The Palauli Sisifo College and Samalaeulu Primary School dedicated new school buildings this week which were made possible through funding courtesy of the Government of Japan. 

The College secured WST$526,000 funding under the Embassy of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects (G.G.P.).

Similar to the Samalaeulu Primary School, their newly improved school facilities valued at $522,000 was financed through the same scheme that promotes education development at the grassroot level. 

Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, Senta Keisuke handed over the buildings to school committees in the presence of the Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio and Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane this week. 

Students, teachers and village representatives from the districts witnessed the handover ceremony.  

The Palauli Sisifo College encountered many difficulties due to constraints in resources to accommodate school activities in previous academic years. However, the assistance provides upgraded classrooms and a better environment for students learning in the district. 

As for the Samalaeulu Primary School, the initial building for the school was built in 1996 and deteriorated over the years due to exposure to natural disaster.

A press statement from the Embassy of Japan stated that the Embassy is pleased to be part of the development of Samalaeulu Primary School. 

“Japan’s assistance through this project indicates its commitment to prioritise the development of basic education by improving and upgrading the facilities of a number of schools across Samoa,” the statement reads.

“The G.G.P. aims to support small-scale projects directly benefitting the grass-roots level, as well as contributing to the socio-economic development of the Samoa.

“It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the Governments and the peoples of Japan and Samoa.” 

The Japan Embassy's Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects particularly implements grass-roots level projects in various sectors throughout Samoa. 

As of today the project has supported 215 projects in Samoa since its inception in 1991.