Ten new government preschools opened across Tonga today, 10 February, with the Minister for Education and Training, Hon Siaosi Sovaleni officially opening one at Veitongo Government Primary School (GPS).

Hon Sovaleni said the Ministry of Education believes thata factor causing the current low passing rate, early drop outs, and many other social problems in the education system, “is not setting the foundation right from the beginning”.

There are now six preschools on Tongatapu located in Fatai, Hofoa, Tokomololo, Longoteme, Ha’asini, and Veitongo. The first government preschool was established in 2019 at Kolonga.There are also two on Vava’u in Longomapu and Ha’alaufuli, one on Ha’apai at GPS Pangai, and one on ‘Eua at GPS Houma.

Soana Kaitapu from the Early Childhood Education Unit told Matangi Tonga there were around 25 students on average enrolled in each of the preschools.

He said the new preschools would also help to increase access for students and to provide access for children in remote areas.

“The Churches and private sector have been instrumental in starting and running preschool services since 1965, yet, the access still remained at 30%.”

“Early Childhood Education is a relatively new concept to most Tongans, so the Ministry plans to have a number of awareness strategies with parents and communities on the importance of good quality early childhood development for our very young ones.”

“Most importantly the special nature of early childhood education such as learning through play need a bit more advocacy and input,” he said.

Veitongo Preschool

Veitongo preschool teacher, Maile Kiola, told Matangi Tonga that 29 students aged three to five years old were currently enrolled in her class.

Up until March the preschool will open from 9am to 12.30pm.

“And from March to November, only three-year-olds will finish at 12.30pm, while the four and five-year-olds will finish at the same time as the primary school students.” 

While acknowledging that preschool will benefit young children, Maile expressed concern that she is the only teacher and hoped an assistant will be assigned to help as 29 young students is a lot for one person.

Low pass rate for students

Earlier this year, results from the national examination levels revealed that the majority of students were struggling to pass tests.

Only 42.7% of students passed class six secondary school entrance exams; 27% of students passed Form 5 School Certificate; 36% passed Form 6 Certificate; while 68% passed National Form Seven Certificate.

The Ministry has been implementing solutions, such as establishing new preschools and teacher training programs to improve student performance.