The 'Kaivai 'a Vava'u Lahi' project to teach the traditional art of rowing outrigger canoes to children at Tu'anekivale Government Primary School was launched at 'Ene'io Beach,  on 12 May by James Deane, the Second Secretary and Vice Consul at the Australian High Commission, Nuku'alofa.

The launching of the project ‘Kaivai ‘a Vava’u Lahi (Ocean warrior of great Vava’u) was marked with the handing over of six new canoes and equipment, valued at $10,000 (AUD) by James Deane.

At the launching ceremony James said that the project was funded under the Australian Government Sports Outreach Program.

James said that the Australian Government is very supportive of the project because it engages school kids to learn important ocean skills including swimming, snorkeling and paddling use traditional the outrigger canoes.

Haniteli Fa’anunu the Chairperson of the Working Committee of the Kaivai ‘a Vava’u Lahi said the project is a dream come true to teach the basic skills of swimming, snorkeling and paddling.

Pele Fa’anunu Principal of the Tu’anekivale Primary School also thanked the PTA and Australian Government for their generous assistance.

The project funded the six traditional outrigger canoes and other equipment including kickboards, masks, snorkels, lifebuoys, aqua vest and Kaivai t-shirts.

The event was held at the ‘Ene’io Eco-Botanical Garden in Tu’anekivale where children paddled out to sea.