Young Samoan selected Child Advisor for Child Rights Connect

APIA, SAMOA – 08 JUNE 2022: The Deaf Association of Samoa (DAS) has announced that Board Member, Poka Tuifelasai has been selected as a Child Advisor with Child Rights Connect.

Poka Tuifelasai is a 17-year-old hard of hearing advocate from the villages of Matautu and Lefaga.

Child Rights Connect is an independent non-profit global network of child rights organisations that works to ensure the realization of children’s rights through the United Nations human rights system. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Child Rights Connect network is made up of over 85 multi-level organisations throughout the world.

Child Rights Connect provides technical assistance and capacity building to children’s rights defenders internationally, supporting organisations and advocates, including children, to identify appropriate entry points for advocacy within UN mechanisms.

“I am proud to represent my country and my community,” said Poka on being selected as a Child Advisor. “I have a lot to learn, but I am excited to be able to ensure the needs and experiences of children who are deaf and hard of hearing are represented in this international forum.”

Poka Tuifelasai working with members of the Deaf Association. Photo: Samoa Grassroot Studio

Poka joined the Deaf Association of Samoa as a member in early 2021, when the team met him through outreach activities in partnership with Nuanua O Le Alofa’s COVID-19 response efforts.

He was voted as a Board member of the Association in September 2021 during DAS’s Annual General Forum hosted in Asau, Savaii.

“It is wonderful to see Poka represented in this important initiative,” said Melissa Leota, President of the Deaf Association of Samoa.

“As the only organization in Samoa that is governed and led by persons who are Deaf and hard of hearing, we work tirelessly to ensure increased representation and participation of persons who are Deaf and hard of hearing in international and regional mechanisms,” said Melissa.

“We are so happy to support Poka over the coming months as Samoa’s first Child Advisor with Child Rights Connect.”