Enormous village support for the Torch of Peace pours in

Story by Lagi Keresoma
Photos by Calvin Julius Uiva’a (CJ)

Editors Note: The Torch of Peace’s journey is being livestreamed on Talamua Medias Youtube Channel by CJ who is travelling with the Torch Relay Team.

Apia, Samoa – 02 November 2023: Villagers from children to youth, women, men and the clergy have been coming out in numbers to welcome and support the Torch of Peace since it left Apia on Monday for its two weeks journey around the country.

The Torch of Peace which symbolizes the nationwide campaign to end the violence against women, girls and children is on the fourth day of its journey from Salamumu towards the western side of Upolu.

The torch run has so far covered 47 villages and will be resting tonight at Mulifanua to prepare for the journey to Savaii tomorrow.

The Savaii run starts from Salelologa around the island before returning to Upolu for the final laps and the closing ceremony on Friday afternoon.

From day one of its journey, people have welcomed the torch procession and offered gifts, performed siva Samoa as a gesture of their support.

The message is clear.

It is the 18^th year since the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) have organized the Torch of Peace Run as one of the national awareness campaigns to stamp out the growing violence against women, girls and children – mostly within their homes.

At the Methodist Theological College at Piula, the SVSG members were emotional when they saw the college students, teachers and wives standing on both sides of the road clapping in unison as the Torch of Peace passed through their midst.

When the Torch of Peace left Lalomauga village on Tuesday morning, the village youths carried the torch to the next village of Falevao where they lit a huge torch set up by the village on the roadside.

The Falevao youths then carried the Torch to Fagaloa and its journey continued on to the Aleipata and Falealili before resting at Salamumu last night.

The rain did not put the Torch out or dampen the spirit of the communities it passed through, instead, the enthusiastic heightens as mothers and their children lined up along the road in the rain.

The village men offering their support.

The elderly cheered the runners on under their umbrellas, while others waved from the shelter of their Samoan fales.

“The support from the elderly in the villages is vital to the success of this initiative,” said SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang.

The village support also reflected on the leadership and coordination from the Alii ma Faipule of the villages.

“It was simply a visible sign of humility that attest to the solidarity of the Torch of Peace campaign. It reminds us of the lyrics of the Sunday school rhyme “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine ……” said Siliniu.

Village youth welcoming the Torch of Peace.

Vaie’e village showed solidarity & hope
Vaie’e village was the first village to set up their own by-laws to punish the perpetrators of violence against women, girls and children by issuing a fine of $2000 or banishment from the village.

So the village came out in full to support the Torch of Peace was passed through the hands of the determined women of Vaiee, illuminating a path towards a more peaceful and just society.

As the Torch was received by the women, the village’s youth rallied alongside, displaying unwavering support and enthusiasm. Their vibrant energy and traditional performances resonated throughout the village, echoing a resolute message of unity and determination.

Vaiee women carrying the torch.

The village also showcased their own torch as a beacon of light and hope in the campaign to stamp out violence against women and children.

Vaiee is one of the 10 villages that are playing a pivotal role in the EVE (Evidence for Violence Prevention in the Extreme) Project, a collaborative effort between the University College of London, SVSG and the community.

This pioneering project aims to develop indigenous solutions to combat violence against women, reflecting the village’s dedication to fostering a safer and more equitable environment for all.

Siliniu said that as the Torch of Peace continues its journey, it leaves an indelible mark on the village of Vaiee, serving as a testament to the power of collective action and unwavering determination in the pursuit of a more peaceful and just society.

Preparing for Savaii
Day Four of the Torch started from Salamumu this morning and will cover 13 villages before resting at Mulifanua where the My Village My Pride Performing Arts awareness with the UNESCO Spotlight Initiative will take place.

The Torch of Peace is an activity implemented by SVSG with funding support from the UNDP Spotlight Initiative that supports work to end gender based violence, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Torch welcome at Vaiee village.