New classroom for GPS Havelu/Tofoa [1]
Monday, October 23, 2017 - 16:22. Updated on Monday, October 23, 2017 - 16:38.
A new classroom building for GPS Havelu/Tofoa was officially opened by the Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, at handover ceremony on Tuesday 17 October 2017.
The construction of the classroom was funded through the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects.
The Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, attended the ceremony along with Hon. Penisimani Fifita (Minister for Education and Training), Hon. Semisi Sika (Minister for Infrastructure and Tourism, Government Officials), as well as Teachers and students of GPS Havelu/Tofoa.
The Ambassador said he was deligted to see the completion of a project that will strengthen the learning quality for the children.
“We hope that these classrooms will help improve your learning environment, so that all of you will grow into strong and responsible individuals to uphold the future society of Tonga and the world”, he added.
PM Pohiva thanked Japan on behalf of Tonga. “The need for these new classrooms are not only necessary, timely but crucial,” he said.
Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects has to date granted over 270 projects in different sectors throughout Tonga.
Ambassador leaving
Mr Numata this month completes two and a half years as Ambassador of Japan in Tonga.
In a statement on the Embassy website yesterday he said he had greatly enjoyed and appreciated his time in Tonga.
"When I look back to my arrival in the Kingdom, it was my first time to hold office in the Pacific region and I was anxious. However, just as Tonga’s nickname portrays, the immense support of the “friendly people in the Friendly Islands,” and Japanese officials, our local staff and JICA staff helped me to successfully complete my term," he stated.
During his tenure, the ambassador attended the Coronation of HM King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u, which included a historic visit to Tonga of Their Imperial Highnesses The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan.
In May of this year, Mr. Toshihiro Nikai, the Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, who actively promotes global awareness for tsunami disaster prevention, led a delegation of 24 members of Japan’s Parliament on an official visit to the Kingdom.
Japan's assistance to Tonga has many levels.
"The Economic Cooperation between Tonga and Japan continues to expand with the dispatch of JICA volunteers to help the people of Tonga as well as, the JICA training programs that gives Tongan people the opportunity to study in Japan," the Ambassador stated.
He expected the construction work for the upgrading of the Wharf for Domestic Transportation to finish by the end of this year, and said there will be a succeeding project to look forward to, known as “The Project for Installation of Wind Power Generation System”.
The Ambassador said he had travelled throughout Tonga to view Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, which greatly encourages education, the upgrading of village water supply systems, and other projects including providing equipment to medical centers.
The Ministry of Education and Training of Tonga and our Embassy have annually co-hosted the National Soroban Competition and the Japanese Speech Contest. There are also many cultural exchanges between Tonga and Japan.