Education Should Be Free for Every Child in Samoa

By Uale Tofilau 17 June 2024, 5:00PM

In Samoa, the idea that education should be free for every child is not just about rules, but about fairness and giving everyone a chance to succeed.

Making education free is crucial for helping families, supporting students as they grow, and dealing with family problems that can get in the way of learning. Here are three main reasons why free education for every child in Samoa is so important.

Firstly, many parents in Samoa can't get good jobs because they didn't get an education themselves. Education is important for finding good work and improving one's life. Parents who didn't go to school often end up in low-paying jobs, which makes it hard for them to afford to send their children to school. If education is free, children from these families can go to school, learn important skills, and get better jobs in the future. This helps break the cycle of poverty and builds a stronger economy for the whole country.

Secondly, students are not workers; they are young people still working towards their dreams and goals. School years are a critical time when children should be able to focus on learning and discovering what they are passionate about. When families have to pay for school, students might feel pressured to leave school early to work and support their families. This stops them from reaching their full potential. Free education lets students concentrate on their studies, which helps them grow into talented adults who can contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Lastly, many children in Samoa face serious family problems, like losing a parent who was the main provider for the family. When a family loses a key member, they can struggle financially, and children might have to leave school to help at home or earn money. Free education ensures that these children can continue their studies even during tough times. This gives them a sense of stability and hope, allowing them to overcome personal challenges and build a better future for themselves and their families.

In conclusion, making education free for every child in Samoa is not just a good policy but a necessary step to ensure fairness and opportunity for all. By understanding the struggles of parents, recognizing the needs of students, and acknowledging family hardships, it is clear that free education is essential. It will help individuals, families, and the nation as a whole to grow stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient.

By Uale Tofilau 17 June 2024, 5:00PM
Samoa Observer

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