The Aai o Niue EFKS Youth Group, one of six youth groups taking part in the Samoa Hope – Say No to Drugs and Violence Campaign upcoming 1st Concert, today began its preparation through a joint community session delivered by the Ministry of Police and Prisons, Ministry of Health, NRL Voices of Violence and the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs (MFSA).
The session brought together children, young people, adults and elders to talk openly about some of the challenges affecting families and communities — including drugs, mental health and gender-based violence — and, importantly, to strengthen understanding of where and how people can get help.
Children took part through creative activities and artwork, expressing the things that make them feel happy, safe, loved and connected.
Youth and older members of the community participated in separate discussions, creating space for honest conversations suited to their experiences and concerns. They later came together to share key messages and build a stronger understanding that prevention requires the involvement of the whole family and the whole community.
The joint session also highlighted the importance of agencies and community organisations working together — with Police, Health, Voices Against Violence and MFSA each bringing different expertise in prevention, safety, mental wellbeing, referral and support.
Aai o Niue is one of six youth groups that will now carry these messages forward through music and performance as part of the Samoa Hope Say No Campaign Concert series.
Their first major platform will be at the Measina Sunday Service, with the Say No Campaign Concert to follow the service.
The aim is not simply to perform.
It is to equip young people with knowledge, confidence and a message they can take to the stage — and then back into their homes, peer groups and communities.
Six youth groups. One message. One Samoa Hope movement.
Say No to Drugs.
Say No to Violence.
Speak Up. Seek Help. Choose Hope.
