The Government of Samoa has launched Lalaga le Vā, a community-focused initiative aimed at addressing drug-related harm, violence and other social challenges by strengthening relationships within families, villages, schools and churches.
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt officially launched the programme at Tooa Salamasina Hall on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
The first phase brought together more than 300 community leaders from Upolu for discussions on drugs, violence, prevention and community safety.
Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services described Lalaga le Vā as a proposed national community-awareness and engagement programme focused particularly on preventing drug-related harm among children and young people.
The programme encourages government ministries, families, churches, villages, schools and communities to work together to strengthen protective relationships and create safer environments for young people.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister described the initiative as an effort to “toe lalaga le vā” — to rebuild and strengthen the relationships that have traditionally connected Samoan families and communities.
He spoke of the importance of restoring the vā between people, families, villages, churches and government at a time when Samoa is facing problems including drugs, violence and behaviour that damages relationships and community wellbeing.
The Prime Minister said the problems confronting Samoa could not simply be ignored or pushed aside, stressing the need for the country to act collectively.
Five government ministries were identified in his address as playing leading roles in the programme — the Ministry of Police and Prisons, the Ministry responsible for Family Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health.
Information released following the launch said discussions with community leaders identified several practical areas for action.
These included earlier prevention within families, villages, churches and schools, stronger family and traditional leadership, better reporting pathways, closer cooperation between police and communities, and improved access to counselling, mental health support, rehabilitation and reintegration services.
Parents and guardians are also being encouraged to speak openly with children and young people about drugs and the choices they make, while schools and communities are being urged to provide safe and supportive environments.
The Prime Minister said government alone could not address the problems facing the country and called for Samoa’s churches, village leaders and communities to be closely involved.
He said village leadership and churches have an important role in prevention, alongside the work of police and other government agencies.
The priorities and commitments identified during the first phase are expected to be documented and analysed through the Lalaga le Vā Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
The programme is also expected to progressively move beyond the initial Upolu engagement and reach districts and communities throughout Samoa.
The Prime Minister confirmed in his address that the programme would be taken to districts across the country as the Government seeks wider community involvement in responding to the issues.
Lalaga le Vā places prevention and community responsibility alongside enforcement, with the Government calling on families, villages, churches and public agencies to work together to protect young people and strengthen communities.
