A new classroom building constructed by the Government of Japan for the students at Hofoa Government Primary School, was commissioned on Friday, September 7.

The building which has three classrooms, was funded with USD$81,238 under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP).

Japan’s Ambassador HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said this was a project that would strengthen the children's learning quality.

“It is our wish that the classrooms will help your learning activities, so that all of you will grow into strong and responsible individuals, to uphold the future society of Tonga and the world."

He said the building has movable partitions for walls that can be used as a hall for various school functions, as well as a safe house in times of natural disasters. 

In addition, there is a rainwater tank so that the students and teachers will have access to drinking water, he said.

Claude Tupou, CEO of the Ministry of Education,s thanked Japan for investing in the education of the children in Tonga.

The ceremony also marked the completion of a fence around the school compound funded by the Pome’e family of Hofoa, along with Peace Corps teacher housing quarters, constructed with financial assistance of the Hofoa Village Council.