Students of Vailele Primary school will enjoy their own library when they return to school for the 2022 academic year.
The new library was handed over by Bank South Pacific to the Principal and School Committee during a special ceremony on Thursday 30th December 2021 at Vailele Primary School.
The project which costs ST$20,000 tala included the refurbishing and expansion of an existing room plus book shelves, books, benches, tables, chairs, an air conditioning unit, a new computer set and a printer for student use.
The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Dr. Siaosi Salesulu of the Congregation Christian Church of Samoa (EFKS) at Vailele in the presence of the high chief Afioga i le Falefia o Alii Samoa Malae, members of the school committee, Principal and teachers, BSP Country Head Taituuga Maryann Lameko-Vaai, and BSP staff members.
In her opening remarks Taituuga Maryann reiterated BSP’s committment to community development not only in Samoa but also in other markets where BSP operates in.
“BSP’s objective is to prioritise key issues that are crucial to the development of our communities..
“One of those issues is literacy and encouraging our children to read as a fundamental part of their educational journey. We hope that this humble project will be used to support the work of our tireless teachers and we praise God for the resources that we have been given to complete this important project.”
Principal Tofilau accepted the project and expressed his gratitude to BSP for answering his prayers.
A library has been his long term dream since he commenced work with Vailele Primary School 3 years ago.
In his speech, Mr Tofilau Resitala said, “Literacy is the heart of every school, which is why every school must have a library. Our school committee deserves a commendation for their vision and perseverance in finding a way to fulfill the dream of building a library for Vailele Primary School..
“As well, I would like to express my gratitude to BSP for supporting our dream.”
Mr Tofilau Resitala added that with a library, they can now ask for more books from different donors knowing that they have a secure space to keep them.
The official cutting of the ribbon was conducted by Mrs Samoa Malae who is a retired teacher from Fagaitua High School in American Samoa. Before cutting the ribbon, she said; “I am opening this “bank” where students who use this library will be successful in the future and contribute to the growth of our economy and their own personal wealth.”
The new library is one of numerous projects BSP has undertaken for various communities over the years. Every year, BSP Group rolls out projects under different themes.
BSP Samoa projects have included communal water tanks in villages in Upolu and Savaii, installation of solar lights for Falealili Primary School, numerous projects for SVSG the Samoa Victim Support Group, assistance towards children with disabilities at Aoga Fiamalamalama and the building of lavatories and bathroom facilities for the Poutasi Hospital to name a few.
BSP Samoa also offers annual scholarships for students who are performing well in school but their families are facing financial challenges with payment of school fees.
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