'Uiha - Kindergarten (2007/2008)
The school
Currently, the 'Uiha kindergarten is run in a former residential timber bungalow (picture), which is very run down. It has up to 25 children at one time, has two teachers and parents help occasionally.
The island of 'Uiha has approximately 600 people. It is in Tonga's isolated Ha'apai island group and is desperate of early education for their children.
Without early education, its children are at a severe disadvantage compared to those children living in areas with accessible education (i.e. bigger islands). The lack of education available for these children perpetuates a cycle of poverty that is manifest in economic terms and spiritual ones.
The need
Our vision is to build a facility comprised of two classrooms, an office, and a small hall. There is a piece of land designated for the Kindergarten with a small make shift building which the kindergarten is currently using.
'Uiha children eventually have to attend school elsewhere because there are only elementary level classes on the island. Parents have little alternatives than to see their children squander in the facilities they have. When they leave they are plagued by the poor level of education they received in 'Uiha.
The 'Uiha island council has applied several times for assistance but the various organizations they have applied to have not been able to provide any resources towards such an effort. The residents of 'Uiha rely mainly on their fishing profits and financial assistance from overseas relatives to survive.
The work
This project is in the beginning stages as we await a quote from local builders. We have already managed to secure a fraction of the money needed for this project which has allowed us to set things in motion. We will update this space as necessary.
How you can help
The obvious need is financial assistance to meet the proposed building costs but invite anyone interested to contact us
We are looking for groups to partner with us to allow the people of Uiha to have an education facility that will give their children the early education required to succeed in their later academic years – thus allowing them to continue and acquire skills and encourage sustainable development.
Finding a way to become self-sustainable.
In addition we would like to support the local islanders with their vision for a guest house that will provide income to sustain the operational costs of the Kindergarten. There are several small guest houses throughout the Ha'apai island group which accomodate the short term needs of holiday makers travelling by yacht and back-packer's exploring the islands natural beauty.
The parent-teacher's association (PTA) would run the guest house to create revenue to cover the operational costs of the kindergarten including salary for its two paid teacher. Guest house comprises of two small bungalows
*Updates (June '07)
*Updates (Nov '07)