The Government of Japan’s commitment to grassroots development in Samoa was further strengthened earlier today (30 June) through two Grant Contract Signing Ceremonies held at the Embassy of Japan in Apia, under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Projects (GGP).
Since the GGP was introduced in Samoa in 1991, more than 230 projects have been implemented to date, of which more than 150 have supported schools. For GGP2026 (April 2026 – March 2027), applications were received from more than 10 schools. The selection process was conducted through a comprehensive assessment of factors such as urgency, necessity, feasibility, and each applicant’s capacity to implement the project.
H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, signed the grant contracts with the representatives of the two organizations selected through this process.
The Faleaseela Primary School Development Committee, in Lefaga and Faleaseela District, Upolu, received a grant of up to SAT365,681 to construct a new school building comprising two classrooms and a library, providing adequate learning space. At present, the students in Years 4 and 5, as well as Years 7 and 8, are required to attend combined classes due to the insufficient number of classrooms. The new facility will help address this challenge by providing separate learning spaces and improving the overall learning environment, directly benefiting 186 students and 8 teachers.
The Itu o Tane College Parents and Teachers Association, in Savaii, received a grant of up to SAT370,354 to assist with major repairs to existing school buildings that have significantly deteriorated over the past 30 years. The project will rehabilitate the existing single-storey building, comprising 10 classrooms and an external corridor. The rehabilitation works will also include repairs to the roof, ceilings, floors, walls, doors, windows, and other essential building components. These improvements are expected to enhance the learning and teaching environment for both 330 students and 25 teaching and administrative staff members.
The Government of Japan looks forward to the successful implementation of these projects and is confident that they will have a lasting positive impact on the communities involved. Japan remains committed to working closely with local communities to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of education for all through its GGP programme.
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