A new $1.9 million Robert Louis Stevenson Primary School will be built in Tafaigata next to RLS College signifying a new beginning.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new school was held on Friday morning.

Minister for Education Seuula Ioane Tuā'au said this was a new chapter for the school.

“I see possibility and the future, which begins now, in a new way. The school is about to embark on a new chapter,” he said.

"The region has been neglected and undervalued for its natural beauty for far too long, but today is about bringing the sense of community back. 

"Young brains will be able to solve complex problems and learn about scientific ideas in the new schools. Through both English and Samoan literature, the imaginations will soar."

Robert Louis Stevenson School (RLSS) was founded in 1987 by Janet Pierre and Vaniah Taule'alo, who did so at the two family homesteads in Siusega. Just 64 pupils were enrolled in the institution. 

The Robert Louis Stevenson School Trust was given permission to establish the primary school on the 10 boundaries of the property.

There are now 712 students total across the two schools, with 420 kids enrolled in the Primary School at Lotopa (Years 1 through to Year 7) and 297 students enrolled in Secondary School at Tafa’igata.

The boards have always intended for the two schools to be merged into a single site in order to create a seamless curriculum from Year 1 through Year 13.

"The founders were also recognised for their vision, and if they were there, they would no doubt be delighted that the primary and secondary schools will be housed on the same site starting the next year," said principal Fiaapia Devoe.

"We would like to express our gratitude to the Government of Samoa, who worked through the Samoa Land Corporation, for leasing ten hectares of land to the Secondary School in 1997. In 2017, the Primary School was able to secure a second lease for five hectares of land, which is the land they are currently on.”

 She also stated a heartfelt thanks to the Samoa National Provident Fund for providing $1.9 million to begin construction on their building.

The school is projected to be ready for the 2026 school year.