Japan’s GGP Handover of New Classrooms and a Multipurpose Hall at the Free Wesleyan Primary and Middle School of Kolovai
2026/6/23
On 19 June 2026, H.E. Mr. INAGAKI Hisao, Ambassador of Japan to Tonga handed over the newly constructed classrooms and multipurpose hall to the PTA of the Free Wesleyan Primary and Middle School, Kolovai.
His Royal Highness Prince Ata was guest of honour of the handover ceremony. Also in presence were Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Eke, former Prime Minister of Tonga and People’s Representative for Tongatapu Constituency #5, Rev. Dr. ‘Ungatea Kata, President of Education of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Mrs. Gladys Fukofuka, Acting CEO of the Ministry of Finance, as well as many ex-students and local community members who gathered to celebrate the completion of the project.
Free Wesleyan Primary and Middle School, Kolovai is located on the west side of Tongatapu, near villages that were affected by the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami. Due to a significant increase in the number of students transferring from the affected areas, facility improvement became an urgent issue.
In response to a request from the school’s Parent and Teacher Association, the Government of Japan funded the construction of two classrooms and a multipurpose hall. The hall will also serve as a safe evacuation shelter for local residents in times of emergency.
In his speech, Ambassador Inagaki emphasized that education is the foundation for a bright future for all, and it is our social responsibility to ensure all students have equal access to a safe and adequate learning environment.
Rev. Dr. Kata expressed her gratitude for the generosity of the Government and the people of Japan stating that the school community rejoiced in the opportunities the facilities would provide for the education, growth, and development of present and future students.
The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) was introduced to the Kingdom of Tonga in 1990 to address development needs at the community level in developing countries, and more than 300 projects across various sectors have been implemented to date.
His Royal Highness Prince Ata was guest of honour of the handover ceremony. Also in presence were Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Eke, former Prime Minister of Tonga and People’s Representative for Tongatapu Constituency #5, Rev. Dr. ‘Ungatea Kata, President of Education of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Mrs. Gladys Fukofuka, Acting CEO of the Ministry of Finance, as well as many ex-students and local community members who gathered to celebrate the completion of the project.
Free Wesleyan Primary and Middle School, Kolovai is located on the west side of Tongatapu, near villages that were affected by the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami. Due to a significant increase in the number of students transferring from the affected areas, facility improvement became an urgent issue.
In response to a request from the school’s Parent and Teacher Association, the Government of Japan funded the construction of two classrooms and a multipurpose hall. The hall will also serve as a safe evacuation shelter for local residents in times of emergency.
In his speech, Ambassador Inagaki emphasized that education is the foundation for a bright future for all, and it is our social responsibility to ensure all students have equal access to a safe and adequate learning environment.
Rev. Dr. Kata expressed her gratitude for the generosity of the Government and the people of Japan stating that the school community rejoiced in the opportunities the facilities would provide for the education, growth, and development of present and future students.
The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) was introduced to the Kingdom of Tonga in 1990 to address development needs at the community level in developing countries, and more than 300 projects across various sectors have been implemented to date.
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