Joy of learning for Meriland students

By Adel Fruean 26 July 2018, 12:00AM

Thirty-one pre-schoolers from Safa’ato’a, including six from Falease’ela, Lefaga, now have the opportunity to learn inside proper classrooms. 

What’s more, they will look forward to the use of quality playground equipment in the formative years of life.

This is thanks to the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (D.A.P.) who donated $50,000 of the total cost of Meriland Pre-school, which was officially opened yesterday.

With assistance from the Sinaupualofa Foundation, the project cost $69,000.

Member of Parliament for Lefaga and Faleaseela, Toleafoa Ken Poutoa said the project focuses on improving education, welfare and understanding of each child. 

“We now have the opportunity to provide better educational prospects to nurture the knowledge of our young minds, so that they will have better and brighter futures,” Toleafoa said.

“I believe that if we all stand together and work as one, we can achieve so many more great things, like they always say ‘united we stand and divided we fall. 

“But to be exact, if all of us are together as one in heart, then who could ever stand against us. 

“But we must never forget God’s blessings upon all the works that we do because without him our works would not be possible,” he added.

Meriland Preschool Principal, Lemalu Kuinimeri Tamati, said the services their pre-school provides are free, even meals for the children. 

“I am very determined and keen for our district to cater to any of the young children for early childhood learnings. We offer the chance to any of the kids from nearby villages or districts, to come and bring their kids,” Lemalu said. 

“It has been scientifically proven that a child’s young age is the perfect timing to develop their learning skills for education. The target ages we cater to ranges from two and a half to five years old.

“A pre-school helps a child to be familiarised at a young age so that the skills implemented will help with future developments in learning. We only have three teachers including myself.

“But it is our great belief that each child deserves to learn and grow in love. A young child holds the future of every country, family or even communities. It is our sole responsibility to prepare them for that journey from a young age,” she added.

The construction of the pre-school started in June this year. Three months was given by Australian Aid to complete the project, but it was executed within two months.

By Adel Fruean 26 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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