PR - Samoa Primary School, in partnership with UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) is taking climate smart innovative agro-ecology project to the next level, to become Samoa’s first ever GREEN SCHOOL.

 With this aim, the school has undertaken transformative initiatives to educate students into protecting the environment, adapting to climate change and building a non-dependant fossil fuel society. The school believes that having a GREEN SCHOOL would not only instil green and healthy living into their students but also will have a trickle effect, as students expose members of their own families and friends in the process. 

The GREEN SAMOA PRIMARY SCHOOL concept is supported (but not limited) to the following four sub-projects/initiatives: 1. Adapting and Living with Clean Energy - create a demonstration science laboratory with sustainable solar energy and water supply rainwater harvest system 2. Planting My Tree for Our Future -planting over 1,972 trees to counter over 400,000kg CO2 emissions 3. Sustainable Teaching Garden “Eat What You Grow” -creating green gardens, compost system and recycling models within school 4. Climate Change Week 2017 -public awareness and advocacy by students and teachers to showcase their climate change projects to influence Samoan readers.

Recently, the school received a gardening and landscaping award and a cash prize of SAT$2,400 from Bank of the South Pacific Ms. Anne Leauga (co-principal) proudly says that this award is a special testimony of the substantive contribution from the students and the parents. Ms. Leauga further added that this award is in line with the school vision, to provide balanced and broad-based education which encompasses academic, social and cultural values that enable young people to realise their potential; thereby contributing to Samoa’s future development.

The co principals at Samoa Primary know the importance and relevance of environment as a subject in Samoan schools.  “Nowadays the teachers are talking a lot more about the importance of saving the environment in general. There is a great deal of awareness on smart innovative agro-ecology to the young students, the parents, teachers, and its importance for the community,” says Ms. Leauga.   

“This GEF-SGP funded project has truly showcased the importance of conserving and promoting a green environment especially in terms of food security and healthy eating for our students,” said Ms. Leauga. 

“Conservation efforts and project implementation takes time and patience to realistically produce results. However, what Samoa Primary has achieved in the space of twelve months is extremely motivational and sets the par high for other grantees to follow” said Mr. Lilomaiava Filifilia Iosefa (SGP Sub Regional Coordinator). In addition, he looks forward to continued educational changes and collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Education, supporting environmental education for a better future.