Road to Faa’Imata 2022: 75Th Anniversary

By Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua, Ema Finau Ivarature, Katalin Baranyi and ‘Ilaisaane Pongi

Faa‘imata represents the traditional home of Kava, a significant figure and source of Tongan culture. Thus, as in the legend of the origin of Kava, Faa‘imata connotes a place where great sacrifices have been laid to honour authority and yet also where kingly favours have been granted that covered shortcomings and inadequacies. More significantly, it marks a place where new beginnings and new legacies can sprout. Therefore the Road to Faa‘imata represents the many facets and multiple interpretations of the pathways and passages traversed by each of the Tonga High School ex-student featured. It represents an equalizer of sorts where students coming from diverse backgrounds and stations in society are provided with empowering opportunities to achieve outcomes that benefit Tonga, reflecting their capacity to absorb, critique and reapply what they have learnt.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669823476

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Copyright © 2022 by Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua, Ema Finau Ivarature, Katalin Baranyi, and ‘Ilaisaane Pongi.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 06/01/2022

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The cover picture is the winning entry from the #RoadToFaaimata2022 poster competition conducted in November 2021. The drawing was by Sixth Former, Pelenaise ‘Aliki of Tonga High School who won first prize of Tongan Pa’anga $500 in the senior category of the competition. All competitors were made aware of the rules of the competition which included that winning entries may be used by the #RoadToFaaimata Initiative in publication(s) and for promotional purposes toward the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Tonga High School.

The picture is an illustration of the motto of Tonga High School Ki He Lelei Taha or To The Best To Excel which essentially captures the direction and spirit that the Founder, the late King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV envisioned for his people, to embody and to begin with a decent education. Ki He Lelei Taha represents a pathway, a hope with aspirations. Faa’imata is the name used for the grounds and location of Tonga High School – Api ko Faa’imata ‘oe Tau’ataina in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

In this COVID-19 era, the islands of Tonga are facing many trials and tribulations, which calls for a serious recover, reset and working together to ensure that the current and future generations studying at Tonga High School and in other high schools and institutions benefit and contribute their best to the development and nation building in Tonga.

The bottom part of the cover of this book has the logo for the #RoadToFaaimata2022 Initiative. The maroon colour symbolises the colour of the Tonga High School uniform for girls. The yellow logo to the left is of Tonga High School’s motto Ki He Lelei Taha. The colours red, yellow, blue and green symbolises the school’s four houses being Kava, Nua, Sangone and Tele’a.

CONTENTS

1. Foreword

2. Preface

3. Tribute To His Late Majesty Tupou IV

4. Leadership In Education

•   His Royal Highness, Prince Tungi

•   Dr Senipisi Langi Kavaliku

•   Dr ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki

•   Hon Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni (Hu’akavameiliku)

5. Remembering Tonga High School

Part I:   Kava And Nua

•   Clergy

•   Education

•   Business And Entrepreneurship

•   Health

•   Koe Fonua Ena And International Relations

•   Sports

•   Teaching At THS

PART II:   Sangone And Tele’a

6. 1947 – 1961

7. 1962 – 1971

8. 1972 – 1981

9. 1982 – 1991

10. 1992 – 2001

11. 2002 – 2021

12. Lists of Duxes & Proxime Accessits; Head Prefects; Principals of THS

13. Project: #RoadToFaaimata2022

Acronyms and Glossary

Index by Year

FOREWORD

T HE MILITARY OCCUPATION by the United States of America and New Zealand in the 1940s swiftly brought the modern world to Tonga such that the echoes of World War II left behind a void of socio-economic and political impact. At the time Tonga was still traditionally governed by the nobility. However, it was evident that the pathway to modernisation would rely on people who had gained relevant knowledge and skills appropriate for Tonga’s developmental needs. The establishment of the Matriculation School in 1947, now known as Tonga High School, set in motion the realisation of a vision for Langafonua or nation building, to better prepare the human power and brainpower required to address leadership and support for Tonga’s modernisation. The secondary school system that existed at the time was mission focused schooling for the preparation of those for the clergy and for Christian social control of the denominational communities (Wesleyan, Anglican, Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Free Church of Tonga). The singular government boys’ college focused on preparing those to assume clerical engagements within government. However, the type of education and training envisioned by my late father, His Majesty King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV was one that would raise the bar for the governing of the Kingdom of Tonga. One that would enable Tongans to seize supportive and leadership roles to build-up the nation befitting the growing national, regional, and international demands for better standards of living for people.

