An initiative implemented by the previous government to offer free education for Form 3, 4, and 5 students in government secondary schools this year, was cancelled by the new Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. 'Uhilamoelangi Fasi.
He made the announcement on Friday, 31 January, during the Ministry of Education prayer service for the beginning of the school year.
He said this cancellation is due to a “need for revenue”. The estimated cost for the free education initiative was around $1 million pa'anga.
The Minister also announced major changes in the Education sector.
No more free breakfast
Hon. Dr. Fasi revoked free breakfasts for government schools.
The free breakfast was an initiative of the previous government to improve child nutrition and well-being, by providing free breakfasts to primary and middle schools across the country.
The Minister said it was, "an absolute waste of money."
"Parents can feed their children in the morning."
He said the money that was used for the program would be more useful for other educational issues, like helping with university tuition of students.
Form 5 examination continues
The Minister announced the commencement of the Tonga School Certificate (TSC) Form 5 examination, this year.
"We had been aware of the significant impact on education... when the form 5 TSC exam was removed," he said.
The Form 5 students' examination was discontinued in 2022, a decision made by the previous Prime Minister Hon Hu'akavameiliku as the Minister for Education. Major factors leading to that change had included international minimum educational requirements and the COVID-19 lockdown restricting students from returning to the classroom.
However, this was a major concern raised by the new PM Dr. 'Aisake Eke, in which he stated in the motion for a Vote of No Confidence in the former PM, claiming that this policy affected quality education.
