Dear Editor,

Earlier this year, it was reported that a majority of Samoan students did not pass their national examinations.

English and Math results have fallen to historically low levels.

In response, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa renewed his commitment to strengthening the education sector, calling for meaningful reform, increased investment from development partners and the recruitment of overseas teachers.

It is therefore difficult to understand the government’s decision, only months later, to restructure the Samoan school day.

This change was introduced without clear evidence of consultation and with a vague explanation as to how it would fix the educational crisis.

In 2011, the school day was shifted later to improve student safety, particularly for those travelling long distances in the early morning, to make it easier for families to organise their children's transport.

Those considerations are still relevant.

The present change has prioritised traffic flow over student welfare.

The Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi government message is clear.

Your student learning is an inconvenience.

Student success and access to education have been reduced to a matter of traffic management.

The irony is that traffic is worse, teachers are seeking greener pastures, and failure rates aren't improving any time soon.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP