A Fua’amotu Government Primary School (GPS) classroom building upgraded by the Government of Japan was handed over by Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Kamada Yasuhiko, on 11 June.

The three classroom building cost USD$82,180 to renovate including a 360m fence around the compound. The funding was provided under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Project (GGP).

Mr Yasuhiko said primary education provides the important first step for children to grow into strong and responsible individuals that would uphold Tonga and the International Society. And primary education will also become a driving force for Tonga’s development.

"I do hope boys and girls studying in this school will acquire basic knowledge and wisdom to become a person who has the capability to tackle not only domestic issues but also global issues such as the current situation."

"I would like to draw your attention that the Ministry of Education and Training assisted to have a hand-basin for each classroom under this circumstance caused by COVID-19. I think this collaboration can be regarded as a good symbol of joint efforts between Tonga and Japan."

Ministry of Education CEO Dr Tangikina Moimoi Steen was thankful to the Government of Japan for the upgraded classroom building.

“Your generous help extends beyond the Government to Non-Government schools, as well as other essential sectors.”

Fua'amotu GPS has 195 students and six teachers. 

The GGP is a direct grant scheme to meet various needs at the grass-root level and encourage its sustainable development. Almost 300 projects have been implemented, so far, in various communities and schools in Tonga since the scheme was introduced in 1990.