New technical and hospitality equipment for 15 secondary schools [1]
Thursday, October 19, 2023 - 19:03
By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
Technical and hospitality equipment was handed over to 15 different secondary schools today, 19 October, by the Ministry of Education and Training at their new headquarters, ‘Api Mataka, Tofoa.
A total of $82,320 USD of funding was used to purchase technical and hospitality equipment for 15 secondary schools around Tonga.
The equipment is part of a Skills and Employment for Tongans (SET) project, funded by the World Bank through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The CEO for the Ministry of Education, Mr. Isikeli Oko presented the equipment to representatives from each secondary school that offers Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses in Tongatapu and the outer islands.
"The provision of equipment will develop the standard of teaching resources in the school," said Mr. Oko.
He hoped it would serve to reduce poverty, raise living standards and provide greater employment options for those in disadvantaged conditions.
World Bank Specialist, Mr. Janssen Teixeria said the World Bank supported the government's mission, to strengthen and improve employment of skilled and qualified workers.
The World Bank has also been promoting TVET education for the past four years, this includes supporting over 900 TVET students with tuition fees, over 300 students with living allowances and other support.
School principals, staff and TVET students were present at the ceremony this morning, to receive the equipment along with certificates that were awarded by Mr. Oko.
The schools were excited to receive the equipment, with one TVET teacher telling Matangi Tonga that the equipment will better improve their skills and prepare them for future projects.