The Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives Successfully Concludes Grants Training in American Samoa

With support from the Department of the Interior - Office of Insular Affairs, the Pacific and Virgin Islands (PITI-VITI) successfully held grant training in American Samoa from October 24 to October 30, 2023. The training initiative began with a request from Ms. Lydia Falaeafine-Nomura, DOI-OIA Field Representative. The PITI-VITI team then held meetings with LBJ Tropical Medical Center personnel, including Dr. Akapusi Ledua, CEO, Mr. Tommy Gabriel, Director of Grants, and Ms. Melanie Solaita, Compliance and Legal Department. These sessions allowed the team to understand the specific needs of the organization.

Mr. Robert Adachi, Graduate School USA Instructor, then led three days of training and consultation sessions for 32 participants from different hospital departments. Mr. Adachi covered important topics such as handling contracts and provided valuable advice on what to do before and after an auditor's visit.

On October 30, 2023, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, PITI-VITI also held a New Grantee Orientation course for the government of American Samoa. Talauega E. V Ale, Acting Governor, encouraged his cabinet and leaders to identify suitable employees and ensure their participation, emphasizing the significance of capacity building.

“To ensure that we take full advantage of this training opportunity, I urge all Directors and Office Heads to identify relevant employees within your departments who would benefit from this course and arrange for their attendance. Let us take advantage of this great opportunity for capacity building.”- Talauega E. V Ale, Acting Governor.

A total of 88 government employees from various departments attended the event, which was held at the American Community College Multipurpose Center. Mr. Adachi shared the essential skills for managing Federal grant funds effectively. His presentation aimed to improve the participants’ understanding of Federal grants administration to ensure the efficient use of funds to achieve grant objectives.

The training was supported by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs and delivered by the Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives. The Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives (PITI-VITI) is a program managed by the Graduate School USA and funded by the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs. PITI-VITI supports the insular governments of American Samoa, Guam, CNMI, FSM, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the US Virgin Islands.