Children at Nakelo Montessori Kindergarten learned about policing in a special day with Tonga Police officers, on 14 September at Tu’atakilangi.

Led by Inspector ‘Eliseni Soakai with Sergeant Losemalia Tu’uholoaki and Constable 'Ahosiu Tali, the police team explained the functions of police officers, who are responsible for keeping the peace and keeping everyone safe. 

The children, cutely dressed up in small police uniforms, were seen smiling when sitting on the back of the police vehicle, during the kindergarten's program.

Sergeant Tu’uholoaki, a Trainer at the Police College, said at the start some of the children chose to remain inside their classroom because they feared police. 

"It is normal that parents and guardians use [the threat of] police at home as a means to discipline or scare their kids. I am urging parents to stop that practice and teach their children the truth, that a police officer’s job is to help them in time of trouble or when they need help, and to keep them safe."

“It was a great opportunity for these kids to sit alongside actual police officers without being afraid of them,” said the Sergeant.

Part of the program also showed the children some of the Police equipment including handcuffs, a baton and pepper spray, which they were excited to see.

Not only did they sit at the back of the police vehicle, some sat on a police motorcycle and hear the police sirens. 

Meanwhile, Tonga Police is reinforcing one of its focuses of being one with the community and was keen to oblige to the invitation from this kindergarten.