Tropical Cyclone Evan caused substantial damage to Sa’anapu Primary School.  

While the most acute needs of the school were addressed immediately after the cyclone by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture and school committee, there was still a need for further repairs and improvements to the school.  

From that, consultations between M.E.S.C and the U.S. Embassy started, on how the U.S. could assist in the aftermath of the cyclone.  

With the kind assistance from the United States government, the students of Sa’anapu Primary School can now enjoy the following improvements to their learning environment.

1. Construction of a new 420 square meter school hall

2. New perimeter fence

3. Dual water tank and pump system, including water tower tank stand, which supplies the entire school with an improved drinking water station

4. Various repairs to the existing main school building

Minister of Education, Loau Keneti Sio, gave the keynote address representing the government of Samoa while U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa Mark Gilbert delivered remarks on behalf of the United States government thanking all the development and community partners that helped bring the project to fruition.

 “Our hope is that this new facility, water system, fence and other school repairs will vastly improve the education experience at Sa’anapu Primary,” said Mr. Gilbert. 

“I trust that you see this project as symbolic of our enduring support and of the vibrant friendship our two nations enjoy.  May the work done here under this project improve the lives of students and teachers of Sa’anapu Primary for many years to come.” 

The school hall was built in accordance with the International Building code and U.S. engineering standards and is certified to withstand a category 5 cyclone.

This US$660,000 project was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (O.H.D.A.C.A).  

This is the same fund that built the Faleolo Medical Center in 2013 and will be doing further construction works at Sataoa Primary and Safata College early next year.