Although Tonga was never colonised, continued dependence on expatriate brain and human-power continued a colonisation of the mind. De-colonisation in this manner could only be expanded if Tongans were qualified and skillful to fill these positions and assume the roles and responsibilities that may arise in the future. A strategy founded on Tonga Ma‘a Tonga (which was later revised to a more diplomatic Mate Ma‘a Tonga) required the best that Tonga could offer irrespective of gender, class, economic background, or whether from motu (outer island), kolo (town) or from ‘uta (rural areas), which was later exemplified in the school motto Ki He Lelei Taha. Ki He Lelei Taha is a concept founded on the aspirations and expectations that taking the crème de la crème and the most gifted students our nation had to offer, we could expand what they could learn by providing them with proper opportunities for ako so that they could increase their ‘ilo (indigenous and western knowledge alike) to lead our nation and enact this new found poto appropriately within the government, communities and families to build legacies of excellence in duty.

As a tribute for the 75th anniversary of the founding of Tonga High School, this book (and the stories within) represents the spirit of Ki He Lelei Taha and its legacy. Though it is not written by professional writers or renowned authors, the co-authors are dedicated professionals in different fields with a heart to articulate his late majesty’s vision for establishing the school.

The compilation of stories and profiles featured within, although brief, fills the gaps in the history of Tonga High School. These stories bear commonalities and differences noting the joy of selection, applauds for achievements while hinting at overcoming challenges through perseverance. What is remarkable about these personal accounts is that it helps to unravel the values, principles, and ideals that each person who has passed through the school gates and had registered their names on the roll books has gained or can contribute from their Tonga High School experience at Faa’imata.

Faa‘imata represents the traditional home of Kava, a significant figure and source of Tongan culture. Thus, as in the legend of the origin of Kava, Faa‘imata connotes a place where great sacrifices have been laid to honour authority and yet also where kingly favours have been granted that covered shortcomings and inadequacies. More significantly, it marks a place where new beginnings and new legacies can sprout. Therefore the Road to Faa‘imata represents the many facets and multiple interpretations of the pathways and passages traversed by each of the Tonga High School ex-student featured. It represents an equalizer of sorts where students coming from diverse backgrounds and stations in society are provided with empowering opportunities to achieve outcomes that benefit Tonga, reflecting their capacity to absorb, critique and reapply what they have learnt.

Sharing about the lived experiences of ex-students sketches a picture of lives worth living, through the joys and challenges that have shaped their journeys to and through Faa‘imata. The shared reflections by individuals and families represent voices of ordinary Tongans who have been influenced and shaped by an extraordinary vision of Ki He Lelei Taha. Lives reflected upon in this first edition originate from all corners of Tonga, from the mainland to the islands near and far. The stories and profiles tell of how far and how high individuals have advanced while revealing teachers and people instrumental in critical choices that had urged, accelerated, stalled, or diverted them from reaching their destinies.

