NEWSPAGE 02 May
2012

(Photo: Senese Inclusive Education)

SAMOA: Pictures in a flash
Source: Senese Inclusive Education Press Release

New equipment to solve accessibility to graphical materials for visually impaired students

Gone are the days when students who are blind lose marks in exams because they could not access pictures and other graphical materials in tactile forms.

Gone also are the days when visual materials are verbalized to students and leave the rest to the students’ imagination.

A new equipment, pictures in a flash (PIAF) has arrived and is set to change the way education for people who are blind and visually impaired is delivered in Samoa.
Pictures in a flash is a simple and efficient way to produce diagrams for students who are blind and visually impaired.
Users can draw, print or photocopy pictures onto the swell paper and pass it through the pictures in a flash.

The machine heats up the lines, causing the original drawings to swell and produce raised lines and dot which mirrors the printed diagrams and maps which can then be read by students who are blind using their fingers.

The equipment was funded by AUSAID to support the growing number of students under the Senese Inclusive Education Support Services vision programme.

According to Inclusive Education Advisor, Salainaoloa Makerita Tuimavave, pictures in a flash is a useful tool for students from early age right through to secondary and tertiary training.

“For pre-school and primary students PIAF can be used to introduce basic shapes and simple concepts and introducing them to the concept of drawing, handwriting and signature writing”.

According to Salainaoloa those skills will come in handy in secondary and post education in all subject areas especially in maths and science.

Salainaoloa says that over 10 students who are blind and visually impaired are supported by this equipment through the production of visual materials.

But she says that with the growing number of students with vision problems it is predicted that more students will benefit by the use of this equipment as diagrams and other visual materials is part of the school curriculum all round.

The first diagram was presented to year 9 student Misiuepa Siivaa of Amoa College, who is a science enthusiast and is enjoying the fact that he can access the scientific diagrams needed in his studies with the availability of pictures in a flash.

The second student, Tuli Fotulupe who is a year 4 student at Saanapu primary school, was given a tactile version of basic shapes as circle; triangle and rectangle produced using pictures in a flash last Friday.

Pictures in a flash is well and truly operational at the Senese Inclusive Education support centre at Motootua giving students who are blind and visually impaired the support in the production of tactile materials.

Photo: Young Tuli Fotulupe of Saanapu being introduced to his first diagram from pictures in a flash.
 

(Photo: James Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: New Samoan Film to Debut Friday at Maliu Mai

South Seas Pictures, Ltd. will present the debut of the latest work by Samoan filmmaker Tanupo Aukuso, “Tauaso Le Alofa (Love Is Blind)” this Friday, May 4th, at 7 p.m. at the Maliu Mai Beach Resort in American Samoa. The first feature-length movie filmed entirely in American Samoa,

“Tauaso Le Alofa” examines the fragile nature of love and the damaging effects of secrecy in today’s world, with a cast consisting primarily of American Samoan actors. “I did not bring anyone with me,” said filmmaker Aukuso, whose usual base of operations is in the Independent State of Samoa. “I came by myself with the intension to hire actors and the production crew locally.”

Unlike the typical celebration of a new film, the launch for “Tauaso Le Alofa” will include remarks by candidates vying for the positions of Governor and Lt. Governor during the Territory’s election this November. “All candidates for the Governor and Lt Governor have been invited to attend, and most of them have confirmed their attendance,” said Aukuso.

“The candidates will be given five minutes each to highlight the key issues of their platform for the upcoming election. I have also asked them to each share their vision of how they will assist in enhancing the local acting talents and the performing arts industry if they are elected to office.”

Lt. Governor Hon. Faoa Sunia, himself a candidate for Governor, will also be the keynote speaker of the evening on behalf of the Government of American Samoa.

“Tauaso Le Alofa” continues Aukuso’s tradition of examining the complexities of life in modern day Samoa. The story centers on a beautiful young woman named Olive (Christina Sosaia), who comes from Samoa to American Samoa looking for a better future. She first stays with her mother’s friend Su'eifo (Tauese Vine) and Su’eifo’s husband Sepu (Ioane Lotu), but eventually has to flee their household because of Sepu’s inappropriate attentions.

