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TAOA opens handicraft shop at its Pago compound


Kava bowls on displace at the new Territorial Administration on Aging store at the TAOA compound in Pago Pago that was officially dedicated and opened Monday. [photo: AF]
All items made by senior citizens
reporters@samoanews.com

The Territorial Administration on Aging has opened a shop at its compound in Pago Pago selling handicrafts made by senior citizens and have also hired just over 20 senior citizens to work part time under a federally funded program.

The two events for TAOA were launched Monday morning.

During the TAOA’s fiscal year 2017 budget hearing three weeks ago, TAOA director Tifimalae Ale explained that there are currently 200 seniors on the waiting list for the program, which allows seniors to work part-time for four years. Thereafter, others on the waiting list are placed on employment.

Some lawmakers were hoping the program would hire more seniors but Ale pointed out that this has been the way the program has been for a while and it also depends on federal funding.

During the event on Monday, the TAOA director announced that 27 seniors have been accepted and are now employed part time with TAOA, and it was last week that 27 seniors who have worked in the program for 4 years ended their employment service.

Ale thanked seniors for their work under the program, as they are also helpful working together with students in schools under the Toe Afua Mai Matua. Some of the newly hired seniors will be working with senior citizens at various schools while others will be assigned to other tasks.

He also said that there is still a long waiting list of seniors wanting to enter the program and as soon as space is available — when others have completed their four years — these posts will be filled. Ale encouraged new hired seniors to use this opportunity wisely and work honestly.

Some of the senior citizens hired told Samoa News that they are thankful for this opportunity to work part time, which means additional money for their families. For example, Mikaele Viliamu said he was on the waiting list for a long time and this job means “some extra money for my family”. He promised he will not slack off on the job and will be honest in doing the work wherever he is assigned.

A female senior citizen says she looks forward to working with students in school and share with them the various issues on Samoan culture and handicrafts.

According to TAOA FY 2017 budget, $1.33 million comes from federal funding for the Hot Meal program and $975,500 in federal monies for the employment program, in which $942,500 goes to personnel costs.

As part of Monday’s gathering of senior citizens was the official dedication and opening of the TAOA shop or market, which sells handicrafts and other goods, made by seniors working at TAOA. Ninety-year old Hannah Thompson had the honor of cutting the ribbon to officially open the doors to the market, which is well stocked with a wide range of handicrafts, such as woven hats, baskets and Samoan bracelets, all for sale.

The market will now be used as the place to sell handicrafts made by TAOA senior citizens. And the market can also be used as a stop for tourists arriving on cruise ships and looking for places to purchase locally made handicrafts. The next two-cruise ship to call into the Port of Pago Pago is on Oct. 14th.