Schools Connectivity Project for Savaii Opens

Staff Reporters

SAVAII, 27 MAY 2022: One of the FAST Governments social projects in its manifesto – to improve and provide internet access and connectivity to rural schools was launched this morning at the Alofi o Taoa College, Safune, Savaii.

The significance of the project was accented by the presence of the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the Minister of Education, Seuula Ioane and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo.

This is the continuation of the project started by FAST before last years’ general elections “in response to the call for internet access for rural students” but was stopped by the then government.

Alofi o Taoa College is one of 120 schools the project will cover to provide satellite internet access mainly to “black spot’’ areas not covered by cable or microwave links.

Minster Toelupe said the Schools Connectivity Project is part of the FAST governments’ vision to provide equal internet access for all students whether they are in Savaii or Upolu.

He said the loss of telecommunications after the recent volcanic eruption in neighbouring Tonga, affirms the Governments vision to provide satellite telecommunications especially for areas not accessed by other services.

Connectivity shortfalls exposed
Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa said when she first became the Minister of Education in 1990, millions of dollars had been poured since in to provide internet connectivity for students and teachers under the Schoolnet project.

However, the 2019 measles epidemic really exposed the shortfalls of the project when it was mostly needed then to provide lessons for students when the country went into isolation due to the measles epidemic that killed a hundred people – mostly babies.

These shortfalls carried on to the current Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns where the connectivity to provide online classes for schools and students remains a challenge.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for various Ministries and sectors to work together in order to ensure the projects’ success.

“Having a satellite dish on this school does not guarantee it will work for the students and teachers, as all with an input need to work together to ensure this works and achieve the goals its was set up to do.” PM Fiamē Naomi Mataafa. She also pointed out that the continuing problem that have hindered the success of these projects in the past, be it in Health or Education, was the failure for all to work together – from the School Committees, to the teachers and students to the Ministries involved. She also emphasized the importance of continuing maintenance.

In cutting the ribbon, the Minister of Education, Seuula Ioane, a former Headmaster himself, challenged the students and teachers of Alofi o Taoa College: “You’re breaking new barriers, use it well.”

The project is implemented by local telecommunications company Bluwave Wireless, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MCIT) and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC).