Students at Saipipi Primary School on the big island of Savai'i can now enjoy learning facilities that are equal to or the envy of any other school in Samoa's. 

The school opened their new nearly $444,000 building on Friday courtesy of the Embassy of Japan who funded the vast bulk of the school project. Japan contributed more than $320,000 to starting the project. 

The special milestone was celebrated by hundreds of students, teachers, and the village of Saipipi who gathered together to witness the auspicious occasion. 

The caretaker Prime Minister, caretaker Minister of Education, and Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, Genichi Terasawa were among the special guests. 

Reverend Ulale Sakaria of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Saipipi, officiated the ceremony and spoke on the theme: "Opening of the future."

The caretaker P.M., Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi spoke on behalf of the caretaker Government to congratulated the village for completing such an important project. 

Tuilaepa said education has always been a Samoan priority and that a "well-educated nation is a wealthy nation."

Tuilaepa also highlighted the importance of developing schools within the rural areas of Samoa, and in Savai'i so that parents do not have to travel all the way to Upolu for their children's studies. 

He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the elders of the village who had pushed and worked hard for another school building to be built for the students of Saipipi. 

Tuilaepa commended the hard work of the teachers and staff of Saipipi Primary, saying the students' results have improved over the years with a few performing particularly well in national exams. 

Ambassador Genichi Terasawa spoke on behalf of the Embassy of Japan to congratulate the school upon the completion of such a milestone. 

He also urged the teachers and students to use the facilities wisely and hope that the new facilities will inspire and encourage students to keep striving for a better future. 

Tutuaitu Samuelu from the village of Saipipi spoke on behalf of the school committee to deliver the financial report for the project. 

Tutuaitu said the construction works for the newly opened school building took them four months to complete. 

The Embassy of Japan donated a total of $320,449.72. The village of Saipipi donated $88,800 to assist with the project, while the women's Committee kindly offered a total of $5,500. 

Tutuaitu acknowledged the kind assistance of the Embassy of Japan and expressed his heartfelt gratitude. 

He also commended the caretaker Government for working hard for Samoa and for Savai'i's development.