Australia AID gives support to school

By Adel Fruean 15 December 2018, 12:00AM

The Australian Direct Aid Program (D.A.P.) donated 150 desks and chairs worth $30,000 to Divine Mercy Primary School on Thursday.  

During the handover ceremony, Acting Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Amanda Jewell said the donation is part of her Government’s contribution to providing a comfortable and friendly learning environment for the school.

“Australia has for many years, through the D.A.P. funded small scale communities, just like this one, to help improve the livelihoods of all Samoans by improving education, health and well-being for both children and the wider community,” Ms. Jewell said. 

“School desks and chairs play an extremely important part in the physical, moral and mental welfare of the students in their learning ability and focus.”

Amanda said D.A.P. is different from all their aid projects in Samoa. 

“It allows us to reach into villages, communities and make a direct and targeted impact on people’s lives by funding projects that are designed by the very communities that they are seeking to benefit.

“I would like to commend the school Parents and Teachers Association committee and all concerned for this wonderful initiative. 

“We may provide the funds but the vision, the idea, the work and the commitment to improve education in your community, are all yours,” she added.

School principal, Sister Caroline Tevaga acknowledged the kind assistance.

“There are a lot of challenges faced by our school but earlier this year there was a great need of new chairs and desks because they were damaged by termites.

“At the moment we have 217 students and 15 teachers; we have a pre-school and a primary school.”

By Adel Fruean 15 December 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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