The government yesterday distributed about $6million tala for private and mission schools around Samoa to help with their needs this year.

The Catholic Schools received the most funding of $1.9million with the Congregational Christian Church Schools receiving $1.01million.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, presented the money. 

In addressing the school representatives yesterday, Tuilaepa said that in 1984 when the H.R.P.P came into power, they only had $50,000 to distribute.

But dramatic growth reflects the growth in the government’s ability to help as well as the demand from the schools.

Every year, Tuilaepa said there is a delay in handing out the assistance due to the delay in reports from the schools.

But this year is different as all the schools were able to submit their reports to allow the government to do its work.

 “I also know that this is the most crucial time when all of you need this financial support because it’s the beginning of the year and you need to lay down all your annual plans which this financial support will be used for.”

The Prime Minister explained that the amount of funding for each school is determined by the number of students on the roll.

 “I know some schools have complained that the funding in the past years have decreased but it’s because the number of their students have also decreased,” he said.

He acknowledged the hard work that the head of schools have been doing in teaching the children of Samoa.

“I know most of the church schools also teach religion. That is a great way of teaching the students about God’s ways so that when they grow up they will know the path to take in life.”

Six schools have not been given their share as the government awaits their reports. The event was held at the Cabinet’s Office in the Government Building.

Allocation:

Catholic Schools - $1.9milliom

Don Bosco Alafua - $65,000

Don Bosco Savaii - $111,000

C.C.C.S Schools – $1.01million

Methodist - $609,000

Laumua o Punaoa - $130,201.00

Uesiliana - $51,000

S.D.A. - $268,000

Manumalo Baptist - $34,000

Manumalo Baptist Tuanai - $88,000

Baptist Church Primary Tuanai - $73,000

Asau Baptist Primary - $21,000

PRIVATE SCHOOLS:

Le Amosa - $20,000

Peace Chapel - $80,000

R.L.S.S. - $217,000

Samoa Primary School - $129,000

Vaiala Beach School - $53,000

Loto Taumafai - $98,000

Fiamalamalama School - $32,000

Senese - $24,000

S.V.S.G. - $54,000