Free online training videos were launched by Tonga Skills on 8 July, teaching tapa printing, product design and food safety skills.

The videos aiming to support community economic resilience amid CoViD-19, are available through the Tonga Skills website [2] and can be accessed by individuals throughout Tonga.

The videos were also handed over to the Ministry of Education and Training (MET) and the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) at the launch.

MET CEO, Dr Tangikina Steen said these videos will provide extra learning resources for secondary school students as a means of obtaining relevant skills, and introducing them to possibilities of establishing their own businesses.

“These training videos can be used to complement students’ curriculum work.”

There are three sets of five video series with each segment running between 15 to 35 minutes, focusing on key topics. An example is learning to make pekepeka earrings under one segment of the production design course.

The trainers for each course were selected based on their previous successful engagement with communities through Tonga Skills. 

Two of the trainers,  Tevita Pola’apau (tapa printing) and Huahulu Ha’unga (product design), have met quality assurance criteria and are registered by TNQAB.

A third trainer, Lopeti Filo (food safety), is currently applying to TNQAB to also become a recognised community education training provider.

TNQAB recognises these and various other community education programs and non-formal learning in Tonga. The training modules are in high demand among community groups and have achieved an overall increased incomes and self-esteem for participants who have completed them.

Tonga Skills is an Australian Government investment, working in partnership with the Tonga Ministry of Education and Training and the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board to support inclusive economic growth through skills development in Tonga.