Tongan graduates from Laidlaw College [1]
Thursday, May 6, 2010 - 17:50. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
THIRTEEN Tongans graduated from the Theological Laidlaw College in Auckland, New Zealand on April 10.
The Graduation ceremony held at the Greenlane Christian Centre saw Tongans receive various awards of Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees.
Tongans who received Certificates in Preparatory Studies included Alifaleti Sipinga and Sitaita Tu'ungafasi.
Diploma of Biblical Studies was awared to Atunaisa Talifolau, Penisimani Langi; Diploma in Ministry Internship (Tongan Language) was awarded to Lu'isa Hafoka, Elisiva Moala, Lingisiva Potauaine, Sunia Saulala, Alifaleti Sipinga, and Melenaite Tu'ipulotu.
A Bachelor Degree of Ministries was awarded to Lavietani Haunga, Sione Folau Lokotui with Tu'amelie Kihe Lotu Koloi receiving a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and Worldwide Studies.
In a statement from the Tongan Graduates they noted as Tonga moves towards Political Reform in Government, Laidlaw is a good college in preparing future leaders whose plans and decision-making would be fixed in accordance with the teaching of the bible.
They therefore encourage other Tongans to take up studies at the college not only studying in the English language but also in Tongan.
Formerly known as the Bible College of New Zealand, Laidlaw offers more than 150 students degrees in a range of programmes in biblical, theology, mission, ministry, education and counselling.