Tonga’s PM congratulates recent Australia Awards graduates Featured
4 September, 2020. Tonga’s Prime Minister has called on Tongan alumni of Australian Awards scholarships to be “catalysts of change” in a future made uncertain by COVID-19.
The Hon Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, himself a former Australia Awards Scholar, was guest of honour at a celebration for recent graduates hosted by the Australian High Commissioner, HE Adrian Morrison, at the high commissioner’s residence, “Mirrabooka”. The event was attended by the Minister of Education, CEOs of government ministries, and recent graduates among others.
The Hon Prime Minister congratulated the recent graduates on their achievements, saying:
“And now you have returned to Tonga to help build our future. A future which made uncertain and difficult by COVID-19. But a future full of opportunity and challenge. A future where I expect you to play leading role. You will be future leaders of Tonga, our future catalysts of change. You will shape Tonga and the world around us. You will use your Australian qualifications to make a positive contribution to Tonga’s development,” he said.
Siniva Samani, who graduated with a Master of Education from the University of Sydney, spoke on behalf of the graduates. Ms Samani, now a Senior Risk Analyst at the Tonga National Quality Assurance Board (TNQAB), said the soul of education was a teacher’s unshakable faith in her students, which, she said, would motivate them to reach exceeding heights. She thanked Australia for giving her and her fellow graduates the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills.
“The Australian government’s good will, good diplomatic relations and provisions whether it be financial, or through education and training, it has benefitted Tonga and for that, as Tongan citizens we are most grateful and indebted to your country’s government,” Ms Samani said.
The Australian Government is committed to supporting education, training and the development of marketable skills to assist people in the Pacific region. Australia’s investments in Australia Awards and the Australia Pacific Technical College are providing opportunities for people from across the Pacific, and helping drive economic growth in the region.
