S.I.F.A. urged to assist with university fees

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 24 October 2016, 12:00AM

The Samoa International Finance Authority which had a turnover of $17million in 2014 was urged to lend a helping hand to students struggling to get into University due to the cost of school fees. 

The call was made by the Member of Parliament for Salega West, To’omata Aki Tuipea in parliament on Tuesday when the Foundations Bill 2016 was tabled by the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti. 

While To’omata applauded S.I.F.A. for its well done work in the development of the country, he suggested the Authority should consider the academic live of the youth. 

“Their parents are not wealthy and my only plea is to use the Authority’s surplus funds to assist them in paying their tuition fees.”

Sili did not respond directly to the request from To’omata but pointed out that S.I.F.A. does inject a lot of money to fund the government budget. 

He said some of the assistance from S.I.F.A. is giving financial assistance to the Manu Samoa 7s team and the Samoa Rugby League. 

Furthermore he said there are currently 38,000 companies registered under S.I.F.A. who are paying U.S.$300 per year. 

S.I.F.A.’s Chief Executive Officer, Aiono Dr. Fanaafi Aiono - Le Tagaloa said S.I.F.A. assists sporting bodies because they cover the whole country. 

She pointed out that they are mindful of other government departments like Education and Health who are responsible for the sectors and do not want overstep their boundaries. 

Aiono said the office does consider other assistance if they request it.

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 24 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>