As part of the New Zealand Government efforts to assist Tonga’s recovery efforts post-Cyclone Gita, school furniture valued at more than NZ$100,000 has been donated by the New Zealand Ministry of Education to assist Tongan schools damaged by the cyclone.
This morning saw the official handover of the furniture by the New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Tiffany Babington to the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Education and Training (MET), Mr Claude Tupou at MET’s store at the Tu’i Matamoana wharf
HE Tiffany Babington thanked the New Zealand Ministry of Education for its support and contribution to the schools that were affected by TC Gita. “This support will help the schools that suffered damage during Cyclone Gita better function and ensure school children are better equipped to continue their education.”
“The New Zealand Ministry of Education organised the collection of the school furniture, which was donated by schools around New Zealand including some that had experienced the impact of natural disasters like Christchurch.”
The 10 containers of furniture that have arrived in Tonga include desks, desk chairs for primary and secondary schools, and school tables.
Mr Claude Tupou said, “We are most grateful for the donation of furniture for schools that were most affected by Cyclone Gita. This generous donation will benefit government and non-government schools, and will contribute to restoring a positive learning environment for our students.”
The Education Cluster is coordinating the distribution of the furniture which it hopes to complete the distribution by the end of August.
New Zealand’s other contributions to Tonga’s education sector post-Cyclone Gita have included the tents and school kits provided by UNICEF, fuel to run the school buses, and NZ$2.4 million (approximately T$3.7 million) in budget support which has been used to reprint curriculum materials.
