Children, The Family and Health: What it Takes to Give Children Long Life
The Hawaii Workshop: Report for the PPSEAWA America Samoa chapter
Greetings
Greetings to you ladies of PPSEAWA American Samoa, the pride of PPSEAWA International and a world of Joy to your families. Talofa, Talofa, Talofa, Lava. I come proud before you with gladness in my heart to witness and share an experience which you entrusted in me and my contingent colleagues to represent this chapter in the Regional Seminar in Honolulu, Hawaii. I am told that we each must present from our perspectives therefore my fellow collegues will share their experiences as well.
Contents of the workshop
I would like to touch on some significant areas which were of greater interest to me as a Service Provider and a Woman. On the first day, we toured three (3) facilities: 1) Shriners Children’s Hospital. There we witnessed that 300 (PLUS) children of American Samoa were blessed with the professional chiropractic treatment of this Institution. It was a beautiful facility. From the eye of a child: love, comfort, peace and friendship surrounds the facility. I came away from that particular hospital with a heart of contentment and satisfaction that we ought to be thankful for the services this Institution provides. Secondly. we visited the Family Peace Center Agency. This agency serves family units (children, teens and Parents). Their function is similar to that of the services we provide at Social Services - the agency I currently work for. We came away from that facility with a mind full of new Ideas and insights. The contingents from Tonga had their share of attempts at comedy during this visit. The Last site visit was at the Kokua Kalihi Valley - medical and social welfare programs housed in one building. This is one of the outlet which provides WIC as well as other welfare assistance to the qualified clients as well as medical assistance (dental and prenatal clinics).
During the core of the conference; there were four scheduled panels: Panel I: Focused on the effect on Children of Changing Roles of Women and Men in the family. Here, the guest of the speakers shared that lack of parental supervision was one of the major factors of effects In the changing roles. Panel II: Focused on Modern Societies Pressures on the Well being of the children. Dr. Trinidad Hunt shared that the many problems we see and witness about the children today may not be tackled all at once, however, helping one to come around, will make a difference. Panel III: focused on Children getting a Healthy Start. I was totally impressed with the presentation by Dr. Viopapa Annandale Atherton. Her insights shared that healthy mind and body starts in the home of a child. Panel IV: focused on strategies to cope with change. Mrs. Paddy Walker (Eleitino) shared that one of the key strategies Is to find peace within yourself. Take advantage of the environment around us. Peace is there… we just have to listen and tune out everything else.
My Impression and Feedback
I was very impressed with the wealth of information shared and retrieved during this conference. The exploration of contacts; the enhancement of networking and the observation of new facets within the existence of PPSEAWA; were gains for me as a young Samoan woman participant. I would like to express my thanks to you, the active members who have dedicatively nurtured the existence of PPSEAWA in American Samoa. Your mission Is worthwhile. Your services are well and beyond your call of duty and woman, mothers, and peacemakers in the homes of our territory.
I pray that my participation as your contigent was worthy of your trust.
Gratitude / Appreciation
I take this opportunity to thank you; Madame President P. Poyer, The Executive Council, and members of PPSEAWA American Samoa. Not only have I gained more insights and information that has enhanced my awareness and knowledge on the Issues presented throughout the Seminar, I have also gained more friends In the process. I want to also thank our devout supporters and mentors throughout the process of preparation for the trip and during the trip. Mrs. Diana Ameperosa and Mrs. Dorothy Gurr you have true hearts of Gold. Your dedication to PPSEAWA from my view Is truly genuine. You gave me confidence and stood beside us as we carried our torch for American Samoa In the Seminar. Thank you and I Love you.
To my roommates and my assigned collegues: Fa’afetal Seumanu and Atalina Coffin Thank you for sharing your hearts and your souls. I have come to know you both even better than before, and I will always treasure In my heart our sisterly sharings.
MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU HERE TODAY. May your families and homes be filled with his joy and love. SOIFUA, MA IA MANUIA.
Last Modified: June 05, 2010