Tupouto’a College of the Free Wesleyan Church in Nomuka, Ha’apai received new school supplies from the Australian Government, after it was affected by the the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai natural disasters.

Australian High Commissiomer, HE Rachael Moore made the presention to the Deputy President of the Free Wesleyan Church Schools, Rev. Samiu Fonua on 7 February in Nuku'alofa.

The school’s library was destroyed by the volcanic eruption and tsunami and has since been relocated to a room in one of the classrooms for the time being.

The assistance included new textbooks, reading books, four bookshelves, school books and bags.

The $15,000 pa'anga assistance was funded under Australia’s Direct Aid Program, which is a competitive small grant program that aims to benefit the local community and contribute to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.

Rev. Fonua told Matangi Tonga they are grateful to the Australian Government for their assistance in the aftermath of the natural disasters.

He said the church has an office called 'Tekina ‘i Moana' which overlooks and identifies the urgent needs for assistance by the church, after the natural disasters. The office and Tupouto’a College worked together to ask for this assistance.

“Although, this was our request the Australian High Commission have informed us that if we need any further assistance to let them know, which we greatly appreciate. The school supplies will immensely help our 30 plus students and its teachers have a good start in this new academic year.”

The supplies will be sent from Nuku'alofa to Nomuka on the next available boat to the outer island.