German Government help rebuild fire damaged Faleatiu Primary School

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, Samoa – 24 November 2023: The Government of Germany continues to support school projects in Samoa through her Consular office in Apia.

Germany’s ambassador to Samoa Nicole Menzenbacb noted the importance of her country’s support in Samoa’s development pathway especially in the area of education.

“Education plays an essential role in shaping a brighter future of our world. Not only does education allow children to grow into empowered adults, but it builds resilient communities who are able to stand together and find solutions for the challenges of tomorrow,” she said.

The Ambassador Menzenbach and the Honorary Consul Tagaloa Christa Szegedi recently presented a donation of $30,000 worth of building materials to the Faleatiu Primary School and labour provided by the school and village.

The donation will assist with repairing part of the school building that was recently destroyed by a fire.

The village’s Tuua Talimatasi Uili Matafeo expressed the village and school’s gratitude for the donation.

“It is unfortunate that fire destroyed the school building at a time of the year when children are facing their end of year exams,” he said.

He pointed out the friendship and history of Samoa and Germany dating back to the early 1900’s.

“We still see the developments that were started by Germany and it is heart-warming that the Samoa Government and its people have improved upon it,” said Talimatasi.

Faleatiu Primary School humble beginning
It was the dream of the village, especially parents residing inland to have a place for learning but within reach for their children rather than walking a distance daily to a school.

The school was built with 43 parents making up the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) and has become a centre for learning at this side of Aana district and has been embraced by the Ministry of Education and Government in providing 5 teachers including the Principal.

The school has 112 students children in Years 1 to Year 8.

The school was initially built by Japan and when fire destroyed part of the school building, the District’s Member of Parliament, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster approached the German Consular for assistance.