The lived experiences and accounts referenced within these pages highlight the variations in individual and collective interpretations of Ki He Lelei Taha and how it has sculpted the lives of those who have passed through the gates of Faa‘imata. The earlier reflections tell of the considerable expectations and long-sightedness of the vision established by King Tupou IV while he was still Minister of Education. From the provision of a foundation education that opened infinite possibilities and opportunities for academic, vocational, career pathways and leading the kainga, to establishing a sense of duty to express noble deeds for the nation of Tonga on their return from abroad, schooling at Tonga High School has been a socializing tool through experiences that has enabled lifetime friendships and networks to be forged as a cohort and collective. The collection of reflections and stories allows the reader to glimpse the various stages where each contributor has built up a foundation that has been aimed at impacting their individual realm of influences. The vision of Ki He Lelei Taha envisions the ex-students making relevant, impactful contributions to the development of Tonga, the Tonga High School legacy. Seventy-five years of influence and aim for the vision rooted on giving opportunities for a western style education and training for all capable citizens of Tonga, whether well to do or struggling, male or female, commoner or nobility has been epitomised with the appointment of Honourable Hu‘akavameiliku (Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni) as the first independent and democratically elected people’s representative, and ex-student of Tonga High School to become the 18th Prime Minister of Tonga. I trust that the next 25 years will continue to see the materialization of the vision and legacy that my late father, His Majesty King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV envisioned and no doubt with God’s help, it can be raised to a new level.

‘Ofa atu.

HRH Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita

PREFACE

T HIS BOOK BEGAN as a dream. It didn’t just happen within a few short weeks. Amazing volunteers answered the call from across the globe.

COVID-19 set us some new norms of working over many months to coordinate the history and new knowledge on Tonga High School. The book Road To Faa’imata 2022 gradually emerged from countless hours of discussions, research and the indomitable Ki He Lelei Taha spirit of the Tonga High School alumni.

A collection of history and stories of ex-students of Tonga High School compiled under a book to be published in time for the 75th anniversary of the school in June 2022 was a timely idea when most people were either working from home, following governments’ restrictions of lockdown due to the pandemic, and/or stranded in other places/countries far from home. I saw this as an opportunity for the Tonga High School global community to develop innovative approaches and forge new models of collaboration to increase connections and nurture the spirit of cooperation as proud ex-students of Tonga High School. I shared the idea with a small group of Tonga High School ex-students living in the United Kingdom and Europe through our regular Friday afternoon virtual zoom catch-up.

The vision for the Road to Faa’imata 2022 cannot be achieved alone. I was convinced and determined that the commitment to the Road to Faa’imata deserves coordination, cooperation, and care for the best. Together with the group, we assumed responsibility with much enthusiasm and with die-hard passion to make things happen. What began from behind screens with check-ins and laughs quickly gained support from other ex-students. The book you are holding is evident of the stories of a good representation of ex-students of Tonga High School since its establishment in 1947.

We catalysed the THS global community around the power of digital transformation to renew connections as the global body that supports the development of Tonga High School in this 21st century. We engaged the THS ex-students from all generations – from the pioneers of 1947 to the newly ex-students of 2020/21. The building of the community of THS ex-students extended through conversations on social media to a zoom series of "Talanoa Manatu Melie or fond memories of our high school – THS. The heart-warming or ‘mafana’ conversations took many through memory lanes to the school principles, ideals and values and the school motto Ki He Lelei Taha which articulates the essence of Tonga High School’s founder’s foresight for nation building (and what was required) that would guide a people to step forward with confidence between two worlds (traditional/local and western/global). THS ex-students have demonstrated that Ki He Lelei Taha as a form of thought is lived as a way of life. Over the years Tonga High School ex-students have benefitted from a realistic and decent education provided at THS, and so this book captures our remembered pasts, our shared values, culture, and bound together by shared history, tradition, respect, and principles and practices of Ki He Lelei Taha". The stories of ex-students that volunteered to share their reflections provide strong testimonies to the valuable contribution of THS to the lives of these individuals.

Our next urgent action was to extend an invitation to the general ex-students for volunteers to join the working group to coordinate the collection of profiles from ex-students which we called for in April 2021 with a deadline of September 2021. The working group had a few volunteers that joined and shared with us the challenges and joys of this ambitious project of a book with many co-authors. Tonga High School scholars writing the history of Tonga High School as seen through the eyes of Tonga High School scholars themselves - what is ours as THS.

