Intersections, Inc., an American Samoa-based non-profit organization that focuses on youth development, has been awarded a $959,710, three-year grant by the U. S. Administration for Native Americans (ANA) to create and develop "Le Nuanua Connections (LNC)" as a youth leadership and job skills development project in the field of media and communications.

“Le Nuanua Connections” fits under the SEDS category as an intergenerational project with a goal "to strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our community by using the media to improve job and leadership skills of native youths between the ages of 12 and 21, integrating the wisdom of elders to sustain cultural values and protocols among youth and families."

"LNC was birthed from discussions that took place among our younger and older audiences as Crossroads Theatre For Youth toured their plays," said Executive Director Moelili'a Seui, who developed the stage program. "Both generations echoed that 'times are changing and we are living in two worlds'. Older folks say that young people are moving too fast while the youth claim that 'we're exposed to the internet and the outside world and our parents just don't understand.'"

As the name suggests "Le Nuanua", translated as Rainbow, symbolizes "hope" and represents the "limitless opportunities" that are available to our youth regardless of geographical boundaries, when they are mentored, equipped, and given the opportunity to become responsible to create, explore, and find possible solutions to issues and concerns they are challenged with.

Young participants will team up with elders over 60 years of age to share ideas and perspectives of both generations. They will then use the information to produce original films that will educate and heighten awareness of the community about youth and cultural issues that shape the attitude and behaviors of youth towards their culture, and the western perspectives that influence their daily lives.

To equip the youth with job skills training and development in the field of media and communications, Intersections, Inc. will partner with Oscar Betham, president of the local media company, Betham TechVision, to serve as Director of Training for LNC. Betham, a graduate of Marist Brothers High School and holds a Bachelor's in Communications and Broadcast Production from Chaminade University in Hawaii. Betham brings 15 years of experience in media and communications, having previously worked with prominent television stations in Hawaii and nationwide.

Participants of LNC will have the opportunity to explore and dive deeper into their culture and community through broadcast journalism, filmmaking, and research to develop films such as documentaries and public service announcements.

Pacific Magazine is also partnering with the project. It will bring the expertise of its publisher, Floyd K. Takeuchi, who has more than 30 years of experience in journalism, including broadcasting and scriptwriting.

Partners ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank and the Depart. of Human Resources – WIA will provide training in areas such as leadership, goal setting, time management, finance, and budgeting.

"We are very excited about the development and implementation of this project that will bring together the two generations using modern technology. The youth will have much to gain from the skills, knowledge, and the wisdom of our elders, as well as the professionalism of our partners," Seui said. "We're grateful to the organizations and businesses that will be working with us to equip young people with the skills they need in order to succeed."

Partners for the LNC project include: American Samoa Coalition for Teen Pregnancy Prevention, ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank, Blue Sky Communications, Department of Human Resources – WIA, Gloria Mane-Iaulualo, HC Utu Abe Malae, KVZK-TV, McDonald's of American Samoa, Pacific Magazine, and Youth and Women's Affairs.

Source-  Pacific Magazine

http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/10/04/american-samoa-ngo-gets-960000-grant-to-train-youths-in-video-storytelling