The Ambassador of Japan to Samoa has expressed hope that a school his government is supporting will empower the next generation of Samoa’s leaders.

Speaking after a $245,000 grant signing ceremony at the Embassy of Japan premises in Apia yesterday, Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki said he hopes the new classrooms at the Palauli District Primary School – funded by the grant – will create a conducive environment for the education of Samoa’s next generation of leaders.

“It’s my hope that upon the completion of the new school, we hope to foster young bright minds to eventually become leaders of this country. Congratulations and I wish your community the best for the next phase of this project,” he said.

The Government of Japan has agreed to support the school and build eight new classrooms with a grant of US$95,736 (WST$245,000).

Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday, Maugaoleatuolo said he is happy that funding for the school project was approved by his government.

“I have seen through your application, the past state of your current school building, I am happy that your project has been approved.

“We have the pleasure to sign over to the school committee this grant – provided under the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Humans Security Project – that we implement the project and complete the construction of 8 new classroom complex,” he said.

The Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Humans Security Project provides funding for grassroots communities and was established in 1991. The grant assistance scheme has so far assisted over 179 projects in Samoa. 

Patron of the Palauli District Primary School committee, Tuifa’asisina Misa Risati, thanked the Government of Japan on behalf of the district and said they had to build new classrooms to cater for the increasing number of students.  

“On behalf of Palauli East Constituency we would like to express our great thanks to the government of Japan, I believe and understand this is not the first time that your country has assisted us or in partnership with Palauli East.

“But now with the increase in student roll and all that, we have managed to put through another application, and we are so grateful that Japan has come in to aid and assist us in building this,” he said.

Children from the villages of Vailoa, Faa’ala and Vaito’omuli are enrolled at the school. Currently, the school has 500 students and 20 teachers. 

Maugaoleatuolo said he looks forward to the completion of the project, so he may be able to travel to Savai’i, where he was honored to receive the matai title Safotulafai.