Japan hands over SUNGO’s new Training Centre

By Henrietta Tupu/

Apia – Samoa – 25 September 2025 – A new Training Centre Building for the Samoa Umbrella for Non-Government Organisations – SUNGO was officially handed over this morning.

The Training Centre costs $379,800 Tala and was funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass – Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) and adds to the main headquarters of SUNGO’s compound at Vaitele-tai.

The Centre features a large conference room, an office, a kitchen, storage space and accessible restrooms. It is designed to serve as a dynamic hub for over 230 NGOs and community stakeholders, hosting approximately 50 trainings sessions annually, each accommodating 30 to 60 participants.

SUNGO’s new Training Centre Building at its headquarters at Vaitele-tai.

In opening the project this morning, the Acting Prime Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o and Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, H.E. Ryotaro Suzuki jointly cut the ribbon to officially open the project then handed it over to the SUNGO President Lavea Lua Nafoi.

“This is not just a formal opening of a building but the opening of additional opportunities to continue the work run by SUNGO,” said Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o.

She also acknowledging the assistance by the Government of Japan and thanked Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, H.E. Ryotaro Suzuki for the support and assistance given to enable the successful completion and handover of the important project.

Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, H.E. Ryotaro Suzuki accepts a gift of appreciation for Japans assistance.

“SUNGO is very grateful for the grant from the Government of Japan that has made this building possible. Also, this facility will allow SUNGO to provide training for the hundreds of NGOs CSOs and CBOs that make up our membership,” said Lavea Lua Nafoi, President of SUNGO.

Fuimaono Vaitolo Ofoia, Chief Executive of SUNGO, said “This new facility will play an important role in strengthening Samoa’s Civil Society by providing a space for us to deliver targeted training in governance, community development and climate change mitigation. It reflects a shared commitment to human security and sustainable development at the grassroots level.”