Twenty-two Chinese scholarships were awarded to high school students by Princess Pilolevu Tuita on 15 July in Nuku'alofa.

The annual scholarship program by the Tonga China Friendship Association and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, awarded recipients in Form 3-7 levels, from across 11 church schools.

China’s Ambassador HE Mr Cao Xiaolin said he was happy to see students' faces again, since the volcanic eruption and tsunami, followed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Princess Pilolevu is the President of the Tonga China Friendship Association [TCFA], and since 2017, the scholarships have been promoting educational exchange and closer ties between China and Tonga

“I believe these scholarships encourages students to study hard and some will graduate high school soon. This means they will have an opportunity to apply for Chinese Government scholarships to study in Chinese universities,” said the Ambassador.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, expressed gratitude to the Government of China for this opportunity for Tongan students to continue their education not only in Tonga, but abroad. 

The number of recipients has been increasing over the years. The criteria for their selection, focused on academically gifted students, who are financially challenged to continue their high school studies, especially in the 
latter years of Forms 3 to Form 7.

TCFA said it will continue this scholarship program with more students in the future, and the outer Islands included.

In attendance at the Embassy of China, was the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Poasi Tei, Siosaia Moehau, TCFA Working Committee Chairman, Siamelie Latu, TCFA Secretary General with representatives from the schools.