Safotu Primary School in Savaii is the latest recipient to receive funding assistance under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) for the reconstruction of a new school building that will house eight classrooms, a staff room, library and a new toilet block.
The Singing Ceremony to formalise this assistance was held earlier today (24 September) at the Embassy in Apia.
The Grant Contract was signed between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki and Minister of Health and Acting President of Safotu Primary School Committee, Hon. Faimalotoa Iemaima Kolokita Stowers to secure funds of up to USD 105,019 (approximately SAT 273,000).
The current school building has been serving Safotu’s community for thirty years in its location near the sea and has deteriorated due to natural disasters.
Upon completion of the project, it is expected that the School Committee will complete the relocation of the school inland as part of its resilience efforts to ensure safety from the risks of being near the coastline.
Japan’s GGP was specifically designed for such project that will improve educational facilities and learning opportunities for children to excel academically.
A total of 180 students and 11 teachers, parents and the whole community of Safotu will directly benefit from the reconstruction project of Safotu Primary School.
Japan’s GGP has provided funding assistance for 189 community projects since 1991 at an estimated total value of USD 11 million (SAT 29 million) across Samoa.
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