Promoting the importance of water, health and sanitation in Government Primary Schools throughout Tonga, the Rotary International District 2690 of Japan, has assisted the Government Primary School at Fasi mo e Afi by building new toilet facilities; one of several schools in Tonga to receive the aid.

The project valued at $2,500,000 yen also included the renovation of the school's office and library and was opened with a celebration on Monday February 2 .

 

 

HRH Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu, the guest of honour at the ceremony, thanked the International Rotary of Japan for the initiation of such an important project saying that she "hoped that more similar government primary schools projects are done in Tonga."

Under the Rotary's financial assistance beginning from 2007, they supported the construction of a new Kolofo'ou Health Clinic located within the school compound and opened a water tank for the Ministry of Health in Tongatapu.

Last year their attention was drawn to Vava'u where they constructed new toilet facilities for the Government Primary Schools of Longomapu and Tu'anuku.

Dr Yuzuru Hashimoto, the Past Governor for the Rotary International District 2690 said they were happy to undertake the project for Fasi mo e Afi. "I hope that the friendship between Tonga and Japan lasts forever," he said.

The Ministry of Health and Education with Rotary International District 2690 collaborated with the World Health Organization in addressing water, sanitation and health issues in Tonga.

Also present was the Country Liaison Officer of the World Health Organisation Dr Pratap Jayavanth and the Minister of Education Hon Dr Tevita Palefau.