Photos by Linny Folau.

Conclusion of the Pacific Partnership 2013. GPS 'Atele Si'i in Ha'ateiho, 21 June 2013.

Major renovations to Tongatapu's most needy schools, including Afa, Lapaha, Malapo and 'Atele Government Primary Schools were completed during the 10 days Pacific Partnership 2013 led by the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy which concluded its mission  today, June 21.

A closing ceremony was held at a newly renovated GPS 'Atele Si'i in Ha'ateiho attended by Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, Cabinet Ministers and members of the diplomatic corps, who were entertained by performances by young students. Traditional gifts were also presented to personnel from the 10 participating countries under the partnership.

Tonga's Minister for Education and Training, Hon. Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki, thanked the partnership for a successful completion of major renovations in our most needy school. "The constructions were completed within very strict timelines, it is a remarkable achievement and a living testimony to the dedication, discipline, efficiency and warm hearted generosity of the many individuals under the Pacific Partnership 2013," she said.

"One of the policy priority focus areas in the Ministry of Education's 'Lakalaka Policy Framework' is Quality Teaching and Learning Environments, which include the physical facilities in schools. However, the Ministry does not have the financial resources to construct new buildings or to adequately maintain existing facilities to a level that is conducive to teaching and learning."

The Minister acknowledged through the assistance of donor and development partners, such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, the World Bank and Pacific Partnership, they were able to build new facilities and renovate the most needy schools, giving the Ministry a grace period to put infrastructure plans in place and make the best use of the scarce resources they have.

Group Captain Darryn Webb and Hon. Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki. GPS 'Atele Si'i in Ha'ateiho, Tongatapu, 21 June 2013.

Mission

Group Captain Darryn Webb, the Deputy Commander of the Pacific Partnership thanked Tonga for welcoming them with open arms and said they were sad to close the Tongan chapter of an incredible mission.

They had tried to spread the mission as far and wide in Tongatapu and had held health clinics providing direct care, including eyesight, hearing tests and dental check ups for young and old. Education was also a vital part of the mission and engineers worked every hour to finish the jobs that included improving the water catchment systems in many villages while reconstructing primary schools, and veterinarians were also busy looking at the animals.

"One of the important aims of this mission is to provide assistance and improve understanding of each other and our environment but the most important is the people and learning about the Tongan people. We thank Tonga for a memorable experience," he said. 

The USS Pearl Harbor which carried 750 of military and civlian personnel is expected to depart Nuku'alofa on Saturday June 22.