The long-delayed $18.5 million One Government Grant (OGG) is expected to be released to schools once new administrative arrangements through the Fono Faavae are completed, according to Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt.

The grant will now be managed through the District Development Program (Fono Faavae), with the committee responsible for overseeing the funds, rather than the Ministry of Education. The Prime Minister said about 80 to 90 per cent of the One Government Grant funds are nearing the final stages and will be released to schools.

The grant has been delayed for much of the school year, with schools now in Term 2 and still waiting for their full allocation. The Prime Minister said the delay was caused in part by the shift of responsibility from the previous school committee structure to the Fono Faavae. He also said the government had to review the various percentages previously used to allocate the funds.

According to the Prime Minister, under the new arrangement, three signatures will be required before funds are released: the school principal, the chairman of the Fono Faavae and the school committee representative within the Fono Faavae.

Laaulialemalietoa said each Fono Faavae will have a representative responsible for handling matters relating to the One Government Grant (OGG). He said the process is intended to ensure the money is properly managed and used for appropriate school expenses.

The government grant is used by schools to help meet operational costs, including payments for essential needs and services. Laaulialemalietoa said Cabinet has also reminded schools and communities to consult the Ministry of Education (MEC)  before building new schools, the prime minister said. He said discussions with the ministry are needed to ensure that new school projects align with national education planning.

Laaulialemalietoa said the cabinet was aware of wider challenges facing schools, including shortages of teachers and education resources. He said proper planning was needed before new facilities were built so that schools would have the staffing and resources required to operate effectively.

In an earlier press conference, Laaulialemalietoa said he had received a report that audits were missing in the education sector, adding that more than $1 million of the $18.5 million One Government School Grant (OGG) remained unused and was now under review.