Aumua Hosts Youth Town-Hall Meeting

Pago Pago –Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, hosted a town-hall meeting on Friday that focused on the island's youth, and how they can become empowered and get more involved in their communities.

Congresswoman Aumua Amata speaks to the young people gathered for the youth focused town-hall meeting last Friday

"It is always a true pleasure to speak to our young people," said Amata. "Our young people are our greatest resource and I am always encouraged when I see our young people getting involved in their local communities," continued Amata.

The meeting was held at Poloai's Guest House in Pava'ia'I, where more than 80 youths and approximately 30 adults were in attendance for the meeting. Members of the Congresswoman's staff also spoke to the group about some of the opportunities that are available to them and encouraged them to take advantage of them while they are able; opportunities like academic and athletic scholarships and applying to the U.S. Service Academies. Other topics were covered as well, including the application process and the restrictions and policies in regards to student VISA's.

Included in those in attendance, were individuals from the American Samoa Community College-Student Government Association, who asked about issues and opportunities such as congressional inquiries and qualifications for the Service Academy Nominations. The FAMSS (Family Student Support) organization was also present. The FAMMS is an American Samoa youth organization that focuses on the issues that affect the youth of the island as well as leadership development. The group brought with them two models of famous Washington, D.C. landmarks, the U.S. Capitol building and the White House. The models, which were constructed by the group using recycled products were very well done and extremely intricate in their detail; and could be disassembled to reveal the inner workings of each structure.

"I want to thank all who attended the town-hall meeting; especially those young people who attended. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is when I get to speak to our young people and hear from them, and get their views on the issues that affect us all. So often, it is the youth who provide an unbiased and fresh outlook on the issues that affect our communities. I look forward to holding more of these youth focused town-hall meetings, so that we can continue to increase the involvement of our young people in the leadership of their communities," concluded Amata.

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