Young volunteers set up medical and counseling center at Hope Campus

Apia – Samoa – June 20, 2024 – The second group of youth volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah, USA, completed the groundbreaking for the Hope Campus Health and Counseling Center.

The volunteers of the Humanitarian Experience Group remain steadfast in their commitment to turning this vision into reality.

These young volunteers, aged 16-18, left their homes and daily routines to help set up medical and counselling centres in Samoa, demonstrating their belief in SVSG’s mission to “care for children, protect victims of crime and help the vulnerable”.

Ellie Alex, 18, from Salt Lake City, Utah, expressed her motivation: “The children’s stories and the challenges shared by SVSG were a big reason for me to leave the comfort of my home and come here.”

This new building will mean a lot to the children. They have faced adversity and deserve comfort during their medical and counseling examinations. This new facility will provide a safe and supportive environment for their well-being.

In addition to the construction work, the volunteers also spent time learning about SVSG’s mission and vision and the work SVSG does for disadvantaged children and women.

“Despite the difficult circumstances the children were in, I saw that their spirits were high and I always saw them smiling and having fun,” recalled Carrie Finlayson. “I feel that this special place gives them hope and I am proud to have built this centre for them and to have contributed to their well-being.”

SVSG Chair Lina Chang praised the tenacity of these young volunteers who worked tirelessly come rain or shine.

“The dedication of these volunteers is truly commendable, and their efforts have undoubtedly had a positive impact on the lives of the children at Hope Campus,” Siriniu said.

This is the second group of humanitarian experience workers to arrive in Samoa to begin work on the project. The group is led by Ms. Claudia Battezzato, who liaised with SVSG on the construction project. The group will return next Wednesday and a third group will arrive to continue the work. The project is intended to be fully completed within the next seven weeks.