More than 1,000 students and 30 teachers across four primary schools in Savaiʻi are set to benefit from improved internet connectivity following the official launch of the Last Mile Connectivity Project at Faga Primary School today.
Led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) with support from the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and Japan Telecommunications Engineering and Consulting Services (JTEC), the initiative connects Faga, Siufaga, Safotulafai and Salelavalu Primary Schools.
The impact of the project was demonstrated live during the launch, with students from all four participating schools joining the programme via Zoom from their respective schools.
Students addressed the gathering and expressed their appreciation to Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, the Government of Samoa, and the donors and development partners involved for providing their schools with improved internet connectivity.
CONNECTING SAMOA’S NEXT GENERATION
Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt described reliable connectivity as increasingly important in a world where technology and telecommunications continue to rapidly transform how people communicate, learn and access information.
The Prime Minister reflected on the significant changes in communications over the years — from a time when Samoans relied on postal services, physical letters and travelling to a post office or one of the few homes in a district with access to a telephone.
Today, mobile phones, email and internet services have made communication almost instantaneous.
The Prime Minister thanked APT and JTEC for their contribution to improving connectivity in Samoa and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring development opportunities reach communities across both Upolu and Savaiʻi.
“What is good for Upolu is good for Savaiʻi,” the Prime Minister said.
INTERNET ACCESS COMES WITH RESPONSIBILITY
While welcoming the opportunities created by improved internet access, the Prime Minister also stressed the importance of protecting children and young people from the potential harms of the online environment.
He called on MCIT and schools to establish appropriate safeguards and urged parents to remain actively involved in monitoring what their children access and view online.
The Prime Minister also highlighted concerns surrounding the misuse of social media, including fake Facebook pages, online abuse and negative and derogatory language.
EXPANDING CONNECTIVITY
APT Secretary-General Dr Masanori Kondo expressed his appreciation to the Government of Samoa, participating schools and villages for their support in achieving the project’s objectives.
He acknowledged the combination of expertise, resources and work on the ground that made the initiative possible and expressed hope that its success would contribute to further expansion of connectivity across the Pacific.
MCIT CEO Leasoiloafaleupolu Ronnie Aiolupotea welcomed the achievement and expressed his hope that the initiative could be extended to other parts of Savaiʻi.
The official launch was facilitated by Masaaki Iwasawa, Vice President (Engineering) of Japan Telecommunications Engineering and Consulting Services, while Rev. Fiafia Toleafoa of EFKS Sifaga acknowledged the Government and those involved in bringing improved internet connectivity to the school and community.
The Last Mile Connectivity Project represents another step towards bridging Samoa’s digital divide, providing rural students with greater access to online learning, information and opportunities while strengthening digital inclusion across the country.
