For almost eight months, the students of Vaigaga Primary School have been getting an education in makeshift classrooms. It is delightful to learn that soon they will be moving into their new classrooms.

The $5.8 million investment under the Samoa Pacific Resilience Project (PREP), is on track for completion by 30 June 2024. The anticipated handover of the facility is set for August 2024, according to a recent announcement by the Minister of Public Enterprises and Member of Parliament for Faleata No.2, Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo.

The new Vaigaga Primary School is being constructed as part of Samoa’s broader effort to enhance its infrastructure’s resilience against climate change. It provides a better and stronger school infrastructure that would last for years.

It is always a good thing to invest in education, especially in infrastructure that would ensure children have a safe and secure school for many years to follow. Hopefully, more schools will be earmarked for such redevelopment.

The pace of construction by local contractors, Zheng Constructions is remarkable. The project at Vaigaga Primary started in November and will be nearing completion soon. However, the funds for this project were made available in 2019. Political differences between the former administration and the MP for the area delayed the construction.

Education should never become a scapegoat between politicians. It should be given the highest priority. The lessons of the incident that led to the delay must be noted and ensured that there is never a repeat.

There needs to be an investment in education including free education until Year 12, one teacher in every classroom or one teacher per subject, schools that promote learning and above all access to education for all.

The district grants are there, use them to pay school fees for those families who earn below a certain threshold so they do not have to force their children out of school and they too do not become part of an unskilled labour force.

Education not only serves as a foundation for personal growth but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the economy of a nation. The investment made in education and skills development yields substantial economic advantages, both at an individual and societal level.

Education acts as a catalyst for economic development by enhancing the human capital of a nation. When individuals acquire knowledge and skills through formal education, they become better equipped to contribute to the economy in multiple ways. Here are some key takeaways:

Studies consistently show that individuals with higher levels of education tend to earn more compared to their less-educated counterparts. For instance, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that individuals with a bachelor's degree earn approximately 60 per cent more on average than those with only a high school diploma.

Education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills demanded by the job market. As a result, educated individuals are more likely to secure stable employment and experience lower rates of unemployment.

Education acts as a buffer during economic downturns. Research indicates that individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to weather economic crises, such as recessions, with greater resilience. They possess transferable skills that make it easier for them to adapt to changing economic circumstances.

While education plays a fundamental role, the importance of continuous skills development cannot be overstated. Rapid advancements in technology and changing labor market demands necessitate individuals to continuously update their skill sets. Let's explore the advantages of skills development:

By acquiring new skills, individuals increase their chances of finding employment or being promoted within their current job. Developing in-demand skills, such as coding, data analysis, or digital marketing, can significantly enhance employability and open up diverse career opportunities.

Skills development enables individuals to start their businesses and contribute to job creation. As per statistics from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, countries with a higher prevalence of entrepreneurial initiatives have been shown to experience greater economic growth.

Skills development is crucial for industries to remain competitive in the global market. By fostering the growth of a skilled workforce, industries become more efficient, innovative, and adaptable. This leads to increased productivity and improved economic performance.

Besides the individual benefits, education and skills development also have significant societal impact. They contribute to the overall growth and development of a nation, creating a more prosperous and inclusive society.

Education and skills development empower individuals to escape the poverty cycle. According to UNESCO, each additional year of schooling can increase an individual's income by 10 per cent. This has a direct positive impact on poverty reduction efforts.

Education fosters greater social cohesion by providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to interact and learn together. It promotes understanding, cooperation, and a sense of shared identity, which are vital for a harmonious society.

Advancements in education and skills contribute to technological progress, which drives economic growth. Skilled individuals are more likely to innovate and generate new ideas, leading to the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Education and skills development offers numerous economic advantages, ranging from higher earning potential to enhanced employability and industry competitiveness. Investing in education not only benefits individuals but also society as a whole.

By prioritising education and continuous skills development, the nation can unleash the full potential of its human capital, leading to sustainable economic growth and development.