“The policy is in place with the biggest hope that it will help to ease the burden placed on parents during this time of the year and in the future”
Food must not be provided for examiners by the families of students, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) reminded yesterday.
The ban, which has been in place for some time, was re-enforced by the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Matafeo Falana’ipupu Aiafi.
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The ban is applied to examiners at all government schools across the country.
“The Ministry wants to remind people of this so that at every school, all parents and teachers are clear on it,” he said.
“The policy is in place with the biggest hope that it will help to ease the burden placed on parents during this time of the year and in the future."
“As we all aware from looking at the past, the examiners were fed by communities as well as families of children in schools."
“But the Ministry has decided that we should put a stop to it.”
Matafeo, however, admitted that he did see the difficulty faced by the community; as such hospitality is intrinsic to Samoan culture, which many people still hold onto.
“We all know about our culture, of how our people still want to give food in this kind of situation, and that is their own free will,” he said.
“But for the Ministry of Education, we said ‘no’.”
Speaking to Tanugamanono Primary School’s Principal, Siupapa Salevao, said the ban has been a huge help for Samoan families.
“The changes started last year when the policy was put into place,” he said.
“As a principal for eight years in the Vaimauga Constituency, this is a very good start for this country."
“In the past, some students did not turn up for their examination because the parent or didn’t have money to buy their fafaga."
“With many fa’alavelave as well as the increased costs of living that we are now facing, I think this is another ‘helping hand’ to Samoa.”
As a young mother, Atonauga Tavita said she is very grateful for the Ministry’s current policy.
“This will encourage parents to take their children to school,” she said.
“I salute the ministry for these changes.
“Best wishes to all the children of Samoa for their examinations.”
Samoa Primary Education Certificate Examinations started this week throughout the country.
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