Forty-five primary school principals and teachers who attended the first China-Tonga bilateral Seminar of Basic Education in June have returned with new knowledge and experience.

The Chinese Ambassador in Tonga H.E. Wang Baodong on July 28 at a function  held at Loumaile Lodge, in Nuku'alofa, said the teachers had attended a series of lectures delivered by Chinese and international educational professionals and also communicated and exchanged ideas on the bilateral educational development, while visiting Beijing and Shanghai over two weeks.

The two important economic and cultural cities of China are experiencing rapid development.

The 2017 Seminar of Basic Education initiated a new phase of further communication and collaboration in the fields of basic education, said the Ambassador. “Since the establishment of our diplomatic relationship, our friendly cooperation has been keeping a great momentum in all fields, including politics, economy, culture, education and health care.”

The Minister for Education Hon Penisimani Fifita thanked China and the Ambassador for the opportunity for the teachers to travel and learn new teaching methods.

For most participants, it was their first time travelling outside of Tonga.