By Linny Folau

Many bereaved families from the Ashika ferry disaster have expressed a need for assistance in financing the education of their children, said Sione Tupouniua, an American Tongan, who completed a two-week fact-finding mission to Tonga at the weekend.

Sione came home to Tonga on behalf of the Tongan communities in the United States to meet and interview the Ashika families to find out the most effective way they could help.

On September 4 he said he had personally met and talked with most of the affected families in Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai.

"It was an eye opener and my coming to meet them personally was a pleasant approach because families appreciated the gesture and just being there and listening to them has made a huge difference", he said.

"The most striking point that came out was that they wanted long term assistance in financing their children's education," he said.

"They are looking not just to pay for their school fees but assistance in terms of scholarships and further education."

The Tongan Communities in the States have initiated the "Kainga Tonga USA Princess Ashika Relief Fund" to receive contributions and donations.

Sione said they had adopted several strategies and Tongans in the US are encouraged to seek assistance in the companies they work for, and fundraising will also be done through church and families.

"We are looking at where we can streamline opportunities for the children that we assist whether in academic studies or in sports, we can provide opportunities for them to pursue their dream," he said.

"It is a one on one approach targeted for a successful long-term program and we treat every family differently under their own unique circumstances."

Sione returned to the US on September 5 and will submit his report to the Tongan-American committee, including the Tonga Consulate General Hon Cecil Cocker and church leaders on September 7.

He said there would be a follow up trip down later this year to inform families of the assistance that will be provided.