A renewed beginning for Uafato Primary School
By Andrina Elvira Burkhart
•
28 November 2025, 7:00PM
Located on the northeast coast of Upolu, Uafato Primary School is looking at a renewed beginning after a $30,000 renovation funded by the German Embassy in Wellington.
Honorary German Consul to Samoa Afoa Stefan Szegedi highlighted that supporting education, particularly in remote and isolated areas such as Uafato, had been a key priority since his appointment last year.
"Every child, no matter where they live, deserves the same opportunities for education and a bright future,” he said.
The school and village committee provided the labour for this project. The completion of this partnership project was celebrated with a ceremony on 27 November 2025 at Uafato Primary School in Fagaloa.
Over the past years, the German Embassy in Wellington has assisted numerous schools in the country.

Afoa also welcomed the German Embassy in Wellington’s First Secretary, Patrick Dzierzon and expressed gratitude.
“This project demonstrates the on-going and meaningful cooperation between Germany and Samoa, which continues to grow across education, culture, climate resilience, and community development,” Afoa added.
On his visit on the occasion of the ceremony, Dzierzon explained the importance of Germany supporting the education sector in Samoa.
“Education plays an essential role in shaping a brighter future for our world. Not only does education allow children to grow into empowered adults, but it also builds resilient communities that can stand together and find solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Afoa acknowledged the critical efforts of Fuimaono Vaitolo Ofoia, who invited him to Uafato in June last year and helped drive the project forward. This initial visit to Uafato, together with former Honorary Consul Tagaloa Christa Szegedi, highlighted the need for improved school facilities and inspired the collaboration that led to the day’s achievements.
Afoa concluded by reaffirming Germany’s commitment to supporting education and community development in Samoa, particularly in villages where resources were limited but the community spirit remained strong.
By Andrina Elvira Burkhart
•
28 November 2025, 7:00PM