Tonga's first Media and Journalism Diploma graduates from the Tonga Institute of Higher Education received their diplomas on December 3 at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall after completing three years of part-time study while working in media organisations in Tonga.

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, the guest of honour at a combined awards ceremony for the Ministry of Education's Tonga Institute of Higher Education (TIHE) programmes, presented the awards.

TIHE offers a range of certificate and diploma courses, and in this year's awards ceremony there were certificates and diplomas for the Information Technology Programme, the Accounting Programme, and the Media and Journalism Programme; as well as a certificate in Early Childhood Education; and a Diploma in Education Programme.

The eight media professionals who were awarded diplomas on Thursday were the first to complete the programme. They were: Sia Adams, Fatai Fainga'a, Linny Folau, 'Anau Fonokalafi, Rhonda Moala, Tevita Motulalo, Hola Siale and 'Ema Jane Vea.

TIHE also offers a one-year Certificate in Media and Journalism Programme for school leavers. Certificates were awarded to Silia Soakai, Vasita Falemaka, Lata Matapule and Malia 'Ulupano.

Many awards were also presented to graduates in other programmes.

The Minister of Education Dr Tevita Palefau thanked the Princess who has been the guest of honour at many other graduation ceremonies during last week.