The Vaigaga Primary School principal is grateful for the help of various families, who are accommodating their students while waiting for construction work to be completed on a brand-new building.

The new school building will be ready in the second quarter of next year, according to Fata Gasu Tafaomalo Sione, who has been the principal for the last eight years.  

Fata said he is truly thankful for the assistance they have received during the reconstruction of their new school building. The school currently has 495 students enrolled with 13 teachers and staff.

"We moved from the old school building on 18 August and it will be two months since we moved out," said Fata. "It is going to be a new school. 

"There will be two-storey buildings parallel to each other, children's restrooms and two rooms renovated in a way we can use as a library and a temporary staff room for teachers."

He said the school is fortunate enough to have received five available locations as temporary classrooms for the students while awaiting their school building.

The principal assured the Samoa Observer that they are always keeping an eye on the education of the children during this time so that they are not affected by the ongoing construction work. 

"We are keeping a close eye on our children so that this transition doesn't affect their learning. We discovered some difficulties in the very beginning and after the first week, everything was able to operate smoothly for them," he said. "Every afternoon we discuss any issues and how to solve the issues and there are no problems."

The school has received a lot of support from the families and the parents of the students, especially those who have opened up their homes as temporary classrooms.

"These families provide the usual necessities like coolers of water, a clean restroom for them to use and a place to wash their hands," added Fata. "The families have supported us greatly and it is probably because of our relationship with our community which has made all our movements smooth.

"Whatever the school needs we raise it with the school committee and they try to accommodate us. Many of them are members of the Vaigaga Congregational Christian Church in Samoa and they are always looking out for the school and the children's education. 

"We are truly grateful for their support and are indeed thankful for looking out for the children."