Apia, Samoa – Lakapi Samoa has reaffirmed its commitment to a Zero Violence Policy by prioritising essential safeguarding training for all stakeholders, including staff, coaches, volunteers, teachers, players, and match officials. This week, the organisation delivered its second Safeguarding Workshop at the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) conference room, with 27 (twenty seven) participants, including Manusina 7s players, attending to enhance their understanding of safeguarding practices in rugby.
In opening the first workshop last Monday, Lakapi Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, emphasised the organisation’s dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the sport.
“Lakapi Samoa has taken a significant step in implementing its Zero Violence Policy to ensure that rugby can be enjoyed in a safe environment. We cannot achieve this without offering awareness and education to our people. This is the first step in helping everyone recognise various forms of harm and abuse and promoting a culture of respect, safety, and support,” Seumanu stated.
The inaugural workshop saw 47 participants, including coaches, teachers, Lakapi Samoa staff, and Ministry of Sports personnel. The second session attracted even more participants, with additional teachers, coaches, players, and match officials seizing the opportunity to expand their safeguarding knowledge.
Claire McGeechan, Australia's Deputy High Commissioner to Samoa, commended the initiative, stating: “The Australian Government strongly supports any organisation that works to reduce violence against women, boys, and girls. We acknowledge Lakapi Samoa and Oceania Rugby for their contribution to provide safeguarding awareness training to safeguard people so that they are free from any forms of violence or abuse.”
Henrietta Aviga, a workshop participant, shared her gratitude and insights: “I am grateful to Lakapi Samoa for the opportunity to attend. It was beneficial for athletes and management at all levels to learn and have more information and more awareness about safeguarding. This will be a highlight of the year that we can now take home and implement in our daily activities from rugby tournaments, to rugby management, and training sessions. One thing I learned was that safeguarding is everyone’s business. We all have an individual responsibility as well as a collective responsibility as an organisation to implement this to the best of our ability. Fa’afetai.”
Frank Puletua, Oceania Rugby General Manager, praised Lakapi Samoa’s proactive approach: “Education and safeguarding are at the forefront of our efforts to create a safe environment for everyone involved in rugby. We commend Lakapi Samoa for their leadership in prioritising these initiatives.”
The workshops were facilitated by Tihrani Uluinakauvadra, Oceania Rugby’s Participation & Pathways Manager and co-author of the Rugby Safeguarding Training Guide. Uluinakauvadra highlighted the importance of education and awareness as key components of the Zero Violence Policy.
“During these workshops, it became clear that open conversations about the root causes of harm and abuse are vital. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and these sessions empower individuals, teams, and communities to take meaningful action,” Uluinakauvadra shared.
The Zero Violence Policy also ensures that all reports of violence are thoroughly investigated and addressed. Participants were introduced to Lakapi Samoa’s Referral Process, reinforcing its commitment to accountability and safety in rugby.
Oceania Rugby acknowledges the invaluable support of the Australian Government through its Team Up program, as well as UN Women, ChildFund Rugby, and World Rugby. These partnerships are instrumental in creating a rugby environment free from violence for all.
As Oceania Rugby continues its journey to foster a culture of respect, safety, and support, it encourages the entire rugby community to join in championing these values. Together, we can ensure that rugby remains a sport where everyone feels safe and valued.
#OceaniaRugby #WorldRugby #LakapiSamoa #ZeroViolence #Safeguarding #TeamUp
