A new multipurpose hall for Kolovai's Free Wesleyan Primary and Middle School, renovated by the Government of Japan, was commissioned on Friday, 19 June 2026.
Funded with USD 100,000 through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project (GGP), the project included two classrooms inside the multipurpose hall.
HRH Prince Ata commissioned the new facility during an opening ceremony.
The Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga, HE Mr. Inagaki Hisao congratulated the completion of the project and the significant milestone for the school in celebrating of their 200th anniversary.
“I believe that friendship is the basis for the collaboration with Tonga toward the realization of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law and we will work to further strengthen our relationship. I hope that our GGP project will help build stronger and more resilient societies in this Kingdom, and that the warm and close friendship between Japan and Tonga will continue to flourish."
He acknowledged the dedication of the project’s stakeholders, especially the contractor, Kiwi Tonga Limited and the auditor R. Albin Johansson & Co for the successful delivery of the project. He also recognized the continuous support from the Ministry of Finance.
Founded in 1826, Kolovai’s Free Wesleyan Primary and Middle School (FWPMS) also known as the Nasaleti is a long-standing educational institution. The deteriorating classrooms remained a concern for the schools and their Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) sought assistance from Japan’s GGP for a better and safer learning environment for their students.
The President of the FWC Education, Rev. Dr ‘Ungatea Kata thanked the Ambassador and the Government of Japan for their GGP assistance, which will enhance the development and growth of the students at Nasaleti school.
The handover ceremony was attended by People’s Representative for Tongatapu Constituency no. 5 Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke, along with ex-students of the school arriving from overseas to celebrate their 200th anniversary and the Bicentennial Anniversary of Christianity in Tonga.
