Speech by Ambassador H.E. Mr. TERASAWA Genichi on the Occasion of the Handover Ceremony of the Grant Contract of The Project for Expansion of Classroom Building for Leifiifi College under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects; (3 July 2020)
Lau Susuga le Fa’afeagaiga ole ta’ita’i ole sauniga,
Afio lau Afioga le Alii Palemia,
Fa’apea foi Minisita ole Kapeneta,
Fa’auluuluga ole Matagaluega o Aoga, Ta’aloga ma Aganu’u,
Aemaise lau Susuga le Peresitene, ma sui mamalu ole Komiti,
Fa’apea foi le Tamata’i Pule ma le vasega o faiaoga ole laumua nei,
E muamua ona ou fa’atalofa ma ou fa’afeiloa’i atu i le paia ma le mamalu ua potopoto mai lenei taeao matagofie.
It gives me great pleasure and honour to attend this handover ceremony on behalf of the Government of Japan.
Today, I have two messages to convey to all of you here.
First and foremost, to the students. You have the freedom to choose a pathway for your life. Your school performances determine the next step of your education. And achieving higher education such as studying in university or overseas can surely widen your life choices and allow you to improve the quality of your lives. I have read Afioga Tuilaepa’s memoir “Palemia”.
I was deeply moved by his life. When he was young, he went abroad to further his studies and assumed a high-ranking post at the international organization. It was an inspiring and successful life story.
However, he had to return back to this country to give back to his mother nation despite the success he had already achieved. Hon. Prime Minister made huge contribution for the development of Samoa.
This country is still in need of achieving excellence human resources. I hope the Prime Minister’s story inspires you today as well at this stage of your education can go far and beyond to contribute in building of your motherland.
Secondly, to all stakeholders of this school including parents and this community to ensure the quality education. I am incredibly happy to assist your efforts for better educational environment through this project for Leifiifi College.
However, there is something more important than school facilities. I believe it is quality education. The quality education is provided by quality teachers.
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture is always making great efforts for the capacity development of teachers through training programs.
It is my humble request to pay your utmost consideration so that your teachers can develop their capacity through supporting them materially and spiritually. Japan will continue assisting the projects for capacity development of teachers conducted by the Ministry, as well as our assistance to improve school facilities.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the School Committee, PTA, Principal and her staff for your concerted efforts. Without your enthusiasm, the project would not have achieved so successfully.
Ia avea lenei poloketi e saga fa’amausãli ai le faigauõ ma le faigapa’aga o malõ e lua o Iapani ma Samoa.
Momoli atu la’u fa’amalõ ma fa’amanuiaga mo le aga’i atu ile fa’aiuga o lenei tausaga fa’alea’oaoga.
Fa’afetai Lava,
Soifua.
