The construction of classrooms and a multipurpose hall for the Free Wesleyan Primary and Middle School in Kolovai will  improve the quality of education for students, in a project funded under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP), which was officially signed in a ceremony yesterday.

Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, Inagki Hisao said, "The Government and people of Japan greatly prioritize education for young students, and it is our sincere hope that these buildings will serve not only the current students but also many more students in the future. We also consider the creation of disaster-resilient communities to be a shared challenge for both Japan and Tonga."

More than 300 GGP projects have been implemented by Japan in Tonga.

In 2022, the Hunga-Tonga, Hunga-Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami, devastated the surrounding villages, which led to a fourfold increase in the number of students attending the FWC’s Primary and Middle School of Kolovai.

"In recognition of the insecure conditions of the school buildings for the 165 students enrolled, Japan approved the construction of both schoolrooms and a hall to help the students receive a quality education experience in a safe environment," the Ambassador said.

He asked the recipients to take the initiative to complete the construction process and to ensure that the necessary maintenance of the facilities is taken care of, for future generations.

"I believe that friendship is the basis for the collaboration with Tonga toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, and we will work to further strengthen our relationship," he said.