A trial for students to learn from home for one day on 30 June has been organized by the Ministry of Education and Training in case of an imminent school closure should CoViD-19 reach Tonga.

In a statement on 12 June, the Ministry said all school children in Early Childhood Education, Class 1 – Class 6, Form 1 – Form 7 and Tertiary Education will be involved in the trial.

The purpose of the trial is to allow students, parents and guardians the opportunity to follow learning instructions using various modes of delivery, developed by the Ministry, in consideration of the ways students may be accessing their learning instructions and resources at home.

All teaching materials and lessons will be delivered to students at home through several platforms including internet, radio, TV, paper based distance education and blended (using more than one platform).

Students will stay at home and follow the learning guides and instructions for the day, provided by their teachers.

The Ministry requests that at least one parent and or guardian to be at home to overlook and administer the trial program and ensure students are following their school work.

Parents and guardians of primary school children are requested to assist with the directions for their children’s learning for the day.

The Ministry will send information about the trial to schools and each school is to notify parents of the trial details.

A second trial day is planned for Friday, 31 July 2020.