mission Report, Mr David McDonald Report of the Committee on the Rehabilitation Centre for Young Offenders, 1997, Justice Department Report on the Apia Urban Youth Survey 1994, Department of Statistics/Ministry of Youth, Sports & Cultural Affairs Report on the Status of Women in Samoa 1992-1997, Ministry of Women's Affairs Research on Existing Situation of Malnutrition in Samoa, March 1997, Dr. J. Adams & Ms B Sio Samoa Health Sector Review; Meeting the Challenges of Development, October 1998, Health, Nutrition and Population Unit, World Bank. ulation Policy, 1998 Draft, Population Council Technical Committee Samoa Secondary School Curriculium Overview Document, July 1998, Department of Education Samoa: A Situation Analysis of Human Development, November 1998. UNDP Samoa: Strategy for Growth & Diversification of the Agriculture Sector,1997-2000, Kolone Vaai & Associates Sectoral Planning Manual, October 1999, Treasury Department , Government of Samoa The Family in a World Community, Baha'i International Community United Nations Office, November 1993 estern Samoa Education Policies 1995-2005, Western Samoa Policy and Planning Development Project Western Samoa Education Strategies 1895-2005, Western Samoa Policy and Planning Development Project Western Samoa Family Health Association Strategic Plan, 1996 Women and Men in stem Samoa - A Statistical sofile, November 1993, Ministry of Women's Affairs 1- - L - j .j:% Pi." 1 3 3 I s / j t t _ :3 g 6 * : jri&Ti\\ (:r ; Ci ;i,'t;:f 8;. . -ptw .\\*;,1 a \\ ..( - I I:;*\\ -%: r t ~ h _ i 4 4 2-3~j[_1c- ' 2 ~ ; < D Commonwealth Youth Minister's Meeting Youth Programme Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs (MYSCA) UNFPA ESCAP National Youth Policy Development Committee (NYPDC) National Youth Policy Consultants Coordinating Committee (NYPCC) Regional Advisor I 1 Sub-committees I / Adhoc Committee 1 Samoa National Youth Policy 2001-2010 Table 1.3-1 Religious 199 1 Census and Ezble 1.4- 1: Total Number of Brides and Grootm by Youth Age Category, 1994- 1996' Age Category 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 TOTAL 15-19 Brides 43 75 74 118 72 382 15-19 Grooms 4 14 8 15 9 50 20-24 Brides 221 330 389 440 297 1,677 20-24 Grooms 118 196 192 226 163 895 25-29 Brides 116 267 284 325 277 1,269 25-29 Grooms 168 284 334 409 294 1,489 TOTALS 670 1,166 1,281 1,533 1,112 5,762 Legislators, Senior Officials, ~ a n a g e r s l Professionals; Technicians and Associate Professionals1 Service Workers and Shop & Market Sales Workers Smed Agricultural & Fisheries Workers Craft and Related Trades Workers, Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers Elementary Occupations Not Stated TOTALS / Full-time paid employment j Part-time paid employment Farmers/PlantersiFisherme Table 1.6-3: Level of Educational Attainmalt for Population 15 years and Over as recorded ~n 1999 D e m o ~ r a n h r arzd Healtlz Survey td M 6031 69.3% 5929 73.4% Never Attended School Table 1.6-4: Popdation 15 years arzdover who recerved Teacher Training 1 I Nursing School i Polytechnic Theological College University Others Combination Not Stated Total receiving further training 1298 14.9% 1115 13.8% Population 15 years and over 8709 8080 Tublc 1.6-5: Public Service Cnmmissioa Employment Data (February 2000) 18-29 years Male - F !Youth employed in Public Sector (%) I ~ i ~ h e s t Youth Salary 1 ~ e d i a n Salary \\Average Youth Salaries Table 1.8-2 Youth (12-29 yeurs) Suicide Attempts and Deaths by Method:lY88-99 5 or more You /SOIJRCE: T u ~ u a Tarnasese Meaole Hos~ital Medical Records/ Tabic 1.8-4: Yiurzg Persons Sentenced to krrsorl bv I3Jfeptce und Year (1995-1998) ex-related offences Table 1.8-5: Youth who had tried srrzoking, alcohol or splrit~ and Tahk 1.8-6: 10-79 vear old youria who had tried smoking alcohol or spirit5 and marqliarra, by broad occ~pztton atld g e n d ~ r Tuble 1.8-7: Eslirnared School L k o p - 0 ~ 1 t ~ by Level for 1995-99 Sagaga Faleata Palauli Aana # 1 Fagaloa Faasaleleaga #1 Itu o Tane #2 - 1 Table 1.8-9: Percentage uf Hoz~seizolds, by Region. Region Yes % No with ~ s t c a l I ~ ~ / M e n t a l f y Disubled Persons (1991) Apia Urban Area 269 6% 4,196 4,465 i Northwest Upolu 418 7% 5,256 Rest of Upolu 344 6% 5,706 6,050 Savaii 374 6% 5,632 6,006 Total for Samoa 1,405 6% 20,790 22,195 I Have not had sexual intercourse j ~ o t Stated 1 110 3% 61 3%1 34 2% 21 2%i 40 4% 18 3%! 