Ads by Google Ads by Google

Emergency cabinet meeting called over DOE crisis

Following the delay of the new school year for the Department of Education, Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga called an Emergency Cabinet meeting at his office yesterday, to mandate directors and agency heads to participate full force in the Adopt-A School initiative.

 

Last week, DOE Director, Vaitinasa Dr Salu Hunkin-Finau moved to delay the starting of school, following the Department of Health inspection of the schools on sanitation issues in the cafeterias, restrooms and classrooms. The public schools are now slated to officially begin on Monday, August 19, 2013  said Vaitinasa.

 

Of the 46 private and public schools, ten public and two private schools have been cited for sanitation problems. Dr. Hunkin-Finau stated that “They (DOH) looked at the cafeterias, bathrooms and total grounds including the classrooms; it’s not just bathrooms and cafeterias, which are in a much more critical condition, and these issues need to be addressed right this moment.”

 

The DOE Director is appealing to members of the public, village councils, businesses, associations, churches and organizations to lend a helping and help with the cleaning and renovation of the classrooms of each school nearby. 

 

Governor Lolo told his cabinet members he has received emails from directors saying they don’t have funding and manpower to participate in the clean-up of schools.

 

“Find a way — that’s the biggest issue we are facing today is to change the mindset of our people, because this has to be done. That’s what leaders are here to do, we don’t find excuses, rather we help, and this is what we are going to and it’s the spirit of giving back to the community.”  

 

He applauded the DOE Director for requesting help, adding the schools have been neglected for many years — and that will now change.

 

The schools cited and recommended by DoH to close down included two high schools—Fagaitua High School and Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School; while Elementary Schools consisted of Afonotele, Aua, Coleman (Pago Pago), Le’atele (Fagasa), Matafao ECE Program, Pava’ia’i, Siliaga (Aoloau) and Tautalatasi Tuato’o Alofau. Two private schools are on the list: Marist St. Francis Elementary and Ta’iala Academy. 

 

Lolo further stated to the cabinet members to participate and assign employees to go out to the schools and assist with the clean up and the sanitation of the schools. “Starting today make a plan for participation in the program, you have to organize that — your people are there to lend a hand.”

 

The governor also commended the directors, who have reached into their pockets to purchase the needed materials for the clean-up. Lolo noted Samoan Affairs was assigned to Fagaitua Early Childhood Education and Paramount Chiefs are seen mowing the lawn, and it sends a message that it’s not just the “title” that “we rely on, but whatever we can pass on to the young people”.

 

He also instructed the DoH director Motusa Tuileama Nua to conduct inspections of ECE schools and Day Care Centers on island. The DoH Director told Samoa News they will start their inspections on the ECE’s, although some have already been inspected. Day Care Centers inspections will start next week.

 

BUDGET HEARINGS

 

During the emergency cabinet meeting Governor Lolo also said he expects all the directors and agency heads to attend their budget hearings before the Fono.

 

“If you are off island, we will request to cancel the hearing until your return, we don’t expect to see any Deputy Director before the Fono to make your budget proposal,” he stated.

 

Following the cabinet meeting, Governor Lolo was surprised with two birthday cakes — one from his wife, First Lady Cynthia Moliga and one from the staff at the Governor’s office.