The village of Vaigaga celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new $6.5 million school building on Friday, a key project funded by the Samoa Pacific Resilience Project (PREP). 

Despite facing numerous delays, the two-story facility, completed between December and June, now stands as a testament to Samoa’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure.

The state-of-the-art building includes 13 classrooms, a science lab, a library, a computer lab, and renovated staff rooms. 

It is equipped with essential amenities such as fans, fire alarms, internet and facilities designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.

This project, valued at $6.5 million, is a pivotal part of Samoa’s broader initiative to fortify infrastructure against climate change impacts. 

Established in 1960, Vaigaga Primary School has undergone several transformations, with the latest modern facility replacing a building deemed vulnerable in a 2019 risk assessment.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who highlighted the project's importance at the groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023, emphasised the dual role of the new school. "This facility is not only a significant educational asset but also a crucial disaster evacuation site for our community," she said. "Climate change presents an unprecedented threat, and this project reflects our ongoing efforts to build resilient infrastructure."

Supported by the World Bank, PREP aligns with the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) to boost educational standards and safety. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the partnership, underscoring the collective effort needed to achieve the PDS goals and enhance resilience in Samoa’s educational infrastructure.