There was a time when Chanel College was considered the top-notch school in the nation. But now the school needs help.

The current state of Chanel College is so concerning it prompted the head of the Catholic Church in Samoa, Bishop Peter Brown to pen a letter to Chanel College Old Students asking for help.

How does this happen to an institution that is one of the best in the nation? What does this reflect? It could be a result of poor quality management that lacked the foresight to realise that investment into education was just more than school fees.

The education system in this nation needs an overhaul. The reason why some of the schools are failing is because once considered a private school, the government washes its hands off paying teachers. A policy change is required that ensures that all teachers are public servants and paid by the government.

That way the school committees focus on infrastructure development and investment. Once the committees start focusing on paying teachers, the other aspect of the school is forgotten. That is what has happened to this elite school.

There is a shortage of teachers in this nation. If the government considers employing all teachers, then some schools would lower their fees, and just focus on maintaining the integrity of the institution rather than having to worry about paying teachers.

For the government, this is not an added expenditure but an investment that could see this nation prosper.

Bishop Brown said the matter was of utmost urgency and importance concerning the future of Chanel College, a cherished institution in the community.

The low enrollment rate, financial constraints, and deteriorating learning facilities are contributing factors affecting the college's sustainability.

As Bishop (Apostolic Administrator) of the Archdiocese of Samoa-Apia, he said he was deeply invested in the well-being and continuity of institutions that shape the minds and futures of our youth.

“Chanel College, a symbol of educational excellence in Samoa since 1962, faces imminent challenges that threaten its very existence,” Bishop Brown wrote in his letter dated April.

“Declining enrollment, urgent infrastructural repairs, and financial constraints loom large, casting a shadow over its illustrious legacy.

“Recognised for nurturing leaders across various disciplines including; spiritual formation, politics, sports and business.

“Chanel College has been a historical cornerstone of our community's growth and development.” But the question is how the school that one time considered to be the best in the nation has come to such a stage.

This a lesson not only for the various organisations that run schools but also for the government. Schools are one of the most important infrastructures that a nation could have.

Investment into education is not limited to just teachers and students but also the infrastructure that enables Samoans to become successful.

School is the basic foundation of knowledge being imparted to a child. It gives a chance to children to acquire knowledge in various fields of education, such as people, literature, history, mathematics, politics, and other numerous subjects.

By obtaining knowledge, a person is in a better position to help other people. For example, you can calculate your taxes easily and speedily if you learn mathematics. Also, with better information, you can attract attention at a gathering by taking active part in the discussion.

Gone are the days when school meant just learning the events given in a history chapter or solving tough mathematical problems or reciting poems and sonnets! Nowadays, school has become the first stepping stone in the life of a child, wherein he/she learns a lot more than just rote learning. Developing hobbies, refining them, learning basic etiquettes, getting skilled at multitasking, developing social skills are some of the many things that a school equips a child with.

Investment in education has been identified as one of the key factors that can contribute to the economic growth of a country. In fact, education has been considered as a fundamental human right and a critical element in the development of any society.

The relationship between education and economic growth has been a subject of much debate among economists and policymakers. While some argue that education is a prerequisite for economic growth, others suggest that it is a result of economic growth. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that investment in education can lead to sustainable economic growth.

The national budget is coming up and hopefully we see more focus on education.