The German Embassy in Wellington has funded the refurbishment of classrooms and fencing at Nofoalii Primary School in a bid to boost education outcomes for its students.

Under the auspices of a project to improve the learning conditions and security of the school students, the Embassy has contributed over SAT$21,000 for the provision of floor tiles and tile-fix for all the classrooms. Included in the same project is the renovation of an existing fence to provide a safer and more secure learning environment. 

This project funding had been approved by the German Embassy as part of the 50 years anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Samoa, after bilateral ties were formalised in 1972.

The Honorary Consul of Germany to Samoa, Tagaloa Christa Szegedi, emphasised the two key objectives of the education project before she cut the ribbon to officially open the refurbished classrooms on Thursday.

“The first objective was to upgrade the classrooms with floor tiles. This will ensure the students and teachers work in a cleaner and germ free environment,” said the Honorary Consul.

“The second objective was the renovation of the school fence. This is vital with the school being close to the main road.”

The Associate Minister of Education Sports and Culture and MP for A'ana Alofi No. 3 Agaseata Valelio Tanuvasa expressed his sincere appreciation for the project.

“We are overwhelmed with thankful hearts. I would like to acknowledge our gratitude to the government and the people of Germany for the great financial aid,” said the Associate Minister. 

“I hope this relationship between Germany and Nofoalii will carry on forever.”

In her speech to mark the occasion, the Honorary Consul said it was a privilege as the German Consul to Samoa to witness the project’s launching together with her family and friends.

“This project was made possible with the support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Wellington,” said the Honorary Consul.

“I want to acknowledge Her Excellency the German Ambassador Mrs Nicole Menzenbach. I also want to acknowledge the former German Ambassador to Samoa Mr Stefan Krawielicki who went into retirement recently.”

The Honorary Consul said this year Germany and Samoa celebrated an important milestone together. 

“On the 18th May 1972 our two countries formally established diplomatic relations, with Germany becoming one of the first countries to do so after Samoa gained independence in 1962,” added the Honorary Consul.  

“As part of these 50 years celebration the German Embassy in Wellington funded a total of 10 projects with different schools here in Upolu and Savaii. The aim of all these projects is to improve the learning environment for the children.”

The Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Seu'ula Ioane, also attended the official opening at 9am last Thursday.