The Government of Japan and Sagone Primary School have celebrated the handover of a new school building at the new location of the school’s compound in Savaii.
The project was largely funded through Japan’s ongoing scheme of Grant Assistance for Grass- Roots Human Security Projects (GGP), with a grant worth up to US $119,975 equivalent to SAT $295,286.73 provided over to the Sagone Primary School committee.
On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in Samoa on the handing over ceremony of Japan’s assistance was Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, Isao Kishi.
Associate Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Alai’asa Moefa’auouo Sepulona Moananu attended the ceremony along with parents, teachers and students of Sagone Primary School.
Sagone Primary School received funds for construction of 8 new classrooms, a staff room, a library or computer lab and a toilet block at a new location in an effort to provide a much safer location away from near the main road as well as to provide a better learning environment for the children of Sagone.
The school’s former location had made it difficult to carry out other important sports activities due to the limited outdoor space as well as its proximity to the main road triggering an unsafe access of the children in and out of the school compound if the traffic volume increases.
The Government of Japan said through its GGP it is pleased to be part of the development process in the upbringing of Sagone Primary students, hence, is donating the new school building 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 grassroots 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 people of Japan and Samoa.
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