A new 15-year policy framework for Tonga education will be formulated under a joint Tonga-New Zealand project, launched this morning in Nuku'alofa.

The project will produce a clear plan of action for education.

It aims to build an education sector that has more impact, and to enable Tonga to be in a better position to attract development partner investment and support.

The launch of the Tonga Education Policy Framework 2021-2036, (TEPF) was held at the New Zealand High Commission.

Tonga's Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, said the new framework would succeed the previous Tonga Education and Policy Framework (2004-2019) which New Zealand had assisted Tonga with, nearly two decades ago.

“We are fortunate to be here today to mark the launch of the next development,” he said.

“The government’s priorities are clearly expressed in the Tonga Sustainable Development Framework 2, with its outcome objectives tailored to address the need for an equitable, accessible, relevant and sustainable quality education for all Tongans.”

He said its objectives were in line with global equitable and sustainable development goals.

“HM's Government and the people of Tonga, we seek that right to a good quality education.

“Despite the challenges brought by CoViD-19 and the threat of natural disasters in our region and especially here in Tonga we seek alternative pathways to survive and prosper,” he said.

Key priorities for growth

The New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Tiffany Babington, said that in 2019 New Zealand and Tonga had signed a four-year Statement of Partnership, which sets out the principles and priorities under which both countries will work together.

“A key priority in the Statement of Partnership is to grow Tonga’s human capital and the launch of the TEPF project is a realisation of this.”

The new 15-year framework for education aims to achieve a clear picture of which areas and issues should be targeted by Tonga’s education sector.

More cohesion for education stakeholders

It also aims for better use of resources and more cohesion within Tonga’s education sector.

“The TEPF will help focus efforts for all education stakeholders, including development partners, on a clear plan of action and support Tonga’s capability to meet its education goals.”

The TEPF project brings an experienced team of Tongan and New Zealand consultants and will take a year to complete across two phases.

Dr Seu'ula Johansson-Fua is the activity Team Leader and Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, an Education Policy Adviser. A New Zealand based Education Policy Adviser, Rob McIntosh, will provide remote support.

Acknowledging NZ support

The Minister of Education added that, “This is the launch of the program itself, we haven't developed that policy yet. So this is basically acknowledging the support of New Zealand on the commencement of the whole process. Probably, in about a year's time we'll have a 15-year framework in place and we'll be down at the Ministry of Education, probably in our new office, launching it.”

The Minister also acknowledged the support to Tonga education given by the World Bank and the Government of Australia and others.

The launch event was also attended by the CEO of the Ministry of Education and Training, Dr Tangikina Steen; the CEO of the TNQAB, Dr 'Opeti Pulotu; NZHC First Secretary Development, Ryan Brown; and other education partners and stakeholders.

- by Mary Lyn Fonua.