Primary education in Tonga boosted by NSW partnerships

Primary education in Tonga boosted by NSW partnerships

An ongoing partnership of mission between NSW Congregations and Tongan Christians has helped to improve the future for villagers and their children. Following years of vital involvement with Vaotu’u Free Wesleyan Church, particularly with Vaotu’u FWC Primary School, Bathurst and Oberon Congregations are sending another group to Tonga in July.

The Vaotu’u FWC ministers to children and youth through active engagement with, and support of, the local Primary School. The NSW partners provide support and outreach involving prayer and practical assistance, such as books and computers for the library.

This partnership was formed in 2010, with the assistance of UnitingWorld. As one of their primary mission focuses, members of the Bathurst Congregation were eager to connect with an overseas church with young families.

The partnership was strengthened in July 2012 when members took their first group to Tonga, along with six laptops and books. These donated items helped establish the school’s library and computer lab. With the generous support of the Bathurst, Perthville, Oberon and other Congregations, $2500 worth of books was also given to the school. In mid-2013, a second group visited, also bringing financial assistance for scholarships and other resources.

In July this year, the Bathurst and Oberon Congregations are eager to return to Vaotu’u FWC Primary School with enough money to help replace the reconditioned laptops and other resources. The laptops have been of great help to teachers when preparing lessons. Students have benefitted from educational software and supervised internet access.

Already, the Bathurst and Oberon Congregations, with their local communities, have raised $3000. However, an additional $2,000 is needed to purchase new laptops.

 If you would like to partner with other Congregations and help raise the funds needed, please contact Rev. ‘Oto Faiva on (02) 63311306 or 0405636088 or by email oto-bella@bigpond.com .

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