More than 300 students from Leauva’a Primary School will benefit from the opening of their new classrooms on Friday. 

The project cost more than $200,000, according to the School Principal, Ada Uhrle-Mikaele.

Japan pledged $246,805.88 in funding assistance under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) to fund reconstruction of eight new classrooms, a staff room and a library.

A ceremony to mark the occasion was attended by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, Japanese Ambassador, Terasawa Genichi and Cabinet Ministers.

In his remarks, Tuilaepa highlighted the significance of education for the children of Samoa so they can grow up and have better futures. 

He advised parents to prioritise their children’s education by sending them to school instead of keeping them home thus leading to more troubles in the future.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the continuous support from Japan through various development projects.

The Japanese Ambassador said that he was incredibly happy to assist the efforts by all stakeholders of the school including parents and this community to ensure better educational environment

“However, there is something more important than school facilities. I believe it is quality education. 

“Quality education that is provided by quality teachers and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) is always making great efforts for the capacity development of teachers through training programs. 

“It is my humble request to pay your utmost consideration so that your teachers can develop their capacity through supporting them materially and spiritually.”

He also added that Japan will continue assisting the projects for capacity development of teachers conducted by the Ministry, as well as our assistance to improve school facilities. 

“Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the School Committee, Parents and Teachers Association, Principal and her staff for your concerted efforts. 

“Without your enthusiasm, the project would not have achieved so successfully.”

The Leauva’a primary school principal added that the new classrooms will provide better educational facilities for their students.

She said that the old classrooms had poor hygiene which was not fit for the students to use.

“We thank God for the success of this project which was in the pipeline for so long yet we did not have financial support. We have 360 students with nine teachers including myself. 

“This achievement is important for the children of Leauvaa. After an assessment by M.E.S.C. they recommended for our school to close this led us to seek help when we were fortunate to be selected by Japan.

“We also faced problems with land, it was not easy. The work was completed in March but we only opened it on September.”