Graduates in higher education courses received their certificates and diplomas at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall on December 8, when the keynote speaker, HE Mr Thomas Roth, noted that education was a powerful vehicle to move people and countries out of poverty.

Mr Roth, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga presented the awards at the 15th combined awards ceremony for the Ministry of Education's Higher Education Institutes, the Tonga Institute of Higher Education (TIHE) and the Tonga Institute of Education TIOE diploma program.

Also present was the Japanese Ambassador in Tonga HE Mr Yasuo Takase, and the Director of Education 'Emeli Pouvalu.

Journalism

A total of 68 students graduated with certificates and diplomas from the Tonga Institute of Higher Education, including 34 graduates in Information Technology, 29 in accounting; and five in Media and Journalism.

TIHE offers three programs in both the certificate and diploma courses under three programs: Information Technology, Accounting, and Media and Journalism.

In Tonga's third Media and Journalism Program, three who completed their diplomas were Marian Kupu, 'Ana Uili and Linda Teisina; while two received their certificates, Elizabeth Soakai and Fihinoa Fakaulu.

Education

The Tonga Institute of Education, training teachers in early childhood, primary and secondary education, had 84 teachers graduating with a Diploma in Education.

HE Mr Thomas Roth, noted in his keynote address that education was a very powerful vehicle to move people and countries out of poverty. "Education is central to the achievement of the development tasks that we set ourselves in trying to improve the lives of citizens in developing countries, such as Tonga and other regional states. And Tonga has a long history of prioritizing education and health as important development sectors."

He said good quality education means children having access to a school, having a good curriculum to follow, having resources in the classrooms, and, most importantly, it means having teachers like the graduates, to assist and guide students in their learning and education.

"Having good teachers who are able to instill literacy and numeracy in Tonga’s students is one of the greatest skills we can pass to our young people and the community," he said.

He said that the Australian Aid program had continued to support the Ministry of Education through contributing to the implementation of its work plan of which TIOE and TIHE are integral elements. In the last financial year and in this financial year 2011-12, Australia had contributed about AUD$4 million to support the Ministry’s work plans.