The future of Avele College remains uncertain as Cabinet gives the Avele College Old Pupil Association (ACOPA) and teachers until next Monday to come up with a proposal for the government to consider on how fighting can be stopped at the school.
At a meeting between the association of ex pupils and cabinet yesterday the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele said the government wants assurances that the bad things that happened in the past will never happen again till the end of time.”
But the undertaking will not guarantee the reopening of the college that has been closed for over a week due to continued and intending violence involving the college students.
“The undertaking should be signed by members of ACOPA and teachers – if we decide to reopen the College,” says Tuilaepa, “and should trouble brew again, then that’s it.”
These conditions according to Tuilaepa will only exist if Cabinet decides to reopen the school.
The decision also depends on the proposal and the police report of the incident that warranted the closing of the school.
Tuilaepa said Cabinet is not worried if Avele college is close permanently, as there are 20 senior government colleges around the country and the students can attend rather than coming all the way to Apia and away from their parental discipline.
“Attending district colleges also gives parents the chance to monitor their children’s behavior,” said Tuilaepa.
He believes that parents and children are attracted to Avele College because of the schools’ history and that maybe a parent was a former student.
He acknowledged the parents and everyone that made an effort to be today’s meeting, and although Cabinet who are also parents – feel for them. “But a just decision has to be made and that can only be done through the Holy Spirit.”
