Private schools get $14 m Govt. help

By Adel Fruean 13 January 2019, 12:00AM

Students at private, mission schools and early childhood learning centers stand to benefit from $14 million tala Government assistance.

The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, confirmed the assistance, telling the Samoa Observer it has been channeled through the One Government Grant (O.G.G.).

 “A total of fourteen million tala has been given by the Government of Samoa to assist private, mission, and early childhood learning schools through the O.G.G,” he said.  

“It was supposed to be on the seventh of January that the funds should be in their accounts but last week there was a workshop conducted by the Ministry for those that have not submitted accounts.

“The workshop is also to inform them on how the process works and how the funds should be used.”

Loau said the funding reflects the Government’s commitment to education.

“Education is one of the Government’s priorities,” he said. “This is where we invest in all aspects so that we will have quality education for our children.

“The funding started with the New Zealand and Australian Governments but not anymore and it has been two years since Samoa has funded this grant.”

Looking ahead, Minister Loau said they hope to increase the funding.

 The Minister also highlighted the importance of early childhood education.

“At the moment the National University has implemented their E.C.E. programs so that E.C.E. teachers may have the qualifications that are needed to help educate children as the grassroots level.

“We have to initiate more plans into helping the young generation that are starting their school to be properly educated so that they will not struggle in the future.”

The Director of Catholic Education, Father Mikaele Tuimavave, said the assistance is greatly appreciated.

“The fund is a great help for our schools because we have always resorted to other means of finding ways to pay for our own teachers’ salaries,” he said.

By Adel Fruean 13 January 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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