The Vaivase Primary School aims to raise SAT$200,000 to build a new computer lab as well as an upgraded library to better resource its students.

The principal of the primary school, Ana Latu Failauga said there will be a radiothon held this Saturday 30 September for the school to fundraise and work towards its goal of funding the new lab and library.

“We met with the staff and parents and we have decided to fundraise to build a computer lab and to renovate and upgrade the school’s library,” she said. “There is a list of minimum service standards that all schools in Samoa must do and achieve.

"One of those requirements is the need to have a computer lab and a library for the school. There is a library but it needs an upgrade with a much better interior, new shelves and proper flooring. This is so it is attractive for the children to learn.

“It doesn’t stop at them just learning to read and write. We all know how fast the world is with technology and the world is becoming computerised and the computer lab is important and much needed in our school.

“They do not have to wait until they reach Year Nine to learn computing, the aim is that with the help of parents, the board, stakeholders and the community, we are able to provide a path for them to learn at a much younger age.”

The call goes out to old pupils of the school, parents and the local community to show support in fundraising for the school's needs which will go towards the education of their children.

“We hope to work together with everyone for the children who are the future of our families and our country. We pray that we are able to achieve our target." 

The radiothon will start at 8 am and conclude at 3 pm. The school has about 780 students and 26 teachers, including one United States Peace Corps volunteer as well as a librarian.

According to Mrs.Failauga, Vaivase Primary School is one of the top five primary schools in Samoa, with a large number of students moving onto high-ranking secondary schools. 

The principal acknowledged that their teachers have an important role in educating the children and regularly hold professional development to upgrade and lift the standard of teaching in their classrooms.