The Minister of Education and Culture, Seuula Ioane has lauded the dedication and perseverance of educators and communities in rural areas across Upolu and Savai'i.

Addressing parliament on Tuesday, Seuula Ioane emphasised the remarkable contributions of these unsung heroes towards the academic success of students hailing from rural colleges.

Despite observing no significant overall improvement in national examination results last year, Seuula underscored a noteworthy shift, particularly evident among rural students. 

He attributed this positive trend to the relentless efforts of students, teachers, and the supportive communities they belong to.

Highlighting the commendable achievements, Seuula proudly announced that some of the top-performing students in the national examinations hailed from Savai'i and rural areas. 

These students, he noted, not only excelled but also showcased remarkable improvement over the years, reflecting their commitment to academic excellence.

Seuula celebrated the academic progress of male students, as evidenced by the examination results. 

In a call to action, the Minister urged educators, parents, church ministers, and the wider community to continue their invaluable support in fostering a conducive learning environment. 

Emphasising the integral role of each stakeholder, Seuula reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in driving educational advancement at every level across Samoa.

He expressed heartfelt appreciation towards the various district offices across Samoa for their unwavering commitment to prioritising education. 

This commendation comes in light of the district offices' initiative to allocate funds from the government's $1 million grant towards educational endeavours as part of the district development project.

He applauded the majority of district offices for extending support to paying tuition fees for students, particularly those enrolled in universities. 

This move, according to Seuula, not only alleviates financial burdens on parents but also ensures uninterrupted education for children across Samoa, including those from low-income families.

With the National University of Samoa's tuition fees due this month, it has been revealed that district offices have adopted diverse policies to support students financially. 

While some offices have opted to cover the entire school fees for students in the first semester, others have committed to paying 50 percent of tuition fees per student, requiring families to cover the remaining portion.