The 100 plus students of Faleatiu Primary School can now look forward to a new school building after the German Embassy signed a deal to rebuild classrooms.

Held at Faleatiu Primary School premises, the village, school and the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.), Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster who is also the M.P for Aana Alofi No.4 welcomed the Ambassador of Germany to Samoa, Nicole Menzenbach and her delegation for the official signing ceremony of the $30,000 donation.

The purpose is to rebuild the main building that houses classrooms after it was devastated by a fire two months ago.

With SAT$30,000 worth of building materials funded by the Embassy, the two-storey building which contains four classrooms will be rebuilt within the school compound with the village committee to provide labour for the project. 

Meanwhile, Toesulusulu also surprised the school and village with another good news. He said the school will also be receiving a container of furniture to be used by the students and staff for a better educational environment and atmosphere.

He added that the donation is from the Swire Shipping Company who also recently donated furniture to Satapuala Primary School in the neighbouring village.

Asked whether the school will expect other classrooms and buildings to be completed before school starts next year, the Minister said they hope for the better.

"Until we find more money and donation but for now, we have received donation and we will talk with the others on what fundraising events they're working on and look at some other grants we can approach," he added.

The Minister added that he is also looking and liaising with the district committee for assistance from the $1million district development project for the school.

The Ambassador highlighted the significance and contribution of Germany in supporting the education sector in Samoa and stressed that they made a wise decision in helping the children of Faleatiu rebuild their academic future.

"Education and climate change is one of the priorities of the German Government so we are proud that we can contribute a little to the education system of Samoa," she said.

"On behalf for the German Government, I would like to thank the Samoan people for their friendship and partnership and for having us."

The Ambassador and her delegation, as well as the Minister were presented with gifts for their kind donations and assistance to the school amid their unprecedented time.

Meanwhile, the school has become a centre for learning on this side of the Aana district and has been embraced by the Ministry of Education and the Samoa Government in providing five teachers including the principal. It has classes for Years 1–8 for 112 children and the building initially was built by the Government of Japan. 

This assistance is part of the German government’s support towards the education sector in Samoa. Faleatiu Primary School is the third school project supported by Germany in 2023.