The Government of Japan once again continues to assist the Big Island of Savaii with the
development of education at its grass-roots level.
Samalaeulu Primary School received their newly improved school facilities under Japan’s Grant
Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) through a handover ceremony held
earlier today (17 June) at the school’s compound.
His Excellency, Mr. 1 SENTA Keisuke, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan
to Samoa, handed over the renovated classrooms and a new hall with the administration building
to the School Committee in the presence of Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, Acting Prime
Minister and Member of Parliament for Gagaemauga No.1 constituency, Hon. Seuula Ioane,
Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Sports
and Culture, students, parents, principal and teachers.
The project was largely funded with a grant worth up to USD $203,876 equivalent to SAT
$522,491.03.
The new project successfully upgraded the school’s former building that was built in 1996, which
was deteriorated over the past years due to its age and exposure to natural disasters.
The Government of Japan though its GGP is pleased to be part of the development process in the
upbringing of Samalaeulu Primary School students, hence, is donating the new school facilities
at a substantial amount.
Japan’s assistance through this project indicates its commitment to prioritize the development of
basic education by improving and upgrading the facilities of a number of schools across Samoa.
The GGP 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.