The students of Vaiola College in Savai'i will no longer have to gather outside in the sun and on the field when the school hosts activities such as sports days, culture days and graduations. 

This follows the opening of the Church College's new gymnasium on Friday.  The momentous occasion was well attended by the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, students, teachers, parents, and members of the L.D.S. church in Savai'i. 

In the past years, the school would host activities out on the field, in the sun, and would travel to Fusi at the Church's Stake Center for graduations, according to the Vice Principal, Tupa'i Taleni Tufuga. 

While Tupa'i did not want to reveal the total cost of the project, he told the Samoa Observer that the whole project cost over a million tala. 

Tupa'i paid tribute to the work and dedication of previous school principals of the college, who worked hard to secure a gymnasium for the school. 

"This is not something that was planned just four or five years ago," he told the Samoa Observer.  "I think it has been more than ten years since this project was planned. It was something that the previous School Principals of this college worked hard to achieve and make this dream a reality. 

"Starting from the time of Brother Liu, Brother Taleni, and Brother Lolo. For so many years, they kept knocking on the doors to find a way for this project to become what it is now. As you may know, projects such as this are not cheap and they cost a lot of money. 

"That was one reason why it took years for the project to be approved and to start. 

"But now that it is complete, we give thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father for his blessings."

Tupa'i said they are appreciative and grateful that their dream has come true, with the opening and completion of the project.

"For so many years, when the school has activities, they were done outside on the field, in the sun. I think that was one of the reasons why the proposal was approved. 

"We have a school hall, but it is not enough to shelter the whole school and an audience. Hence why we had to host it outside on the field. 

"And when we have prize givings, we used to travel to Fusi and use the Stake Center there because it has enough space to host all the students and parents. 

"But we are so happy and grateful that we now have a proper place for our school gatherings and activities. 

"It's something that was needed and we are blessed to have been able to witness the opening of this project."

The gymnasium, has a full basketball court, a weight room with full sets of equipment for exercising, a storage room, and bathrooms. 

"These are all good qualities," said Tupa'i.

"All the equipment and supplies were imported from overseas, which was one of the reasons why it was delayed. Because we had to find the best quality products for this project so it will last. 

"For our church, whenever we have projects, they look for the best quality products to use, to make sure that the project will last long and benefit those who will use it."