After running away, Olive meets Lemi (Tumua Falefata), a simple but kind hearted older man who takes Olive into his own household, after which they develop feelings for each other and become husband and wife. Lemi, a hard working man, goes to the plantation during the day and fishes at night, while Olive spends time with friends.

Olive’s mother Losei (Toreka Lemoe) learns of her daughter’s marriage and expresses a wish to travel to American Samoa to visit, which leads Olive to search for a job to pay her mother's fare.

An interview with businessman Uilisone (Fred Ah Kuoi) does not result in employment for Olive, but he does loan her money, a gesture which sets the stage for an affair between the two and arouses the suspicions Uilisone’s wife Lucia (Salamasina Figiel). When Olive falls pregnant by Uilisone, both must face the far-ranging consequences of their illicit actions.

The new film is 2 hours and 15 minutes in length, with English subtitles. Its theme song was written by Aukuso and sung by Anasetasia Momoe, a 19 year old female vocalist from Nuuuli, and recorded by Pati Talia and M&M Productions of Fogagogo.

For anyone needing transportation to Maliu Mai for the screening, free busses will depart from Amanave and Fagatogo at 6 p.m., and will return to the pickup points afterwards. General admission for the screening is $5.00, and free for children under five.

Aukuso said that the DVD version of “Tauaso Le Alofa” will be released on Wednesday of next week in American Samoa, and will be available in Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, and the USA by the end of May. South Seas Pictures, Ltd. sets up a stall at Marketplace in Fagatogo every day except Sunday, with DVD copies of Aukuso’s films available for purchase. Trailers for several of Aukuso’s films can also be viewed online at YouTube.

Photo: Tanupo Aukuso & Crew.
 

(Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat)

FIJI: Third visit of the MCG on Fiji concludes in Suva
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

1. The Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) concluded its visit to Fiji today.

2. The MCG thanked Fiji for making officials available for meetings. The MCG considered the exchanges and briefing useful for bringing them up to date on developments in Fiji.

3. The MCG also met with Fijian politicians and representatives of civil society and unions, and welcomed their perspectives which have contributed to the MCG’s understanding of the situation in Fiji. Written submissions were also received.

4. Ministers said they were encouraged by the steps taken by Fiji on election planning, as well as by information provided about Fiji’s intentions. These gave Ministers a sense that Fiji was a country in transition, moving to put in place processes required for elections. In particular, the MCG welcomed assurances from Fiji that:

The process under way will lead to elections by September 2014;
The constitutional consultation process will be open to all;
There will be no media restrictions in relation to the constitutional consultation process;
The elections will be free and fair;
There will be no parliamentary seats reserved for the military.

5. The public consultation process leading to the establishment of a new constitution will be closely observed by the international community. The interim Acting Prime Minister and several officials have asserted it will be inclusive, fair and open. The MCG believes the process must be accompanied by freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom for media. This would allow Ministers to consider recommending to Leaders that incremental steps be taken to allow Fiji to participate in some Forum meetings.

6. Ministers reaffirmed Forum Leaders’ long standing offer to support Fiji’s early return to parliamentary democracy, including through the provision of appropriate assistance, consistent with the Forum’s underlying principles and values for respect for democracy, good governance and the rule of law.

7. The MCG will provide a report to Forum Leaders in the coming weeks on the positive progress Fiji has made and the further important steps they believe are required. Based on their continuing engagement, the MCG Ministers will provide a further update to Leaders at the time of their meeting in Rarotonga.

8. Ministers affirm the Forum’s intention to remain engaged and look forward to further progress in Fiji and continued constructive dialogue with Fiji.

9. Participants in the MCG visit were Hon. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Senator the Hon. Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Hon. Ano Pala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Minister of Justice of Samoa, Hon. Apisai Ielemia, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour of Tuvalu and Hon. Alfred Carlot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu.

