The Government of Japan and the Government of Samoa through the National University of Samoa (NUS) marked the commencement of the Project on Improvement of Facilities for the NUS Faculty of Health Science with a groundbreaking ceremony, held today (17 September) at the NUS campus.
The ceremony was attended by Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Prime Minister, Hon. Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo, Minister of Health, distinguished guests, representatives of the Government of Samoa, NUS and JICA, other stakeholders, and H.E. Mr. Ryotaro SUZUKI, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa.
The project is being implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Japan’s Grant Aid, following the Exchange of Notes signed in February 2024, which provided grant assistance of up to JPY 2.401 billion (approximately WST 48 million).
The project will provide new education facilities for the NUS Faculty of Health Science, including lecture rooms, a library, medical simulation and laboratory spaces, and a lecture theatre. These facilities will strengthen the learning environment for students and support the education and training of Samoa’s future healthcare professionals.
Japan’s partnership with NUS goes back nearly three decades, beginning with support for the development of the Le Papaigalagala Campus in the 1990s. This was followed by grant aid for the upgrading and expansion of Samoa Polytechnic, which became part of NUS in 2006, and JICA technical cooperation to strengthen technical and vocational education. The present project builds on this long-standing partnership. The project also reflects the priorities identified at the Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM9) in 2021 and Japan’s continued commitment to cooperation in health, education and human resource development, reaffirmed at PALM10.
The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting the improvement of health education in Samoa and looks forward to the successful implementation of this important project.
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