Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Education Department held a joint ceremony on Monday this week at the Fagaitua High School campus to dedicate a new two-story building recognized as “Building E,” and a the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new facility.

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga delivered his remarks during the ceremony sharing a Samoan Proverb: “E le o le fale, a o le anoafale”. He noted that paramount to the building is what’s inside the building, what will be taught, those who will occupy it, “and how well you will preserve it for future generations,” according to the Governor’s Office statement.

“The funding of these new school buildings is from our working population, which includes our mothers and fathers, our sisters and brothers,” the governor said. “I urge you students, faculty, staff, and leaders to see that our facilities will last beyond our years.”

Building E was contracted to FTK Corporation which is managed by Faamausili Mau Mau Jr. and Tui Faamausili, with a budget of $850,500. Public Works director Faleosina Voigt presented the Certificate of Occupancy to Education director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli.

Building E is a two-story building consisting of ten classrooms, a Band Room, additional counselors’ offices, accessible ramps and connecting walkways to the other buildings on campus. The English, Social Studies, and Samoan Departments will occupy the new building.

Lemanu along with First Lady Ella, and Fagaitua principal Suaese Pooch Taase were joined by others in turning the first soil for the ground breaking ceremony for the new two-story building, with construction to begin thereafter. No information was available from the Governor’s Office on funding source for the new building.

The governor expressed “sincerest gratitude to the families who have donated their lands for these buildings to be erected. Thank you for investing in the future of American Samoa.”