Students from six schools participate in Japanese Speech Contest
11 September, 2023. Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, His Excellency, Mr. MUNENAGA Kensaku awarded prizes to the outstanding students who participated in the Japanese Speech Contest 2023 last Friday, September 8 at St. Andrews High School’s Hall.
Hosted by the Embassy of Japan, Tonga and the Ministry of Education and Training, the participating students were from Tonga College ‘Atele (TCA), Tonga High School (THS), St. Andrews High School, Tailulu College, Tonga College Toloa (TCT) and Tonga National University (TNU) School of Education.
H.E Mr. Kensaku said the return of the Japanese Speech Contest is a milestone in the relations between Tonga and Japan.
“It plays a crucial role in Tonga and Japan’s cultural exchanges which has been supported by JICA volunteers since 1986. It was fortunate that all the JICA volunteers had to be back to Japan due to the pandemic in 2020.”
“Since then, the Japanese language course has been supported solely by Tongan teachers. I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for your passion, devotion, and hard work. You kept the Japanese language education moving forward here in Tonga.”
He said, only one school adopted the Japanese language course when it was introduced as the second language in the Tongan High School curriculum.
“I would appreciate the efforts and dedication by many Tongan teachers and JICA volunteers, as well as many high school students. I am proud to say this Japanese Speech Contest marks its 11th anniversary, overcoming 3 years’ cancellation period.”
“Through various activities and endeavors, I believe the Japanese language has taken root in this Kingdom, especially among young people, because, quite often, Tongan people address me by saying “Kon-nichiwa” “Arigatou-gozaimasu” when they notice I am ‘Amipasitoa Siapani.”
Students from the outer islands of Vava’u and ‘Eua who are learning Japanese language were unable to join this year’s competition.
H.E Mr. Kensaku conveyed his sincere wish to all students from the schools studying Japanese language to participate in the next Japanese Speech Contest.
He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Training and JICA Tonga for their support and dedication for the Japanese Language Education in Tonga.
The event was funded by the Narita Airport Business Corporation and was attended by government officials, church leaders, principals, teachers and guests.
