The high cost of tertiary education has led many families to withdraw their children from pursuing degrees, forcing them into minimum-wage jobs instead. This trend is evident across Samoa, including the Vaimauga 3 District, where parents are witnessing an increase in school dropouts and the subsequent link to youth-involved crime. According to the 2021 census, this district is home to 5 percent (10,868) of Samoa’s population. In Vaimauga 3, approximately 29 percent (1,983 individuals) have completed tertiary and TVET education.
Samoa’s education system comprises four main levels: Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. Under the Education Amendment Act 2019, all children between the ages of 4 and 16 years are required to attend school. Education statistics show there are 338 schools in total: 123 ECE schools, 173 primary schools, and 42 secondary schools.
Alarming data issued by the Ministry of Education reveals that the Year 13 Early School Leaver Rate (ESLR) increased by 3 percent in 2022. The Ministry's 2019 research identified several reasons for students leaving school, including financial hardships, transportation issues, family problems, and parents not prioritising education.
Empowering Students Through Scholarships
One Vaimauga No.3 resident, Vasa Pauesi, a single mother of two, has struggled to pay her daughter's tertiary education fees. While seeking scholarships, she learned about Samoa's District Development Program (DDP) through a friend. The DDP allocates $1 million annually to each district. Thanks to this funding, 90 percent of her daughter Leinari's school fees were covered. Leinari is now studying Office Administration at the Tesese Institute. Ms. Pauesi believes that "investing in our children’s education is the same as investing in a better future for them." She hopes her daughter will complete her education and secure a well-paying job to break free from poverty.
Similarly, Tagaloa Alepea Sheck Lesātele, the sole provider for his family, sought financial assistance for his two daughters’ education. Funding from the DDP enabled his daughter, Vanessa Isabella Lesatele, to graduate from the National University of Samoa with a Foundation Certificate in Arts. His eldest daughter, Annmarie Lesatele, is studying to become a civil engineer at the University of the South Pacific. Tagaloa hails the assistance as a lifesaver for vulnerable families aspiring for their children to achieve great things.
The Role of Funding in Education and Family Development
Access to finance is crucial for community members pursuing tertiary education, says Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, who is also the Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No.3. He notes that completing higher education can lead to better salaries, support families, and foster businesses that drive economic growth. Lautimuia highlights that education funding in his district includes resources and infrastructure upgrades for some schools.
"I’ve seen how development financing through small businesses provides capital to start ventures," says Lautimuia. He explains that some recipients lack the assets to qualify for commercial bank loans. However, this project enables them to access funds. One such recipient is Tagaloa, who has applied for funding to start a small welding business. Though still in its early stages, Tagaloa views it as a step toward greater opportunities.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Executive Officer of Vaimauga No.3, Martha Solia, acknowledges that challenges are to be expected in major projects. One of the significant challenges is the waiting period for fund disbursement, as the total $1 million is not allocated all at once. Ms. Solia ensures her district does its best to keep applicants and recipients informed about any delays.
Tagaloa, a recipient, mentions that while the waiting period for approval was challenging, the assistance was worth the wait. "I believe good things come to those who wait, and this assistance has given hope to our family," he says.
Education has opened doors to a brighter future, breaking the cycle of poverty and elevating entire communities, including Vaimauga No.3. Ms. Solia shares that some education funding recipients were adult students who completed tertiary education and subsequently secured higher-paying jobs. “Many prioritized finding a job to provide for their families and couldn’t afford education, but now they have the chance to complete their studies,” she explains.
Inspiring Unemployed Youth to Return to Education
To address the increasing rate of youth crime, Ms. Solia emphasises the importance of encouraging unemployed youths or school dropouts to apply for educational funding and secure a successful future. According to 2017 probation service data, young offenders are predominantly male, aged 6 to 15 years, and most are school dropouts.
She asserts that education is a powerful tool that not only unlocks individual potential but also drives societal progress. It plays a critical role in alleviating poverty by equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to secure better employment opportunities and achieve financial stability.
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