Together we walked on the road to Faa’imata. Tonga High School’s original school buildings had a tower with four (‘fa’ in Tongan) clocks representing the four directions of the compass. And so, the word "faa’imata was coined by Class of 1957’s Siosaia Matu’u Mangisi in the phrase Faa’imata ‘oe Tau’ataina - more details in his story in this book. To this day, many refer to the grounds of Tonga High School as Faa’imata" or ‘Api (home) ko Faa’imata.

On behalf of the #RoadToFaaimata2022 Initiative, I am grateful to HRH Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita for contributing the Foreword to this multi-author book, Road To Faa’imata 2022 - 75th Anniversary.

My very special thanks to those who invested their time to draft, read and edit the manuscript, in particular to the lead Editor ‘Ema Lu’isa Finau Ivarature, THS Class of 1982, who was the most precious gift anyone can receive from God with a book project of this nature. Thank you for always being a reliable shoulder to lean on. No words can convey my gratitude for the support we received from you and please accept our heartiest Malo ‘aupito - Thank You. I would also like to thank my fellow co-editors ‘Ilaisaane Tukia Pongi, Sisilia Tu’ifua Petelo Takapautolo, Katalin Baranyi and Melenaite Tupou Hojelsen. Your honest suggestions and advice helped refine the manuscripts and the approach throughout this creative process.

I acknowledge our indebtedness and deep sense of gratitude to the strong team who from the get-go collaborated and supported each other with the motto of Tonga High School as the main driver of this initiative: Kihe Lelei Taha or to do your best to excel.

Thank you to the:

1. Honorary Patron of the #RoadToFaaimata2022 Initiative, Her Excellency Hon. Titilupe Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano, Tonga’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in London, UK and for honouring this publication with a tribute to the founder of Tonga High School.

2. President of the Tonga Council of THS Ex-Students, the Hon. Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni (Hu’akavameiliku) who supported the initiative from the get-go.

3. Global Coordinators and some as Co-Authors for this book: Road To Faa’imata 2022.

• 1947-1961: ‘Ana Heti Veikune & Kalolaine Katoa Mafi

• 1962-1971: ‘Ilaisaane Tukia Pongi & Katalin Baranyi

• 1972-1981: Sisilia Tu’ifua Petelo Takapautolo

• 1982-1991: Katalin Baranyi, ‘Ema Luisa Finau Ivarature, Fifita Tu’i’ile’ila

• 1992-2000: Silivia ‘Atiola, Sulia Makasini, Katrina Ma’u, Talita Kefu

• 2001-2021: Temaleti Rebecca ‘Akau’ola, ‘Ana Ma’afu, Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua

Brief reflections on specialised areas of professions contributed by: Rev Dr Nasili Vaka’uta; Dr Lia Latu Maka; Lakai Fonua; Dr Sitaleki Finau; Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua; Dr Peni Fukofuka; Sisilia Tu’ifua Petelo Takapautolo.

4. #RoadToFaaimata2022 Working Group for this book project (including the Coordinators and Co-Authors listed under 2 above): Katalin Baranyi, Melenaite Tupou Hojelsen, Kalolaine Katoa Mafi, Falamoe Fau’ese Weber, Lisia Mahe Muller, Jolene Mele’ana ‘Akolo Tautakitaki.

We thank those who permitted us to quote from personal messages and correspondence. Likewise, those who steadfastly cheered us on - that we had something valuable to share. This buoyed our spirits during the setbacks caused by the 15th January 2022 volcano eruptions and tsunami in Tonga.

Last, but not least, our indebtedness and deep sense of gratitude to all ex-students of Tonga High School who contributed with your profiles and stories in this book; to those that participated in the series of Talanoa Manatu Melie; and those who have encouraged us and contributed to this book as our collective gift back as ex-students of Tonga High School to Tonga High School, ‘Api ko Faa’imata, Hala Mateialona, Nuku’alofa, Tonga as it reaches the milestone of its 75th anniversary on 4th June 2022.

