From $50,000 to $6million, govt. assistance grows

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 15 June 2017, 12:00AM

Private and mission schools in Samoa have benefitted from a $6million allocation by the government.

The money was presented to the schools yesterday during a ceremony at the Cabinet room.

The Catholic Schools received the most funding of close to $2.5million with the Congregational Christian Church Schools receiving $1.35million. 

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said the money is proof that the government values the development of education. He recalled that when the H.R.P.P first came into power, they only had $50,000 to distribute.

But the increase in the funding reflects the growth in the government’s ability to help as well as the demand from the schools. 

“This $6million that we are distributing to you today should cover all that you need this year,” he told the school representatives.

“Just in case we give you the money today and tomorrow you write a letter asking for financial help from the government for your teacher’s salaries or sports development.

“Everything that we are giving you today should cover everything that you need so don’t come back to the government until we meet again next year.”

Tuilaepa indicated that the fund could increase.

“The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Education are not here but they have spoken to me about adding on another $1million to make it $7million in the coming year.”

He added that the govt. has also received request from schools for them to take on teacher’s salaries as well.

“Don’t you worry we are still taking it slow,” said Tuilaepa.

“Who knows maybe after some years you will be able to receive $600million and if that happens we will be able to pay the teachers as well.

“And if that happens that means the teachers will be under the govt. watch as well but don’t worry have faith maybe by next year instead of $6million it will be $600million.

 “I know that this is the most crucial time when all of you need this financial support because it’s the beginning of the year and you need to lay down all your annual plans which this financial support will be used for.” 

Prime Minister also explained that the amount of funding for each school is determined by the number of students.

“I know some schools have complained that the funding in the past years has decreased but it’s because the number of their students have also decreased,” he said. 

He acknowledged the hard work that the heads of schools have been doing in teaching the children of Samoa. 

 

SCHOOLS: 

• Catholic - $2.17m

• Don Bosco Savaii - $98,000

• Don Bosco Alafua - $97,000

• C.C.C.S. - $1.35m

• Methodist - $630,721

• Laumua o Punaoa - $62,000

• Uesiliana Vocational Center - $38,000

• S.D.A. - $341,000

• Manumalo Baptist School ( Salelologa) - $50,000

• Manumalo (Leonē) - $126,000

• Baptist Tuana’i - $84,000

• All Saints Anglican - $19,000

• Asau Baptist Primary - $27,000

• CCCS Institute Center Salelologa - $22,000

• Ah Mu Academy - $37,000

• Amosa Sa Vavau - $6,900

• Faatuatua College - $14,000

• Peace Chapel - $23,000

• Pesega Fou - $25,000

• RLSS - $64,000

• Samoa Primary - $37,000

• Vaiala Beach - $15,000

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 15 June 2017, 12:00AM

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