A block of three new classrooms is being constructed at the Lapaha Government Primary School in Tongatapu, under the U.S-led Pacific Partnership 2013 Mission and expected to be completed by Friday, June 21.

The United States Ambassador to Tonga HE Frankie Reed who visited the primary school on June 12 said education and building a safe and secure environment for children to learn and prosper is critical for their development. 

She commended the construction work undertaken by Pacific Partnership and partners who are making positive changes for the young people who attend Lapaha Primary School.

The largest U.S led annual humanitarian and civic action mission in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, "the Pacific Partnership is the U.S government's clear signal of commitment to the region," said Ambassador Reed.

Assistance

Teacher 'Elisapeta Vaolupe said the old building block which had three classrooms had not been used by students for quite some time. "We used only one classroom as the others were too old and had holes on the walls and ceiling so we very are thankful for the assistance," she said.

The construction work, including bathrooms, had begun on June 6, carried out jointly with the Tonga Defence Services and locals. The work is expected to be completed by June 21 for the closing ceremony of the partnership mission in Tongatapu. 

The Pacific Partnership opening ceremony was held this afternoon at the Tonga Naval Base at Touliki, after the arrival of the USS Pearl Harbor to conduct 10-days of the humanitarian and civic action mission.