The Territorial Administration On Aging (TAOA) opened yesterday morning its handicraft gift shop at the TAOA Center in Pago Pago.
The official ceremony was attended by TAOA managers and senior citizens.
TAOA Finance Manager, Auva’a Sam Kupa gave the invocation then 90 year old Mrs Hana Thompson cut the ribbon to officially open the gift shop.
The gift shop is located in the TAOA hall where the senior citizens used to play bingo.
TAOA Director Ale Tifimalae Ale said that the handicrafts displayed in the shop were produced by senior citizens who were working under their programs on 4 year contracts.
He added that none of the crafts are from Savai’i, Upolu or anywhere else.
He said all are made with local resources.
The items on display include mats, rolls of pandanus leaves, cricket bats, traditional war weapons and fans.
The initiative is in line with the government’s effort to develop tourism in the territory and the TAOA gift shop is expected to be a popular spot for tourists especially with those on cruise ships.
The director also announced during yesterday’s ceremony the new group of TAOA senior citizens who will start working next week after others complete their four year contracts.
Ale says that there are more than 200 senior citizens on their waiting list ready to be employed once vacancies open up.
