Regional Director Embraces Campus of Hope's Role in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

On a recent visit to Samoa, the Regional Director of the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UN DCO) for Asia and the Pacific, David Mclachlan-Karr had the opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact of the Campus of Hope, and the vital role the United Nations (UN) agencies play, in supporting its mission.

The Campus of Hope is a sanctuary under the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG). This shelter is not just a refuge but a haven of hope for a new life free of violence and pain.

It houses over 100 children, and over 50 women, and girls who have endured the harsh realities of violence. 

Mclachlan-Karr’s visit was an eye-opening journey, into the heart of a community-driven initiative that addresses gender equality and violence against women through a unique blend of modern intervention and traditional values. 

The Campus of Hope symbolises the power of collective effort and the enduring spirit of Fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way of life, which emphasizes love, respect, and communal harmony.

As Maclachlan-Karr walked through the gates of the Campus of Hope accompanied by Themba Kalua, the UN Resident Coordinator and UN colleagues in Samoa, they were greeted by the vibrant energy and the serene smiles of Siliniu Lina Chang, or Mama Lina. The woman with genuine passion and love who built and sustained Campus of Hope.

Painted yellow as the colour that symbolises bright life, each corner of the Campus echoed stories of resilience and transformation, where pain and trauma are gently being replaced with hope and healing.

The Campus of Hope was established by the SVSG in 2006. A year after Mama Lina founded the SVSG to support victims of domestic violence and abuse in Samoa. The work of SVSG expanded to legal and healthcare support by 2010, and gained international recognition in 2012. The SVSG’s approach is multifaceted, integrating various programs designed to educate and rehabilitate its residents. 

While Mclachlan-Karr was deeply engaged in discussions with the SVSG Management and the UN colleagues, he could hear the children’s laughter as they played cheerfully with their musical instruments. Music classes are besides their academic classes, arts, handicrafts and cooking classes. Their programmes and activities are also therapeutic, providing the tools and support needed for personal growth and recovery.

Mclachlan-Karr was particularly moved by the spirit that drives the SVSG in addressing gender equality and ending violence against women and girls. The UN agencies play a crucial role in this partnership, providing resources, expertise, and support to bolster the shelter's efforts. Their involvement ensures that the SVSG can offer comprehensive services, from legal assistance and healthcare to psychological counselling, vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities. This holistic approach is essential in addressing the complex needs of survivors and paving the way for long-term recovery and empowerment.

Pepe Tevaga, the Communications Manager of the SVSG, highlighted the extensive support received from various UN agencies through the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative and other mandatory programs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SVSG experienced a significant increase in domestic violence incidents, reflecting the heightened prevalence and severity of domestic violence incidents. In response, the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, through UNDP, supported SVSG in establishing the helpline number 800-7874. This helpline has greatly improved access to immediate support for victims, offering timely interventions and comprehensive assistance. Its success has also attracted international partnerships and funding, enhancing SVSG's capacity to support more victims effectively.

Under the Spotlight Initiative, with support from UNESCO, SVSG developed a mobile app for case management to enhance support for domestic violence victims. This app securely handles sensitive data, allows real-time updates, provides easy access to resources, enables data analysis for better service and advocacy, and features a user-friendly interface, significantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of SVSG's case management efforts.

Moreover, the Spotlight Initiative has enabled UNFPA to support SVSG in delivering Family Life Education (FLE) programs to community-based youth. These programs provide comprehensive and culturally relevant education on health, relationships, and gender norms, promoting the overall well-being and development of young people in Samoa.

In addition, UN Women and ESCAP have collaborated with SVSG to empower women victims of domestic violence through entrepreneurship training and opportunities. As a result, some women have successfully established their businesses, fostering economic independence and resilience.

UNICEF, under the Spotlight Initiative and through its agency programs, continues to support SVSG with child protection policies and activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.

Mclachlan-Karr acknowledged the support of the UN but emphasized the dedication of the SVSG and its management in providing support for victims of violence in Samoa.

As the discussions and visit ended, Mclachlan-Karr left the SVSG with a deep appreciation for the incredible work being done to combat violence against women and girls. His visit highlights the importance of supporting and uplifting initiatives like SVSG, which indeed, is a spotlight towards a path to hope and healing for those who had suffered from violence, and the passion of those committed to ending violence against women, girls and children.

*As per SVSG Child Protection Policy, it is prohibited to take photos of children, women and girls housed at the campus unless given special permission.