The new school building at Samatau Primary School has positively impacted students and staff claims Principal Fetu Makerita Mulipola.

The $400,000 building boasting 23 classrooms is significantly larger and more accommodating than the previous two-storey building. The project was funded by the Japanese government and funds were signed over in August.

Students of Samatau Primary School are now learning in their new classrooms.

“They (students) were so happy when they came in our first day, straight after the opening, they even sat their exams in the new classrooms,” said Fetu.

 “The new building is not just a structure; it's now a safe, comfortable environment for our students,” Fetu added.

“In the old building, we were concerned about the safety of the students, but this new design allows us to take care of them much better.”

The new school also features essential facilities, including a canteen and designated bathroom areas, as well as two blackboards in each classroom, something the previous building never had.

In addition to spacious classrooms, the school has a brand-new library equipped with laptops that were gifted to the school.

School librarian Seleta Siaki said even though the school had not officially opened the library to the students, they were excited.

“We had a library before, but it was just a small room. Now, we have a well-equipped space that our students are excited about,” said Siaki.

With more than 10 years of teaching at the school, Siaki was happy to finally be able to move openly inside the new library to organise the 200-plus books they have.

With seven teachers, who are all women, available for the 238 students, the school still needs additional staff to maintain a balanced teacher-to-student ratio.

Fetu pointed out that, “Currently, some classes have as many as 42 students. We still need teachers. At least two or three more.”

Year four teacher Mere Seti, who has been a teacher at the school for three years said the new classrooms have given her a creative space to decorate the room for her students.

“It’s a big space for the students to learn, now it’s even more interesting to deliver the lessons because the students will enjoy the classroom more,” said Seti.