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FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE: Last week’s DOC-DOE Employment Fair draws youth participation

 Summer Youth Program Job Fair participants
Source: Governor’s Office press release

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Commerce, Department of Human Resources, and the Department of Education hosted its first week-long fair that took place Monday, August 16th through Thursday, August 19, 2021.

MONDAY: WORKSHOP & MEAL WITH A MENTOR

Summer Youth Employment Program participants along with others, engaged in an all-day event of developing skills in preparation for the workforce.

Workshops included effective resume making, interview preparations, job search exploration, and much more. Local private businesses worked collaboratively with ASG agencies to provide the youth of American Samoa with the proper tools to excel in the workforce and donated prizes such as cash, school supplies, and electronics that were raffled out.

“Our responsibilities as leaders is to continue to educate and prepare our youth for a road of success ahead of them,” DOE Director Talauega Samasoni Asaeli said.

The third “Meal with a Mentor '' hosted by Finafianu in partnership with ASG agencies and local businesses took place at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium later that evening. Professionals from the government and private sector were able to assist and share their knowledge to the youth of American Samoa. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, the founder of Finafinau, founded “Meal with a Mentor” with the intent to provide a safe space and a good meal for our youth.

TUESDAY: PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENT

ASG leaders, local business owners, and participants attended the “mixer” event to build and strengthen a network amongst the workforce. “Networking, helps develop and improve employers' skill sets. It also provides more job opportunities,” explained DHR Director Lynn Alaimalo.

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: JOB INTERNSHIP FAIR

The two-day event took place at the DYWA-Pago Center and the Malaimi Stake Center to accommodate and offer better services to the people of American Samoa. This event hosted various ASG departments, agencies, and local businesses offering employment opportunities to job seekers. Employers had the opportunity to meet with applicants on-site seeking specific positions of interest as they relate to each employer.

Acting Governor Talauega noted, “I am pleased and excited at the response we have received from various ASG leaders, but most especially our local businesses. Opportunities as such connect our community’s talented workers with great employers seeking to hire.”

The theme of this year’s Job Fair Week “Focus on Your Future” was an avenue to provide job training to transform our community. “This job fair was a great way to engage face-to-face with employers, network, get exposure and gain professional experiences,” said Director Petti.