By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

A community nursery for Kolomotu’a was launched by the Acting British High Commissioner, HE Miss Emma Macri, at Halaano in Tongatapu yesterday, 30 June 2025.

The nursery is part of a Climate and WASH Resilience Community Project, focused on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH) and Food Security. The project targets communities like Popua, Patangata, Sopu and Nakolo.

Live and Learn Tonga’s Country Director, Mr. Alani Afu said that the nursery will not only benefit the community of Kolomotu’a but also the neighboring villages, including Sopu.

The steel-framed nursery will be used to house seedlings and tree planting activities, including the preparation of hot composts and other relevant activities.

Tongatapu no. 1 People’s Representative, Hon. Tevita Puloka said HRH Princess Angelika Tuku’aho wished to name the nursery ‘Tree of Life’.

The community nursery is co-funded by the European Union under the NDICI Agreement and the British High Commission, under their UK Development program. The home garden equipment is provided by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The project completed the WASH component in the four targeted communities early this year with 37 WASH facilities maintenance including the installation of 38 septic systems in these communities.

The food security component has started in the community of Popua and Patangata with the construction of their community steel framed nursery followed by the community nursery for Kolomotu’a.

Live and Learn Tonga will provide the trainings and workshops to all communities based on their needs and assist with the operation of the nurseries during the implementation period of the project.