New juvenile facility building launched to help at-risk youth get back on track

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — His Excellency, the Most Reverend Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale, Bishop of the Diocese of Samoa – Pago Pago, delivered the opening prayer and remarks at the groundbreaking for the new juvenile detention center and alternative school going up in Tafuna reminding us that we must unite “for the sake of our children’s well-being.”

Bishop Kolio thanked the government for the many completed and ongoing projects. “The government has done so much good work for our islands, but this is one of the projects that I am so excited about, because it is for our youth. Youth is our future, this facility is not just a detention center, it is a space where we can support at-risk youth and help them get back on the right path.” Bishop Kolio concluded by sharing a thought.

“As a Catholic, there are specific colors we traditionally wear for special occasions. However, I decided not to wear those colors today because, when it comes to our youth, denomination is irrelevant.

“We unite as one for the sake of our children’s well-being.”

In the project description included in a press release, Public Works Director Faleosina Voigt explained that the new facility will be a two-story building designed to accommodate correctional youth while ensuring a safe environment for security personnel, educators, and guidance counselors.

The first floor will include classrooms, a kitchen and dining area, recreational spaces, restrooms, and offices for guidance counselors, teachers, administrators, and correctional staff. The second floor will contain juvenile cells, restrooms, utility rooms, and storage areas.

The total cost for the construction is $6.8 million and is scheduled to be completed in 18 months.

The architectural and engineering design is provided by Lively Architects and funded by the Department of Education. Construction bid has been awarded to Allied Enterprises, operating as RM Construction, with financial support from the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs Capital Improvement Projects.

Director Voigt told those gathered for the groundbreaking that Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga envisioned an inviting, residential design for the facility, a safe space where young people can learn and thrive. He firmly believes in the potential of youth and views this center as an essential part of their development. By placing the center next to TAOA, it offers opportunities for young people to gain insights from senior citizens, fostering positive relationships.

In his special address on behalf of Governor Lemanu, Lt. Gov.  Laapui E.V. Ale acting in his capacity as acting governor while Lemanu is off island, said, "This building will represent new beginnings for our troubled youth. It will provide a place for them to receive education and counseling, enabling them to better serve our families, communities, and American Samoa.”

Acting Governor La’apui also acknowledged the federal and local departments who have contributed to making this project possible.

In his closing remarks, he urged the public to view these new facilities as vital resources for helping troubled youth. He emphasized, “These buildings are important, but what matters even more is our community coming together. When this project is completed, we must work to provide new beginnings for our at-risk youth.

The Sept. 20th ceremony wrapped up with guests participating in the groundbreaking for the new Juvenile Detention Center and Alternative School Facility.

BACKGROUND

The former Juvenile Detention Center was demolished this year, after it was condemned by the Department of Health for unsafe environmental conditions, which included rat and termite infestations.

The former center was located right behind the Tafuna Correctional Facility — the territory’s prison for adults, male and female. The center was under the Department of Corrections, which is responsible for all juvenile detainees.

It’s unclear what the role of the Department of Education will be — as the center is noted as an “Alternative School Facility”.