Kuo tangane ‘aho mo hono fakamanatua, fitungofulu manima ta’u moe tau’ataina, ‘o e maa’imoa fisifisimu’a ‘ae kuonga hono IV, kuo fungani ‘aki ‘ae kakala na’e aoao pea luva koe kakala tauleva ‘o e Hala Mateialona. Tauange moe tapuaki ‘oe ‘aho ni, ke ‘ae ‘Otua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofi’a.

Ki he Lelei Taha si’ota ‘aho e

Hua mo tafoe ‘o ka fakatēetēe

‘O ka longolongo fa’ahi kehe

Tama suka aa koe

Na’a ke hee

Leveleva e fakahoha’a

Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua

Principal Lead #RoadToFaaimata2022 Initiative

TRIBUTE TO HIS LATE MAJESTY TUPOU IV

H IS LATE MAJESTY, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV established Tonga High School as an institution to provide the best education for the best of Tonga, with a vision that they would provide the quality human resources the country needs for optimal development and progress. (Dr ‘Ana Taufe’ulungaki, Minister of Education and Training in 2013)

King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV was renowned for his intellectual abilities, the ambitions he held for his people and for the reforms he brought to Tongan society. In 1965 Crown Prince Tungi, as he then was, succeeded his late mother Queen Salote Tupou III, and reigned until 2006. It has been heralded that the state of modern Tonga is a direct result of Taufa’ahau Tupou IV’s determination to realise that vision.

When he ascended the throne in 1965, Prince Tungi was 47 and had been prime minister since 1949. Prior to that he was minister of health and education in 1943-1950. His education as the crown prince began at Tupou College where he obtained his leaving certificate at the young age of 14. He continued at Newington College in Stanmore, New South Wales, then to the University of Sydney in 1938 and became the first Tongan to graduate from university where he read Arts and Law.

It has been recognized by generations that unsurprisingly his vision for broadening the educational opportunities for his people became one of his lifelong passions and priorities. He initiated spelling reforms to standardise the written Tongan language and established the kingdom’s first teacher training college as part of a new formal structure of professional education.

On Thursday, February 27th, 1947, Queen Salote opened Tonga High School and was assisted by her son, Prince Tungi, heir to the throne and Prime Minister of Tonga. On the day of the opening, it was named the Matriculation School or Ako Matematika. On 30th May 1955, the school was renamed Tonga High School and given the motto KI HE LELEI TAHA by Queen Salote.

As the Honorary Patron of the Road To Faa’imata Initiative and on behalf of the community of ex-students of Tonga High School, I pay tribute to His Late Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV for establishing his great vision, by setting up the Matriculation School which became Tonga High School. It was the right time to initiate an institution that embodied the essential principles of education, training and learning that would last generations, and flexible for adaptation for Tonga.

The best tribute and homage to the great leader, His Late Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV would be to continue to implement his vision and to take further steps as a nation to work collectively to ensure Tonga High School endures as an institution where the young population thrive and enjoy education.

Hon Titilupe Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano

HM.jpgHM%20%26%20Queen%20Salote.jpg

LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION

T HE GOVERNMENT IS looking forward to establishing a new school in 1947. This idea is to enable students to sit examinations here in Tonga, then enter University in New Zealand. The school will be situated at the location of the Government School (Tonga College Dormitory in Nuku’alofa).

The remark was made by the Founder of the School, His Royal Highness Prince Tungi, Minister of Education before the establishment of the Matriculation School in 1947.

THE SCHOOL REGULATIONS IN 1947

The Minister of Education is responsible to consider the following:

AGE: Not to be over 12 years of age at the time of the entrance examination.

HEALTH: To check whether the health record of a student is at a good average and how he/she keeps his/her health.

CLEANLINESS: Whether the student is able to look after himself/herself and surroundings.

