Samoa Launches USD2.5M Educational System Transformation Grant Project

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 4 February 2026: The Ministry of Education Sports and Culture officially launched the Educational System Transformation Grant Project at Taumeasina Island Resort yesterday.

The project is supported by a USD 2.5 million grant and focuses on strengthening the foundation of education in Samoa, especially Early Childhood Education (ECE), Primary and Secondary Levels.

“When the foundation is strong, time is not wasted, opportunities are not lost, and the future is protected,” said Rev. Iese Uele of the EFKS church Vaiala who led the ceremony in a prayer service.

The Educational System Transformational Project aims to improve the quality of learning from the earliest years through to Secondary Level.

By focusing on these key stages, the project seeks to ensure that children build strong basic skills such as reading, writing and numeracy.

At the launch event, education leaders and partners highlighted the importance of investing in foundational education. They emphasized that a strong Early Childhood Education, Primary and Secondary educational system are the backbone of a successful educational system and are critical to the social and economic development of Samoa.

Sadar Umar Alam Director, UNESCO Regional Office for Pacific States, stated during his presentation that “the quality of teachers is key.”

The Education System Transformation Grant Project will support improvements in education policies, teachings and learning practices, and school leadership.

It will also help strengthen teacher training, improve resources and support better planning and use of data to track student progress at all levels.