The Ministry of Education and Culture have announced a Blackout Period for all schools starting today Monday 9th June 2025.
In a special announcement posted on the Ministry socials, the MEC CEO says this is in response to the unexpected public holidays imposed by Samoa’s snap elections now confirmed for Friday 29th August 2025.
That means:
❌ NO more school visits by any organisation or persons
❌ NO more programs or disruptions
✅ FULL focus on students and teachers as they work hard to complete the curriculum before their final and national exams.
“As of today, June 9th, we officially enter the Blackout Period for all schools, as announced last week by our CEO of the Ministry of Education Afioga A’e’au Chris Hazelman.”
“We understand that a snap election was not in the school calendar for this year, but we don’t take our students’ education lightly. Their success in exams and Internal Assessments, especially for our college students, is a top priority.”
🔔 IMPORTANT: Only programs that were already approved by the Association of Principals and the Ministry will continue.
✅ This includes sports like rugby and other scheduled team events
❌ But NOT athletics this year, as the National Apia Park is currently under renovation.
“We kindly ask all parents and communities to support our learners. Encourage them to maximize their time at home for study and homework.”
“And to those planning surprise visits to schools during this time…
👉🏽 Please… stop, drop, and roll—right back home 😂
The CEO has also voiced concerns on the impact on student education from Samoa’s preparations for the August 29th general elections.
In 2021, 80% of election officers were made up of school teachers. That has been common for general elections held in March – April at the beginning of a school year. This time, 29 August is too close to crucial end of year assessments as well as national and regional exams.
For election candidates who may be school principals and teachers, Aeau Chris Hazelman says this is also an area that would impact on students – if they lose teachers halfway through the school year, the transition when switching teachers is not always easy for students.
And finally, there has never been an election where school buildings are used for Election Booths and again, this impacts on education for teachers and students who have to clear out their classrooms to be set up as booths.
#EducationFirst #ExamTime #SupportOurStudents #NoDistractions #MECUpdates #BlackoutPeriod #SnapElection
- Ombudsman Pays Tribute to Maiava Iulai Toma - August 27, 2026
- Five Samoan Scholars Set to Pursue Higher Education in Japan - August 27, 2026
- Commonwealth Medalists Honored by Vodafone Samoa with Gifts - August 21, 2026
