Tongan School Community Gladly Receives New Desks and Chairs

Chanel College on Tonga's Ofu Island received much needed school furniture and supplies, thanks to Latter-day Saint Charities, a humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In partnership with Pacific Assist, a charity based in Australia and New Zealand, Latter-day Saint Charities shipped 84 school desks and chairs, chairs for the computer lab, tables, library books and other school supplies.

Ofu is a small island near the main island of Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga.

The donation was presented to the school on behalf of the Church by Lutoviko Saipa'ia, president of the Neiafu Vava’u Tonga Stake.  Along with the furniture, students received full sets of snorkels and flippers for diving, and school bags.

A program with songs and prayer was held to commemorate the event. Parents were there to provide their support and food for the visitors. During the feast, guests were entertained by the school children.

Leotisia Taumalolo, representing Tonga's Ministry of Education, was in attendance and expressed her gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “for continuing to provide materials and other resources, not only for other schools, but also for the primary school of Ofu.” 

She also said that when she was teaching at Tonga College Atele, on the main island of Tongatapu, the Church assisted with tiling the classroom floors. 

Noble Fakatou Fifita, estate holder on Ofu Island, expressed thanks for the Church's support to the community.

President Saipa’ia, expressing his gratitude said, "As a former student of Chanel College, it is an honour and privilege to present these resources." 

He concluded by saying that he wouldn’t have become who he is today without the experience and knowledge he gained as a student in Chanel College.

'Uko Kaufusi, the school's principal, expressed gratitude to the Church and Pacific Assist.

Other guests at the hand-over ceremony included Silongo Samani and Siale Matavaha 'Eliesa.