More than 37,000 primary school students in Samoa now have greater access to quality education thanks to the Samoa School Fees Grant Scheme.
Principal of Apia Primary School, Lino Tagiilima, said the grants had allowed him to purchase much needed materials for the school.
"The school fees grants have helped me purchase a lot of important resources, like SRA [Science Research Associates] reading laboratories. They are very expensive but very helpful resources. They help our students improve their reading and writing skills," Mr Tagiilima said.
"Without these grants we always have to wait for the money from the parents. With this grant we can move on with buying resources that we really need."
The Scheme is funded by the Australian and New Zealand Governments and managed by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. It provides grants of WST100 (approximately AU$42) to each of the country's 167 government and mission primary schools for every child they have enrolled.
Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Dr Stephen Henningham said, "Australia's aid program in Samoa sets out to help people and families as they work to improve their own circumstances.
"Education is the key to reducing poverty. Children in Samoa should be given the opportunity to receive an education and have the best start in life," Dr. Henningham said.
"An additional benefit of the school fee grants program is to improve the quality of education in Samoa. Schools must use the grant to meet minimum education standards, for example by purchasing educational material and equipment."