A Japanese couple keep returning to Samoa to help out with numeracy and mathematics skills because this is the nation they fell in love.

Akiho and Sawako Itagaki came first came to Samoa more than 10 years ago. They arrived separately as volunteers and were assigned different roles. Mr Itagaki was attached to the Ministry of Education while Mrs Itagaki was at a primary school.

Little did they fate had different ideas for them. A year after their arrival, the two met and fell in love, and with Samoa. The couple are now married and based in South Africa.

Mr Itagaki is working with the South African Ministry of Education to develop the mathematics curriculum in the country, while Mrs Itagaki now stays home. The two of them have not stopped coming to Samoa.

The two, with the help of friends and other sponsors, make an annual trip to Samoa for a week or two. They still have the connections with the Education Ministry and run training programmes for mathematics teachers.

“We fell in love with Samoa when we came as JICA volunteers. We want to do more for the nation, especially for children. That is why we keep coming back,” said Mr Itagaki.

“From our time in Samoa as volunteers, we have come to realise where the problem lies when it comes to improving numeracy skills. We feel that the only way to improve numeracy skills in children is to upgrade teachers and arm them with better skills.

“With mathematics, it comes down to the basics, and often, if the ones teaching the subject are not that well-versed, there can be a problem. It is not a problem that cannot be solved.”

The couple were in Samoa last month. They fund their trips to Samoa and are sometimes helped by friends, and each time they are in the country, they take time out to help where they can.

“Samoa holds a special place in our hearts. This is where we met. During our time spent in Samoa, we have come to love this country and its people,” said Mrs Itagaki.

“All we want to do is help through education and provide opportunities for the betterment of this nation.”

With a successful trip this year, where they were able to hold teacher training and visit a few schools, they are now planning their next trip.

The couple has urged the government to consider the approach to upskill teachers in the basics of numeracy and mathematics.

“Education is a very powerful pathway, and it provides opportunities. We want the best for Samoa because we feel we are Samoans at heart,” said the couple.