Photo: Senator the Hon. Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, addresses the media along with other MCG members following the group's consultations in Suva today.
 

NAURU: Nauru women seek opportunities for economic empowerment
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

The economic empowerment of women is a prerequisite of sustainable development.

This was the resonating message at the first day of consultations held in Nauru this week to map out the small island nation’s five-year national action plan on the economic empowerment of women.

“Economic opportunities are scarce in Nauru,” said Alamanda Lauti, Director of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Centre in Nauru, at the opening of the two-day consultations.

“We need to look at new ways of generating income and sustainable training programmes for women.”

The consultations are part of a Smaller Island States (SIS) project to advance gender equality managed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Nauru’s national consultations are being led by Nauru’s Ministry of Home Affairs and supported by the Forum Secretariat and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Regional Rights Resource Team. The initiative is funded by the United Nations Fund for Gender Equality.

The consultations will seek views from representatives of civil society organisations, government, academia and the informal and formal sectors.

The Secretary for Home Affairs, Charmaine Scotty said the consultations are very important for Nauru’s own national planning.

“The Department for Women’s Affairs is currently revising the Nauru National Women’s Plan of Action and women’s economic empowerment is one of the 16 critical areas of concerned highlighted in the action plan,” said Ms Scotty.

This sentiment was also echoed by Samuel Grundler the Director for National Planning. Grundler highlighted that the current Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy was undergoing a review in 2012 and the importance of agreeing on practical strategies to support women’s economic empowerment.

“Donors are more inclined to support issues in the national development plans because these are seen as the priorities of the country,” said Mr Grundler.

“The issue of Women and Development is already included in the national sustainable development strategy but there is a need to really move forward on these priorities.”

Michael Aroi, the Forum Secretariat’s Smaller Island States focal point for Nauru also enforced the importance of reporting on progress on gender equality at high level foras such as the SIS Officials Committee and annual Forum Leaders meetings.

“It is important to keep gender equality on the agenda to ensure the highest political will and support for advancing gender equality through our Leaders,” he said.

On the first day of consultations, participants heard from senior government officials from the Ministry for Commerce, Industries and Environment, National Planning, Foreign Affairs and the Department for Women on the enabling environment for women entrepreneurs and economic opportunities in Nauru.
 

(Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat)

TUVALU: Forum Secretariat commends Tuvalu gov't and donor partners
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
 
The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade has commended the government of Tuvalu and its donor partners for undertaking the high level dialogue on the Tuvalu Policy Reform Matrix for Budget Support.

The two-day dialogue was held in Funafuti, Tuvalu on 20th and 23rd April.

“The Forum Secretariat congratulates the Tuvalu Government for its strong leadership in engaging in more regular and high level policy dialogues with its donor partners to discuss joint commitments to strengthening macro-economic, public administration and financial management in Tuvalu. This is the third such high level joint policy discussion between the government of Tuvalu and its development partners in four months,” said Mr Slade.

Likewise, the Forum Secretary General commends the development partners in particular Australia, ADB, New Zealand and the World Bank for coordinating their policy advice, harmonizing their policy requirements and engaging in more joint missions and shared agendas to reduce the burden and transaction costs on the government of Tuvalu.

“These commitments are in line with the recommendations of the Tuvalu Peer Review conducted by officials from Tonga, Vanuatu, UNESCAP and the Forum Secretariat in Tuvalu last year under the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination (Forum Compact) and the Busan Partnership for Development Cooperation.”

The Secretary General Mr Slade further encourages the Government of Tuvalu and its development partners to continue to strengthen their partnerships through mutual respect, responsibility and accountability noting that this is an emerging good practice that will be highlighted in the Forum Secretariat’s annual report to leaders on the implementation of the Forum Compact in the Pacific.

The Forum Secretariat participated at the high level dialogue on the Tuvalu Policy Reform Matrix as part of the follow up on the implementation of the Tuvalu Peer Review recommendations.

Photo: Tuvalu government provides medical services to its people (left), The Taiwanese Agriculture Technical Mission on Funafuti (right).