Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Summer Youth Employment Program began this year with 1,000+ youth accepted into the program, according to the Director of the Department of Human Resources, Lynn Pulou-Alaimalo, during the orientation event held at the DWYA Gymnasium in Tafuna, yesterday, Monday, June 26, 2023.

Master of Ceremonies was Fa’asisina Anthony Loa, the keynote speaker was Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga and the DHR Director gave introductory remarks to the more that a 1000 participants in this year’s program. Invocation and closing prayers were offered by Elder Reverend Fouvale, Chaplain.

Most of the government departments had a representative at the orientation, and private sector representatives were also a part of the event.

The SYEP program has been going on for over 42 years and this year's number of participants — a 1000+ — is the largest number yet the program has taken on since its inception.

Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga pointed to the youth being the future of American Samoa, “so it is important to prepare you now for a better American Samoa.”

“Consistently Pursuing To be Well Equipped" is the theme for this year’s program.

 Pulou-Alaimalo spoke of  “choices today” identifying, who you become tomorrow and told the youth to “focus on your future” and never take these opportunities for granted.

The youth employment program started today, Tuesday. The participants, who are mostly high school students will be working for 6 weeks, in the different government departments and in some private sector businesses where they have been assigned. They will be paid bi-weekly.

As noted by the Master of Ceremonies Fa’asisina, “have fun — but not much —  you are all here to learn, not because you wanted to escape from your parents' everyday lectures, but to prepare you for a brighter tomorrow.”