Kolovai – SUTT Primary School (2006/2007)
Here is part of the letter we received from the Minister of the local Free Wesleyan Church of Kolovai describing last summer’s work and events that have transpired since…
" … the 2007 academic year has begun and the principal Visa, staff and students are really enjoying the almost new building especially the new toilet block. At the beginning of this new year, her royal highness, Princess Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho and the Honourable Ata dedicated and re-opened the renovated building and declared ready for 2007.
This year also, a group of Kolovai and Hihifo people from San Francisco, USA get together and raised $18036.00 Tongan dollars and donated towards the primary school. Their initiative was from reading the "Tohi Fanongonongo", about your assistance and trip with your group. With that money we have bought a new photocopy machine, a lawnmower, a weed-eater, two (5000 litres each), reservoirs for drinking water and necessities.
So, we are very fortunate that you came and helped. And because you came, others followed. Once again, thank you so much. Please convey our love to Heather, Christian, Sarah and Matt. Godspeed to you all. please find attachment to your faifekau (minister) and church …"
love,
Sione Ha’angana (Church Minister)
The school
The Siasi Usiliana Tau'ataina (SUTT) / Or Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (an indigenous Tongan church branch of Methodism) runs seven primary schools in Tonga. 5 of these schools are on the main island of Tonga-tapu.
Kolovai Primary School is the country's first formal education facility - founded in 1826 by Christian missionaries visiting Tonga from the London Missionary Society via Sydney, Australia.
The village of Kolovai is fairly rural. The school is home to 60 plus students ranging from kindergarteners through to class 6. The main school building lacks electricity, window coverings, and basic teaching aids including chalk boards and book shelves.
The work
Through the generous efforts of Hatfield Road Methodist church in St. Albans, England we were able to facilitate the beginnings of renovations at the school. In partnership with the local Kolovai church and village members
- We cleaned out the inside of the building - scrubbed the walls and floors, repainted the entire building.
- Installed new toilets, and sinks, and tiled the bathroom area.
How you can help
The primary school in Kolovai is still in need of partnership to help them plot along. We would ideally like to partner a school or church group with the school and village of Kolovai to continue with the school’s vision and help them on to a path of independence. While the work made an immediate impact there is still much left to be done.
Upgrading the schools facilities and creating a play area.
The schools complex lacks a playing area for its students In addition to a playing area the school needs:
- Basic teaching materials including textbooks, and art supplies
- While the main building is in much better shape than it used to be – there are still three - classrooms in a separate building which need a complete overhaul.
- The school is situated on an unleveled piece of land which has no play equipment for its students. Should the land be leveled, a proper play area could be created for the Kolovai children
Finding a way to become self-sustainable.
The Parent -teachers-association is considering ways to create a revenue stream to allow the school to have a consistent budget for meeting its needs and to continue to improve the quality of education it provides to its students. There have been several ideas put forward including a parent operated vegetable stand and or a school operated holiday-hut-let.
Both of these ideas would allow the school to generate an income that could provide electricity and other necessities while also insuring the schools staff receive some type of monetary compensation for their work. And most importantly – the school would be independent!
If you, your school, your church or just a group of friends would like to be involved with this project please contact us and we will work out the best way for you to be involved!