Project- 'Uiha Kindergarten update
12/01/07 , by Posted by: admin
A small blessing ceremony was held on Friday, November 16th, to mark the start of the ‘Uiha Kindergarten building project. The ceremony for the long anticipated Kindergarten facility was held at the building site. The Kindergarten’s building team has been gradually preparing and collecting building materials over the last few months but only in the past week the organisers believe they are “ready to go”. The blessing also coincides with the Kindergarten’s annual end of year graduation ceremony which was attended by parents, village and town officers, and other prominent figures of ‘Uiha village.
The opening prayer was led by the current Methodist minister of ‘Uiha – Rev ‘Osaiasi Other villagers and grateful parents made remarks, sharing desire to show their appreciation by bringing “our children and encouraging all parents to make the most of early education”, especially that there is a facility specifically dedicated to the children. “I hope we value education because it is vital children have the chance to get as much education, and as early as possible”, Mr Punaivaha said in a response speech from the parents.
The current local Primary School principal – Miss Neomai Vaikona made the point that “there is a huge difference between the children who came through from kindergarten and those who didn’t attend pre-school”. “Not just in their school works but also around the school where adjusting to the primary school social environment can be daunting for children especially at a very young age”.It was also noted that the two class-rooms are being built on a historical piece of land – it is the site of an early primary, and secondary schools.
The ‘Uiha Kindergarten Building Project is a current partnered project of Navei Inc – a Tongan registered charity. Navei had initiated a three phase program - The Project’s first phase is the classroom, but there are additional needs which are hoped to be addressed in the next year. There is an immediate need for school supplies, learning and reading materials as well as teaching aids such as chalk boards and white boards. Navei hopes to have a summer work schedule between the months of June and September where the schools play-area will be developed. Please contact us if you, your community group or church would like to be involved in anyway. Either through Navei Incorporated or to the ‘Uiha Kindergarten directly.
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