Mr. Kazuya Azechi, Vice Superintended of the Board of Education of Kuroshio Town was in Nuku’alofa as the representative of Kuroshio Town to handover the school bags. H.E Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga along with Hon. Penisimani ‘Epenisa Fifita, Minister for Education and Training attended the ceremony.
The donation of school bags was initiated last year when a connection was formed between the people of Kuroshio town and six students from Tonga who attended the “High School Students Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day,” held in Kuroshio, in November 2016. The Mayor of Kuroshio town, Mr Katsuya Onishi strengthened the warm connection when he visited Nuku’alofa in May this year and presented a few bags to the young pupil of Mu’a GPS. Mr. Kazuya Azechi, in his keynote address at the celebration on Friday, narrated the history of the Randoseru, which in Japan is a customary gift that is symbolic of the grandparents’ or parents’ love for students who are about to begin primary school. He hoped that through the Randoseru, the young pupil will feel the love from the people of Kuroshio town.
Hon. Penisimani Fifita, Minister for Education and Training acknowledged the kindness of the people of Kuroshio town on behalf of the Government of Tonga, his Ministry and Mu’a GPS. “I am very thankful to the people of Kuroshio Town for enlightening the students of GPS Mu’a with this beautiful school bags.” The Minister also welcomed Mr. Azechi and his delegation for visiting the Kingdom and for encouraging the young pupils to persevere in their studies for a brighter future. He used his own life as an example and shared that he began his education in Mu’a GPS and today he is the Minister of Education and Training of Tonga.
Mrs. Vaioleti Fuapau, Principal of Mu’a GPS highly appreciated the donation of school bags which the school is happy to distribute them amongst young pupil whose families struggle with much hardships.
H.E. Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambasador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga expressed his gratitude to the people of Kuroshio Town and the Kuroshio Town’s Women Association for initiating the donation of Randoseru. He also thanked the Parents, Teachers and young pupil of Mu’a GPS for organizing the wonderful celebration which represented the strong bond of friendship between the people of Japan and Tonga.
The delegation from Kurosio town departed Nuku’alofa after their three day visit and confirmed that with this initiative’s success they aim to expand and continue the Randoseru project.
