Official Commissioning of Tupou College Technical and Vocational Training Facility Funded by Japan Featured
H.E Yukio Numata commissioning the new TVET facility for Tupou College
Nuku'alofa, 8 October 2015. On October 7th 2015, the Government of Japan and Tupou College celebrated the official commissioning of the new constructed Technical and Vocational Education and Training Facility funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP.
His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga commissioned the new facility on behalf of the people and the Government of Japan. Present at the commissioning ceremony were Lord. Tangi ‘o Vaonukonuka, Chairperson of Tupou College Advisory Council; Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa as Acting Minister for Finance and National Planning who is also Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services, Minister for Commerce and Labour, and Rev. Dr. Mele’ana Puloka, Free Wesleyan Church’s President of Education amongst other guests.
His Excellency Mr. Numata in his keynote address congratulated the completion of the project and highlighted that the new facility is a symbol of Japan and Tonga recognizing education as the basic building block for creating progressing and equitable nations. “Together, Tupou College and Japan are giving school drop-outs another chance to re-explore their talents and not misuse potentials. The new TVET facility will become an opportunity for students to hope, instead of giving up,” said Ambassador Numata. “Our team effort is required to give our children new horizons, to mold a future that is perceptive and positive,” he added.
Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP was introduced in 1989, in response to the distinct nature of development needs in isolated and developing countries. To date, around 261 GGP projects supporting education, medical and health sector, non-profit organizations, local community and many others were implemented for the Kingdom of Tonga.
Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa, Acting Minister for Finance and National Planning acknowledged the generous and significant assistance from the people and Government of Japan. “This project is contributing to one of the pillars objectives from the Tonga National Strategic Development Framework II, which is the Social Institutions to Improve Education & Training providing life time learning and to provide a more reliable, safe and affordable buildings and other structures,” said Hon. Tu‘ionetoa.
The Tupou College Parents and Teachers’ Association sought for Japan’s assistance in 2014. The commissioning ceremony marked completion of a new constructed TVET facility housing four rooms, each for automotive, carpentry, plumbing and electrical classes. Mr. Ma‘ake Faka‘osifolau, Chairperson of the College’s PTA in his vote of thanks extended the most sincere appreciation of the School and the PTA for Japan’s assistance that will benefit many generations of Tupou College.
The assistance epitomizes Japan’s commitment to support efforts by the People and the Government of Tonga to ensure Human Security and also hope to strengthen the warm and close relations between the people and the Government of Japan and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.
The grant amount for this project was USD $103,091.00 (TOP $186,187.00) and the contractor was the Puloka Constructions Ltd.
