At a meeting of Two Samoan congregations who had met to talk about some of the suicide facts and myths, “There was a discussion of what Samoan culture and church mean to a young NZ-born Samoan, which brought out interesting conversation,” writes Mangnum Tuipulotu,
Some of the issues raised by the youth at the so’o which are supported by research findings were:
- Language is a barrier
- Pressures to succeed
- Issues with ‘giving a lot of money to the church while the family is struggling
On the other hand, the church can helps to promote healthy youth development, with autalavou laiti or youth groups that promote youth participation. There are other formal groups within the church such as the choir, mothers/fathers group and Sunday School that add to a strong sense of belonging, which provides a significant protection against suicide. The church also provides moral teachings and values that support research of spirituality as being a protective factor
With the church being the focal point for Pacific people, there is a real sense of community and it is also at the church where Pacific communities become connected and involved. It is a place where traditional protocols are practiced and preserved and a chance for NZ-born Pacific people to connect with traditional ways and become familiar with the customs.
Magnum Tuipulotu, Community Liaison, Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand (SPINZ), Mental Health Foundation
Read Magnum’s report (2006)
Image: Mental health Foundation of New Zealand