Summer Youth Employment Program opens with statement from Lt. Gov
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Acting Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale spoke at Monday’s official opening of the Summer Youth Employment Program, under the theme, “Preparation for Tomorrow starts Today”, at the Veterans Memorial Stadium, where some 1,000 student-participants were in attendance.
Talauega is quoted in a release from the Governor’s Office, after the ceremony saying, that the purpose of program “is to help our youth understand the skill sets needed for all employment levels.”
“It is important that they see the meaning of professionalism, understand good work ethic, and get an inside look at how our government works for our people,” he said.
According to the acting governor, there have been some great talented individuals that have continued working at their assigned jobs even after the summer was over because they worked hard, proved that they were willing to learn, and built a skill set that government offices needed.
“Now, those individuals are taking classes at the American Samoa Community College, while serving the Territory. I hope the participants take advantage of the same opportunity, and I wish them good luck,” he said.
The SYEP, through the ASG Human Resources Department’s Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Division, is a partnership between all private sector businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and communities to provide youth and workforce development.
Executives from the private sector, along with ASG officials and others also attended the opening ceremony for the program, which runs through Aug. 19 for a duration of 8-weeks.