The wives of Japanese diplomats in Tonga handed over 100 children's reading books to the Children's Ward at Vaiola Hospital today, in an effort to give young patients something enjoyable to do.

Mrs Kyoko Hamuro the wife of the Japanese Ambassador HE Dr Kazuchika Hamuro, and Mrs Keiko Kawata, wife of the Deputy Head of the Embassy of Japan, handed over the donation to Dr George 'Aho, the Head of the Pediatrics Ward.

Mrs Hamuro said they selected over 100 books for children aged two to 14 years in both the English and Tongan language. "We hope to give young patients in this ward an enjoyable activity to do and aid them during their stay in the hospital," she said.

Dr 'Aho thanked Mrs Hamuro for the contribution, which came with a bookshelf. "It is pleasing to see that the books are both in the English and Tongan language and we are very grateful," he said.

The books and bookshelf which were bought locally was funded by the Embassy of Japan in Tonga.

Vaiola Hospital has been a recipient of Japan's Aid over many years and a recent major project was the completion of phase II of the Upgrade and Refurbishment of the hospital last year.