The Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) hosted a seminar for school committees and Principals last Friday to raise awareness about new enrollment procedures and the One Government Grant scheme.

The event was held at the T.A.T.T.E. Building and was attended by more than 100 participants.

On top of the agenda, were the new requirements of the Infants Amendment Act (no. 2) 2019 and the One Government Grant (O.G.G.) programme. 

A total of $14 million has been dedicated to the O.G.G. assist private, mission, and early childhood learning schools through the O.G.G 

The seminar was also a chance for M.E.S.C. to school committees and principals to remind them of their critical roles and responsibilities in school management.

According to one of the participants, Aleipata Primary School committee member, Amituanai Nuusila, the seminar was a significant opportunity for attendees ahead of the new school year, which begins on Monday. 

The school has around 160 students enrolled. 

“The Ministry of Health representative [Deputy Director of Public Health, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen] also conducted a very informative presentation on prioritising the health of all students in Samoa as we have just recovered from the measles epidemic," Mr. Nuusila said. 

“Some of the important information we received was a guideline into the process of vaccinating children through various age groups and how important it is to have everyone vaccinated to protect against diseases.”

The Ministry says it is working with health authorities to ensure the compliance of a directive requiring students provide proof-of-vaccination before they can be enrolled. 

Tagaloa has previously said it would not be possible to provide complete enrollment forms, while the M.E.S.C. is yet to respond to reports of shortages of enrollment cards.