Tongans who want to learn about food safety, how to print tapa, and make jewellery, can now access free online training courses [2] run by Tonga Skills.

The training courses, which are presented in Tongan and English, were recently piloted throughout Tonga including the outer islands and remote areas.

According to Tonga Skills, participants in the pilot course provided positive feedback including the convenience of being able to access the courses anytime and anywhere.

Two participants in Ha’apai and Vava’u were also able to view videos, despite experiencing interruptions to streaming due to slow internet speed.

In Vava’u, MAFF Senior Officer, Mikaele Saipa’ia completed the food safety training course.

“As a trainer for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF), I have not fully understood the principles of food hazards, food-borne diseases that cause food poisoning until now.”

He said the resource will help communities become more aware of  mportant food safety skills.

Although internet access and affordability can be barriers to online learning, Tonga Skills said the pilot demonstrated online learning delivery is possible.

Tonga Skills hopes to produce more skills training videos in the future.

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.