A newly upgraded classroom facility was handed over to the 'Ohonua Government Middle School on 'Eua, 17 February, under project completed funded by the Government of Japan.
The handover was led by Japan’s Ambassador to Tonga, Inagaki Hisao, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme. The project was completed with a grant of USD $69,000.
The new facility features four classrooms equipped with partition walls, allowing the rooms to be opened up and converted into a hall when required. The classrooms will serve Form 1 and Form 2 students, providing improved learning space and flexibility for school activities.
The GGP programme, funded by the Government of Japan, is designed to address basic human needs at the grassroots level, supporting sectors such as education, water, and health.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Inagaki stressed the long-term importance of investing in education.
“I believe that education is the foundation for a bright future for everyone. It is our social responsibility to provide a certain educational environment for young students equally,” he said.
He urged members of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to take responsibility for maintaining the new facility.
“The Japanese Government provided the financial basis for the implementation of this project, but from now on, the maintenance is up to the members of the PTA. For all projects, good care and maintenance is essential for future generations,” he said.
Ambassador Inagaki acknowledged the contributions of the PTA members of ‘Ohonua Government Middle School, contractor New Dawn Breaker Construction, auditor Kingdom Solutions, and the Ministry of Finance for their collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in delivering the project.
He also underscored the broader relationship between Japan and Tonga.
“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,” he noted.
The upgraded facility stands as part of Japan’s continuing support for community-level development in Tonga, aimed at strengthening educational opportunities and reinforcing bilateral ties.
