The Japanese government has launched a new classroom in Ha’ateiho as part of its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects in Tonga.
The new building for the Upper Room Primary School has four new classrooms.
Japanese ambassador to Tonga, His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata had studied his Tongan language before making his opening speech.
He compared his country’s assistance to the Tongan saying “Si’i ‘a ‘uha” – The Japanese grant which helped in building the classroom may be small in amount but it has contributed something very significant to the welfare of the villagers.
Upper Room Primary School was a kindergarten in 2007 before it was officially upgraded and became a primary school in 2014.
Spokesperson for the school Mr. Vaisima To’a acknowledged the assistance from the Japanese government.
He said: “We can’t thank you enough for funding this project to enable the future of Upper Room Primary School.”
The ceremony was attended by the estate holder Lord Tu’iha’ateiho and his wife Lady Tu’iha’ateiho, Justice Minister Hon Sione Vuna Fa’otusia, Hon. Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, Minister for Revenue and Customs and Minister for Commerce, Consumer, Trade and Innovation and Labour along with MP. ‘Akosita Lavulavu, parents and teachers and the students of the Upper Room Primary School.
