A more than $15,000 project to improve the school environment for 300 students at Manono-uta Primary was launched on Monday.

The project was funded by the German Embassy in Wellington.

The Embassy contributed over $16,200 towards improving the school’s cleanliness.

The project has enabled all eight classrooms to have floor tiles and added three new wash basins to the school.

The school’s Principal, Esera Teleiai expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the German Embassy.

He told the Samoa Observer that the assistance is greatly needed because the school continues to struggle with classrooms lacking desks and chairs.

"Another struggle we are facing is the absence of a school hall to use for school activities."

The German Consul to Samoa, Tagaloa Christa Szegedi, emphasised the importance of education, particularly during the uncertain environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic we must all work together even harder to ensure the good work of educating our children continues,” she said.

Tagaloa said the country’s partnership with Manono-uta Primary School will play an important future role in facilitating ongoing projects. 

She said that in January this year, her office was approached by Mr. Teleiai about a potential partnership:

“Fortunately this partnership was made possible with the generous support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in New Zealand. The Embassy kindly donated over SAT$16,200.

“I want to acknowledge the generous support from the German Ambassador in Wellington His Excellency, Stefan Krawielicki.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Wera Hack also from the Embassy in Wellington for her great assistance towards this partnership.”

The German Consul to Samoa added that Samoa and Germany have always enjoyed close ties.

 “I want to take the opportunity to show my appreciation to Manono Primary School Principal Esera Teleiai," she said. 

“Since the first time we met I have been able to witness his great determination and love for the school. I certainly can say this with the utmost confidence the school really is fortunate to have such a dedicated man as its Principal.  

“To the students here today you are now at a stage in your life where you will have to learn as much as possible. What you learn today will help shape the person you will become. 

"Lastly, I want to wish the Principal, teachers and school committee all the best as you continue to educate the school children.”

She said that her family had lived in Manono Uta from 1990 to 1994.

“I can assure you as long as I am the German Consul to Samoa I will work to continue and build on our two countries' great friendship," she said