The government of Japan has come to the assistance of Leifiifi College and awarded a grant valued at $285,000 to the educational institution.

The grant – which was awarded under the Embassy's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (G.G.P.) – will enable the college to rebuild a classroom and renovate a school hall for educational, cultural and social activities.

Japan's Ambassador to Samoa, Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki, signed the grant contract on Wednesday with the Leifiifi College School Committee President, To'alepai Rula Su'a-Vaai.

Due to the increasing student enrollment at the college, the school hall which previously catered for educational programmes does not have the capacity to house the entire student body. 

In a statement issued by the Embassy following the signing of the grant contract, the Embassy said they believe that the direct assistance through the awarding of the grant will enable Japan to achieve its Official Development Assistance Policy objective of promoting development at the grass-roots level. 

"Japan acknowledges basic necessities such as provision for education, good health care and water facilities is the key to socio-economic development and hopes to contribute in the improvement of the daily lives of the people of Samoa through its G.G.P.," the Embassy stated in the statement. 

"It is hope that upon completion of the project, it will be able to provide a much efficient space for the increasing role of the school and to serve multi purposes for both the school and nearby communities."