NUKU'ALOFA, January 16, 2025 - Thousands of Tongan students are set to benefit from safer, more resilient schools and enhanced education systems through additional support for the ongoing Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project.
Building on the continuing success of the current project, the additional financing of US$21 million will fund construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance works for schools in vulnerable Tongan communities. The additional support is expected to bring the total number of students benefiting from the project to 8,000, ensuring access to disaster-resilient classrooms, staff housing, and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
"This additional financing will mean Tongan students not only have safer and more resilient schools but also have expanded access to better learning opportunities," said World Bank Country Manager for the South Pacific, Stefano Mocci. "By upgrading classrooms and education systems, this project is making a real difference for students and their communities. We are proud to support the Government of Tonga in delivering these long-lasting benefits for young people."
The original project has already delivered results. New classrooms and upgraded facilities for 571 students have been completed at schools in Atele, Kanokupolu, and Te'eiku, with further upgrades at Euieki and Kolomotua schools to commence in 2025. Work on an additional six schools in Ha'apai are also set to commence soon. To date, resilient school design packages for 11 schools have been completed, setting the stage for further improvements.
The additional financing will advance the establishment of a comprehensive school maintenance program, including the finalization of a Pilot Maintenance Operations Manual and enhanced support for asset management in the education sector.
Tonga's education systems will also be strengthened through the project in other ways beyond infrastructure. The rollout of an Education Management Information System is ongoing, for instance, with coding and testing phases completed and the system operational in Tongatapu schools. The financing will also enable the project to expand into other regions, ensuring better data management and decision-making across the sector. Additionally, revisions to core curricula-covering mathematics, science, English, and Tongan language-are progressing, with the World Bank funding supporting training and implementation of these new learning modules and standards.
The Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project is being implemented by the Government of Tonga and the additional financing supported by the Global Partnership for Education and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund. Technical assistance is also being provided by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.
This nationwide project represents a vital investment in the future of students across all of Tonga, ensuring they have access to safe learning spaces and high-quality education, even in the face of challenges ahead.
