Classroom furniture valued at more than NZD$100,000 was donated by the New Zealand Government to Tonga's Ministry of Education as part of it's efforts to assist recovery after Cyclone Gita.

New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Tiffany Babington handed over the furniture to the Ministry of Education and Training CEO, Claude Tupou at the ministry's store at Tu’imatamoana Wharf on Monday, July 23.

HE Tiffany Babington thanked the New Zealand Ministry of Education for its support and contribution.

“This support will help the schools that suffered damage during Cyclone Gita better function and ensure school children are better equipped to continue their education.”

She said the New Zealand Ministry of Education organized the collection of the school furniture, which was donated by schools around New Zealand including some that had experienced the impact of natural disasters like Christchurch.

The 10 containers of furniture included desks, desk chairs for primary and secondary schools, and school tables.

Mr Tupou was grateful for the donation to the schools most affected by Cyclone Gita.

“This generous donation will benefit government and non-government schools, and will contribute to restoring a positive learning environment for our students.”

The Education Cluster is coordinating the distribution of the furniture which it plans to complete by the end of August.

The furniture is in addition to New Zealand’s other contributions to Tonga’s education sector post-Cyclone Gita, that included tents and school kits provided by UNICEF, fuel to run the school buses, and NZ$2.4 million (approximately TOP$3.7 million) in budget support to reprint curriculum materials.