Japan aids Tafua school

By Deidre Fanene 07 January 2016, 12:00AM

Students at Tafua Primary School in Savai’i have a reason to look forward to school this year.

They will have a brand new school building thanks to the Japanese government. Yesterday, Tafua Primary became the latest school in a growing list of schools to receive funding under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project.

At the Japanese Embassy, a signing between the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Tuimaugaoali’i Kazumasa Shibuta and the Chairman of the Tafua Primary School Committee, Niulala Kupa, signaled the beginning of the building project.

The Committee received a grant of up to USD126,589 (T$291,154) to fund the reconstruction of 8 new classrooms, a staff room and a library.

“We want to convey our sincere thanks to Tuimaugaoali’i Shibuta for this great help,” he said. “You are a Good Samaritan who continues to help poor people like us.”

“I believe that this is not the first time that you have granted such assistance for the people of Samoa so I am sure there are a lot of other similar proposals coming your way.”

More than 100 students of Maota and Tafua attend the primary school.

Ambassador Tuimaugaoali’i said his government is committed to assist Samoa in all sectors of development as identified in its strategy for development. The Strategy for Development of Samoa (SDS) lists education as a priority.  “Japan aligns its assistance with priorities identified by the Government of Samoa to ensure that aid is effectively used and reaches the people who need it most,” he said.

He hoped the grant would help create a more comfortable learning environment for the children of Tafua and foster bright young leaders of the future. 

Japan’s “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project” provides assistance to non-government organizations, primary schools, hospitals and other non-profit associations that have a direct impact on the well-being of communities.  

Japan has been working in partnership with the Samoan Government since 1991 to further develop such grassroots and human security projects.  

By Deidre Fanene 07 January 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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