It is always good to see people achieve milestones, especially when it involves hard work and sacrifice. Similar is the notable success of a Samoan who has just graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Victoria University in Melbourne Australia.

Tamo'e Junior Tuiali'I made the hard choice of moving to Australia and then while working kept pursuing further education. He says to keep education a priority.

He knew education was the only way to ensure progress in life. This is a positive story and we hope that our leaders realise the importance of focusing on education. The lack of drive to access to affordable and quality education is impacting the nation.

Last week Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Associate Minister Afioga Niuava Malolo was in India attending the second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation.

He said Samoa has only eight individuals responsible for aviation safety and security for the entire state.

He added that challenges remain, particularly in the area of capacity building for Samoa. He also said that with only eight individuals responsible for aviation safety and security for our entire state, the need for continued support and expertise from more developed nations is critical.

“We look to the more developed countries to guide us and we are very grateful for the unending assistance from the various States to Samoa, which has enabled us to be where we are today.”

The lack of access to affordable and quality education has led to this. It is not only the civil aviation sector but the same issue persists across the health, education, legal, commercial, hospitality and many other sectors.

The solution to this is simple. A rigorous effort from the government, the district councils, churches and families to focus on education.

The district councils at this point are the best equipped to deal with this situation. With $1 million at their disposal, they can assure children who cannot afford education, school uniforms and lunches can do so.

A new strategy is needed from the government as well. One of them is to make all teachers civil servants. This way teachers will be paid better and there will be adequate teachers in all schools. The schools are going to be closing soon for a break for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and close to 400 teachers will be tasked with logistical duties.

There should be a similar urgency when focusing on education. More is needed because education is the answer to social issues such as poverty, and labour shortage and it will make Samoa a better nation.

Education helps a person hone their communication skills by learning how to read, write, speak and listen. Education develops critical thinking. This is vital in teaching a person how to use logic when making decisions and interacting with people.

Education helps an individual meet basic job qualifications and makes them more likely to secure better jobs.

Education promotes gender equality and helps empower girls and women. A World Bank report found that an extra year of schooling for girls reduces teen pregnancy rates in Peru by almost seven per cent and gives women more control over how many children they have.

Education reduces child mortality. According to UNESCO, a child born to a mother who has a high school diploma is 31 per cent more likely to survive past the age of five.

And for these reasons, education should also be free. Free education carries the potential for significant economic impact, notably by fostering a more qualified workforce and alleviating financial strains associated with higher education.

Free education initiatives can lead to a rise in university enrollment and graduation rates, as seen in various studies and practical implementations.

This translates into a larger pool of skilled workers entering the workforce, which is critical for the sustained growth of the economy. With more educated individuals, industries can innovate faster and remain competitive.

The subsequent increase in productivity and creative problem-solving bolsters the country’s economic profile.

Free education stands as a cornerstone for a more equitable society, providing a foundation for individuals to reach their full potential without the barrier of cost.

It fosters an inclusive culture where access to knowledge and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society are viewed as inalienable rights.

Free education mitigates the socioeconomic disparities that often dictate the quality and level of education one can attain.

When tuition fees are eliminated, individuals from lower-income families are afforded the same educational opportunities as their wealthier counterparts, leading to a more level playing field.

Expanding educational access enables all members of society to pursue a wider array of careers and life paths, broadening personal choices and promoting a diverse workforce.

Recognising education as a human right underpins the movement for free education. All children should have access to quality, inclusive, and free education.

This aligns with international agreements and the belief that education is not a privilege but a right that should be safeguarded for all, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status.