Bilingual reading apps aim to boost literacy in Tonga
1 May 2025. Tau Laukonga, a pair of new Tongan and English reading apps for kids, is now available to download for free on Android and iPhone.
Developed by United States Peace Corps Volunteer, Andrew Pavey, in partnership with the American NGO Friends of Tonga, the Tonga Ministry of Education and Training’s Curriculum Development Unit, and the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Education Department, each app offers 100+ fun, culturally-relevant books across various difficulty levels, topics, and genres.
The majority of books also feature read-along audio narration recorded by native speakers.
Around 70% of Tongan households lack reading materials for kids, according to a 2017 World Bank report.
Tau Laukonga gives all families instant access to a free digital library that can be enjoyed even without internet access.
The apps will help preserve and uplift the Tongan language around the world, as well as boost English literacy achievement.
“This initiative is one key milestone to children’s development in the era of information technology,” says Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala, a vocal proponent of Tau Laukonga.
“Supporting literacy, Tongan heritage, and youth development are all cornerstones of Peace Corps’ work in the Kingdom of Tonga, and Andrew has created a project which serves as a beautiful testament to the potential of this type of service,” says Peace Corps Tonga Country Director Elizabeth Neason.
“Through hard work, international cooperation, and local partnerships, he has put together something truly unique and powerful.”
“It is exciting to see how Peace Corps Volunteers can collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to design and implement such a useful learning tool,” says Michael P. Hassett, President of Friends of Tonga.
“Tau Laukonga could change the trajectory of literacy attainment for an entire nation.”
“For a love of reading to take root in the Kingdom, Tongan kids need culturally-relevant, engaging, and educational alternatives to TikTok and smartphone games,” says Pavey, the app’s developer and a teacher in Houma, Tongatapu.
“Tau Laukonga is the first step towards making this vision a reality.”
Over a dozen supporters representing Tonga, the United States, and New Zealand, including current and former Peace Corps Volunteers, contributed narration, translation work, and more to make the project possible.
More books and features will be added in future updates later this year.
Authors interested in donating the rights to their work, especially children’s books in the Tongan language, should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