21 4% 6 4 !Total 3493 2166 1480 1134 1040 542 539 255 i Number of Schools - Govt. Non-Govt LEVEL Teachers Pupils P.T. Ratio 159 Primary 141 18 Years 1-8 1,436 35,790 25 24 Junior Secondary 21 3 Years 9-11 318 5,614 18 21 Senior Secondary 4 17 Years 9-13 457 7,614 17 - - - - -- - - - Either University Tertiary Institutions: $repatory Year The National University of Samoa (if selected) (includes Teaching and Nursing) The University of the South Pacific (Campus and Extension Centre) The Samoa Polytechnic (includes Marine Training) Or directly to other tertiary or vocational Don Bosco Technical Centre Eurphraise Barber Methodist Technical & Creative Centre overseas options, Leulumoeaa Fou School o f Fine Arts " ether privately or Special Needs Education: under One of Lon, Taumafai (for physically disabled) schol~rship schemes. Fia Malamalama (for intellectually handicapped) - - Senese (integrating learning-impaired & normal) Table 2.2-2: Selected SCIKXII Fees for 20110 (&li year uidess staled otherwtsc PRIMARY SECONDARY State Schools: Community-administered $30.00' Vaipouli College N/ A Samoa College N/ A Avele College N/ A Leifiifi College N/A Mission Schools: Methodist Schools $55.00-$165.00$190-$320 LDS Catholic Independent Schools: Vaiala Beach School $2,400" N/ A RLS School $2,524' $2,756-$3,084" ' Most schools setfees less than $10.00 per term "used on Term One fees iiauliplied by four terms (excludes book fees) Does not include building fund which is a once only $400.00 per family 'Ihble 2.2-3: Average Table 2.2-4: Estrmated Direct Experzditure Transition Rate over (1999-2000) at C~overrzrnent Colleges and tile 1995-1 999 period Junior Secondarv Sclzools Transition Y8 to Y9 Tnbk 2.3-1: Workers and Average Weekly Wage in the Public aid Private Sectors by Gender (7998 Lubottr Marker Demand Survey) I I , Permament (salaried) 1 Temporary (casual) 1 Total ! Table 2.3-2: Total Employed Persom Contvibtiting to the NPF by Ifadustry (1994-1999) Industry / Public administration i Other manufacturing / Transporticommunication / Other services / Education 1 Commerce Accommodation/restaurants Finance and business services Agriculture and fshing Food manufacturing I / Personal services / Construction / Electricity and water 1 - Ail industries 21,114 22,206 24,588 23,843 22,678 23,009 22,906 Table 2.3-3: Youth 110-29 vears) bv firll-time activiw and sex 1~~11-time student I "Neither" 3 SOURCE: 1994 7kble 2.4-1: Persons Sen fenred io Prison (1997-1998) by hmrrdAge Group and Gei.zdei I Female (16-29) / Youth (16-29) 76 59 42 62 2391 59% 1 Male 30+ 70 29 26 39 1641 40% / Female 30+ 1 2 0 0 1 31 1% / Adults 30+ 71 3 1 26 39 1 1671 41% j Total 147 90 68 101 / 4061 100%/ n b l e 2.4-2: Persons Pkaced under r crimes 1995 1996 1997 19981 ~ o t a l / 961 Probat~on (PY95-1998) by broad 1 , 1 Age Group afrd Gcndcr Male (16-29) 13 36 3 1 67 147 83% Female (16-29) 3 4 1 6 14 8% 1 Youth (16-29) 16 40 32 73 161 90%1 / Male 30+ 1 5 4 6 16 9 % \\ Female 30+ 1 0 0 0 1 1'71 1 Adults 30+ 2 5 4 6 17 10%' To Val 18 45 36 79 178 100%1 Table 2.4-3: P ~ s o n s Srnfencedro j Crimes 1995 1996 1997 1998; ~ o t a l l % j Prison and Placed under 4 I I I 85 93 7 1 Probatmn (1V9.5- 1998) by broad 1 2 7 3761 64%! 1 Age b'raup and Getldo Eta;i:i291 7 6 3 81 24 4%: 1 Youth (16-29) 92 99 74 1351 400 68%1 1 Male 30+ 7 1 34 30 45 1 1801 31%1 / I Female 30+ 2 2 0 o! 4 l % i Adults 30+ 73 36 30 45 j 184 32761 Total 135 1801 584 100%1 jrabie 2.4-4: Persons Sentamed to P T ~ S O I E (1905-1988) by Address a d Place of SOURCF Ojfetzce 0 Depnrttnent (I) W ir! - 0 &- . e, U -Cj 13 4 % 2 % Savaii 28 12% 14 6% M anono Upolu 176 74% 190 79% No Address given 32 13% 32 13% Total Offences IPhble 2.6-1: Sport-li~~g Associa~~o~zs Registered w ~ t h the Samoa Amatcur - Sports Federation and Nattolzal Qlymplc Commzftw- 1998 - I 1 1 Archery 10 Golf 19 Paralympics 28 Table Tennis I 1 2 Athletics 11 Handball 20 Powerlifting 29 Tai Kwon Do 1 3 Badminton 12 Hockey 21 Rugby League 30 Touch Rugby 1 4 Baseball 13 Judo 22 Rugby Union 31 Triathlon 1 5 Basketball 14 Kirikiti Samoa 23 SARFA (Australian Rules) 32 Volleyball 1 6 Body Building 15 Lawn Bowling 24 Shooting 33 Weightlifting i 1 7Boxhg 16 Lawn Tennis 25 Soccer 34 Wrestling ! 8 Canoeing 17 Martial Arts 26 Softball 35 Yachting / 9 Cycling 18 Netball 27 Squash Sports Development Programmes (1996-1997) Fiafia Sports - Primary Schools Development Diploma for Wucation in Physical Education - MYSCAINUS Rural Secondary Schools Sports Competitions Community Programmes - Coaching Clinics Willing and Able Sports - Handicapped Children Olympic Solidarity Courses - Promotional Programmes for various Olympic Sports Sports Club Support Programme Sports Injuries Compensation Scheme Sports Programme for the National Youth Week Samoa Games Financial Assistance for Touring Sports Teams Hosting of International Championships Organisation of Church Youth Groups Sporting Competitions Preparation of Samoa's Paralympics Team
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