German Government forms Partnership with Nofoali’i Primary School

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 02 DECEMBER 2022: The partnership between the German Government through its Embassy in New Zealand and Consular Office in Samoa and the Nofoalii Primary School, has been strengthened with the launch of a German funded project for the school on Friday.

The German assistance “Project to Improve the Learning Conditions and Security” provided floor tiles, tile fix and fencing material worth more than ST$21,000 for the school.

The project was handed over by the German Consul to Samoa, Tagaloa Christa Szegedi to the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tu’uau at the Nofoalii Primary School on Friday 02 December 2022.

“The first objective of the project was to upgrade the classrooms with floor tiles. This will ensure the students and teachers work in a cleaner environment,” said Tagaloa Christa Szegedi.

“The second objective was the renovation of the school fence. This is vital with the school being close to the main road.”

The Nofoalii Primary school during the project launch.

She acknowledged German Ambassador in New Zealand, Her Excellency Nicole Mensenbach and the recently retired Ambassador Stefan Krawielicki who made it all possible.

Tagaloa said in October, a representative from the Embassy Debora Yaakoby visited Samoa to check on the project and was impressed with the progress.

She said this partnership project would not have been possible without the support of two key people from Nofoalii, the Associate Minister of Education who is also the district’s Member of Parliament, Agaseata Valelio Tanuvasa Peto and the school Principal whose hard work and dedication towards the school certainly needs to be praised.

“I also would like to acknowledge the hard work of the school committee and teachers towards this project. Having had the opportunity to visit the school several times, it has been a wonderful experience to see all the hard work and dedication here at the school when it comes to providing the children with their education,” she said.

The Nofoalii Primary school students showing their appreciation in a performance for their guests.

She said the partnership with the school is for the benefit of students who will be able to learn in a safer and clean environment.

“I can say with confidence that what we have created today will be of great benefit to the school in the years to come,” she said.

The A’ana Alofi 3 MP, Agaseata Valelio Tanuvasa Peto acknowledged the support and appreciation to the German Government.

“I would like to acknowledge our gratitude to the government and the people of Germany for the great financial aid. I hope this relationship between Germany and Nofoalii will carry on forever,” he said.

Celebration of a milestone
Although Germany and Samoa have a long shared history, it was not until 1972 that the official diplomatic relations were formed, 10 years after Samoa became the first South Pacific nation to attain political independence in 1962.

As part of the 60^th anniversary, the German Government funded 10 different school projects in the country.

“The aim of all these projects is to improve the learning environment for the children and going forward, I can assure you that our two countries will continue to work together on different issues of common interest such as education, health and climate change,” said Tagaloa who has been a longtime resident and has become a Samoan citizen.

The schools security fence being so close to the main road.

“This year, Samoa is celebrating 60 years of independence, and moving to Samoa with my family in 1984, I truly have seen and understand the importance of independence. As the German Consul to Samoa, I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the people of Samoa for this wonderful anniversary,” she said.

She referred to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges time for the education sector and the need to work together for the betterment of the children.

“This project with Nofoalii Primary School, I hope can be used as an example of when we all work together, we can bring about change and make things better,” she said.