Tuila'epa confirmed that the learning method known as 'Study Technology' was being trialled in six schools as a means to curb the decline in literacy, especially in primary schools. Read more

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi spoke at the unveiling. He said the "only correct image now looks over the national gateway".

"Faleolo Airport is Samoa's front door to the world. It is only fitting then that the image of our merciful Christ greets and farewells those arriving and departing our shores.

"This is also a venue that is prone to accidents and perhaps diseases and other disasters that come from overseas, we depend on the mercy of our Lord to safeguard Samoa from such harm."

The Divine Mercy is a particular devotion within the Roman Catholic Church. Prayers are addressed to "the merciful love of God and the desire to let that love and mercy flow through one's own heart towards those in need of it".

Saint Mary Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938), also known as Apostle of Mercy, initiated this devotion. It is said that Jesus revealed the Divine Mercy devotion to her, which she wrote in her diary, The Divine Mercy of My Soul.

Sources

• Savali News
• Image: Linundus Kinabalu

Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi opened the Sydney branch in Liverpool recently.

He said that promoting awareness of gender-based violence is important, as is offering a place of safety for victims.

He added that the Samoa Victim Support is strongly supported by the government and went on to say that it "is clearly a very important part in our national response. It is a response that includes government, non government and civil society organizations to address this silent menace that continues to plague our communities in Samoa".

At the recent Pacific Islands Forum meeting in the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said Pacific leaders were urged to face up to the issues of victim support and domestic violence. A special fund of AUS$320 million to support gender equality efforts in the Pacific had been announced by Australian PM Julia Gillard at the Forum.

"It included in the stated objectives the improved safety of women through the prevention of violence and access to justice," Prime Minister Tuilaepa said.

He urged the Samoan community in Australia to use the Samoa Victim Support Group's services to the full.

"In Samoa the message and awareness of the rights of women and children who find themselves in violent and abusive relationships is delivered with the support of village councils and the churches working through these established organizations. It certainly has the full backing of government", he said.

Sources

• Savali
• Image: Samoan Woman (S.U.G.A.)