Japan helps Itu-o-Tane College & Falease’ela Primary School Infrastructure 

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – June 30, 2026 – Two schools in Samoa, the Falease’ela Primary School at Lefaga and Itu-o Tane College in Savaii, have been awarded grants under Japan’s Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) to support their infrastructure improvements.

The ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Mr Ryotaro Suzuki emphasized that the selection process involved a thorough assessment of each applicant’s urgency, necessity, feasibility, and capacity to implement the projects.

Both schools were chosen because their needs are critical and pressing.

In Savai’i, Itu-o Tane College’s Parents and Teachers Association has been granted up to SAT370,354 to support major repairs to the school’s existing buildings, which have deteriorated over the past 30 years.

Principal Sale Faletolu expressed his gratitude for the assistance from Japan’s embassy and ambassador His Excellency Mr. Ryotaro Suzuki.

He explained that last year, during heavy rains, water leaked through the roof damaging two computers and affected the students’ learning.

This situation made the school realize the urgent need for repairs to improve the safety and functionality of the buildings.

The principal emphasized that the community cannot afford such extensive repairs on their own, not due to lack of resources but because of limitations in initiative, planning, and implementation.

Members of Falease’ela District including the Member of Parliament and Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe and Japan’s Ambassador, H.E Mr Suzuki Ryotaro after singing the SAT365,681 to improve the Falease’ela Primary School’s infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Falease’ela Primary School will receive up to SAT365,681 to construct two new classrooms and a library.

Currently, the school faces a shortage of classrooms; students in Year 4 and Year 5, as well as Year 7 and Year 8, are forced to share classrooms due to limited space.

This new facility will significantly improve the learning environment for 186 students and eight teachers, providing a more comfortable and effective space for education.

The Embassy of Japan expressed hopes this aid will have a lasting, positive impact on both the students and the wider village community.

Both projects aim to enhance the schools’ infrastructure, creating safer and more conducive environments for learning.