Results for Tonga education

A new classroom building costing $200,000 pa'anga for the Government Primary School at Ha’alalo was commissioned by the Minister for Education and Training, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni and the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii on Thursday 23 April.

Dr Opeti Pulotu from Vava'u was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) effective from 21 February 2020.

Disappointing results for Tonga's national exams in 2019, with a very low pass rate, has stung the Ministry of Education and Training to look at ways of improving students performances in the future. "We recognize there is a problem and we are outlining our plan to try and solve this issue,” said the Minister for Education and Training, Hon Siaosi Sovaleni this week. However, the outcomes would not be immediate but in the long run.

The Secondary School Entrance Exam results for class six students this year have revealed that Government Primary Schools (GPS) and church primary schools are struggling, with less than 50% of students passing key national examinations. Less than half passed English and Mathematics, while over half passed Tongan studies (Lea Faka-Tonga) and Science. Remedies suggested include investing in teachers, expanding kindergartens, encouraging families to make sure children eat breakfast to enhance concentration; and promoting reading at home.

The Tonga Research Association (TRA) is calling for academic papers or stories based around the subject of ‘Langafonua’ or ‘community’ in any area of Tongan studies, with abstracts due by 31 May 2019.

A new building for Fasi moe Afi Kindergarten run by the Free Wesleyan Church was handed over on January 22 from the Government of Japan.

Three agreements worth NZ$8 million were signed between New Zealand and Tonga to strengthen Tonga’s education and justice systems, and public sector management through policy reform.

Fifteen students from the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology (TIST), received scholarships from the Tonga Development Bank CEO, Leta Havea-Kami on Monday October 30.

Repeating form four three times unable to read properly until form six in Tonga, Palatasa Havea has developed into an academic achieving a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a PhD in food science.