Summer youth intern program employed approximately 1500

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The second week of August saw approximately 1,500 interns in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) spending the last days within their respective organizations after 7 weeks working in the public and private sectors.

The Office of the Governor was one of those worksites for 20 SYEP interns across various divisions to include the Main Office (Governor & Lieutenant Governor), Critical Infrastructure Projects (CIP), Protocol Office, Insurance Commissioner’s Office, Manu’a Office, IT/Comms, and Finance Office.

According to a press release from the Governor’s Office, interns were afforded a range of experiences during their stint and were exposed to the inner workings of the Executive Branch’s highest office alongside key leaders and staff members that oversee critical offices, programs, and priorities of the Lemanu and Talauega Administration.

Etevise Ah Loe, a 19-year old 2019 Leone High School graduate with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office passionately described takeaways from her internship:

“It was my experience. I learned a lot about patience when situations are overwhelming. Also, in terms of my own professional skills and helping the public. They (public) come with different issues and emotions and it feels good to see them leave with a smile when they leave knowing they got the help they needed. The skills I gained will allow me to apply how I handle different challenges and future experiences in my everyday life.”

Ms. Ah Loe has future plans to join the military (US Army) due to the diverse career options offered so that she can support her family.

In the final weeks of the internship program, interns were assigned by Lieutenant Governor Talauega Ale to submit reflection essays sharing both their experiences and recommending improvements to their worksites. Ultimately, it was 3 interns whose reflection essays exceeded expectations. Those interns were Ms. Etevise Ah Loe (Main Office), Mr. Malala Iose (Protocol Office), and Ms. Elizabeth Leota (CIP Office).

The essay winners were awarded with a gift basket, framed certificates of completion, medallions reminiscent of the Tokyo Olympic medals, and gift cards. The remaining interns also received certificates and gift cards redeemable at Carl's Jr and Nuuuli Place Cinemas. The last day concluded with a special intern appreciation luncheon with the Chief of Staff and staffers.

“Congratulations to all of our SYEP interns for a job well done! We wish you all of the best on your educational and professional endeavors. As this year’s SYEP theme reminds us all, Tulimata’i lou lumana’i,” remarked the Acting Governor.

This photo posted to the ASG Facebook page shows the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola, along with other senior staff from the governor’s office posing for a photo last Friday with student-participants of the ASG Summer Youth Employment Program.

Some 20 students worked at the various divisions of the Governor’s Office throughout the summer, and the Governor’s Office held a farewell luncheon for the participants and presented them with certificates of appreciations. [photo: Gov’s Office]

(Source: Governor’s Office press release)