The Government of Japan continues to extend its development assistance to villages, schools, hospitals, and NGOs across Samoa. Avele College celebrated the handing-over of a new hall earlier today (19 July) held at the school compound.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke, represented his government at the event. The ceremony was attended by the Hon. Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Papaliʻi Liʻo Ta’eu Masipa’u, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Culture, and distinguished guests.
Japan’s assistance was formalised last October, with a grant amount of USD 222,517 (approximately SAT 612,000) provided under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) to fund the reconstruction of a single-storey school hall building with a stage, kitchen, and toilets.
Recognising the importance of having a school hall, the PTA sought Japan’s assistance with the aim of providing a suitable and functional space for the college’s students, teachers, staff members, and the wider community. It is anticipated that the project will empower the school with the best resources to achieve academic excellence and will greatly assist in accommodating school activities.
Japan places a high priority on supporting education, believing it plays a crucial role in developing a child’s capability and a nation’s capacity. Japan’s GGP was introduced in 1991 to respond directly to the basic human needs at the grass-roots level, with 226 projects successfully completed.
Speech by Ambassador H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke
