The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) today continued the national induction programme for the District Development Programme (DDP) in Upolu, engaging District Chairs, Council members, supporting staff and Village Representatives as part of the Government’s ongoing reset of Samoa’s flagship community-led development programme.
The induction brings together Cabinet Ministers, central agencies and district leadership to reaffirm the DDP as the Government’s primary mechanism for delivering development outcomes at district level anchored in accountability, transparency and shared responsibility.
In his address, Hon. Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt underscored that the success of the District Development Programme depends on fa‘atuatua (faith), fa‘amaoni (integrity) and unity of purpose across all levels of leadership. He reminded participants that development cannot succeed in isolation, stressing that no programme can move forward unless leaders, institutions and communities act as one.
Cabinet Ministers reaffirmed that the DDP is a core delivery arm of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, returning ownership of development priorities to families, villages and districts, while Government provides policy direction, oversight and safeguards to protect public trust.
The induction continues to address DDP processes and implementation challenges identified in earlier phases of the programme, including reporting delays, weaknesses in monitoring and compliance, and inconsistent application of inclusive development principles. Updated Programme Operating Manuals (POMs), strengthened governance arrangements and clearer accountability requirements now guide district operations.
Participants are receiving practical guidance on governance authority, financial accountability, mandatory reporting obligations, monitoring and verification processes, and expectations for professional, values based and community centred leadership.
MWCSD emphasised that the DDP involves public trust funding and must be managed with discipline, transparency and integrity, consistent with the principles highlighted by the Prime Minister.
The Ministry further advised that targeted deep dive sessions will follow the induction, focusing on operational support and governance requirements to further strengthen district-level implementation.