ATTITUDE: To consider the students’ behaviour at his/her previous schools.

HOME BACKGROUND: Whether the student grew up in a home that was accustomed to trying to build up Tonga and standing for our country

WORK AND ASSETS OF THE FAMILY: Whether the family or guardians could pay the school fees continually which should not be less than One Pound for a month or Twelve Pounds for a year up to seven years which are the years to complete school before the Entrance Examination to the University of New Zealand.

STUDYING OVERSEAS: Whether the family will be able to educate the student overseas about any convenient job that will help the country if there will be no scholarship available.

SPEAKING IN ENGLISH: Whether the student has experienced much in speaking in English and if so, he/she will be taught only in English.

DWELLING PLACE: Whether there will be a place available for the student in Nuku’alofa that will be of trust to take care of him/her and let him/her educate for oneself.

PRINCE TUNGI

Minister of Education

Leaders who have explored the terrain to drive and shape education for the country and for Tonga High School began their secondary education in Tonga High School. Their commitment to excellence and education reform anchored with strategies and policies devoted to more rigorous and measurable standards of student and staff performance and conduct, more time devoted to learning, better facilities with more effective school leadership and with modest fiscal support have defined Tonga High School over the years.

Dr Senipisi Langi Kavaliku (Hon Hu’akavameiliku) was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education for the Government of Tonga in the 1990s. He served as a Cabinet Minister for 35 years and as deputy prime minister for over 20 years and retired in 2000. His profile is presented under the set of profiles and stories of the decade 1947-1961.

The following remarks were Dr Kavaliku’s message as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education in 1997 in commemoration of Tonga High School’s 50th anniversary and were printed in the Tonga High School 50th souvenir magazine of 1997.

The 50th anniversary of any institution is a very special and important occasion. In the case of Tonga High School it is special not only for the past and present students and staff but also to the Government and people of Tonga. It is a time of remembrance and thanksgiving, and of recommitment to the ideal on which it was established.

For those of us who were and are fortunate enough to have had the chance to participate in the life of Tonga High School, I believe that first and foremost, we must offer our sincere gratitude to our God for His offering us the chance to receive His Blessings at Tonga High School; truly a time for Thanksgiving and Praise.

It is also a time for offering our thanks to Her Majesty, the late Queen Salote, for graciously granting approval for the idea and vision to be manifested and to His Majesty, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, the then His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Tupouto’a Tungi and Minister of Education, for the vision and the establishment of Tonga High School which at that time was called the Matriculation School. It was a light that shone forth after the darkness of the Second World War based on the ideal of KI HE LELEI TAHA, amongst other things, in knowledge and wisdom, in work ethics, in the homes and family life, in farming and fishing, in administration and professional work, in norms of behaviour, in understanding, tolerance and peace and in our relationship with our God.

Personally, I have very fond memories of my time at Tonga High School, of the hard work and of the sharing of ideas, work, and school life with my fellow students. The facilities then – an old but small wartime hospital and a quonset hut also from the war days – were rather poor but the commitment of the teachers and the leadership they provided gave inspiration to us all to achieve KI HE LELEI TAHA. And even though I may not have been the best of Head Prefects and left Tonga High School in the middle of my Form 5 year for the USA, I had and still feel that I was and am, Tonga High School. My appreciation for my teachers at that time and to my fellow students cannot be expressed adequately, may I just say MALO ‘AUPITO.

It is also a time to express our deep gratitude to our parents and families for their commitments, support and vision which allowed us to share in the life of Tonga High School. And to the people of Tonga who gave up part of their livelihood, limited as it was and is, for our education at Tonga High School we, of the past, those of the present and those of the future, will never be able to find words or deeds to sufficiently express our gratitude. It is my hope, however, that we as alumni and as well as students and staff of Tonga High School will be able to achieve part of their hopes for their future and those of their children by working and living KI HE LELEI TAHA.

I hope that during the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Tonga High School we, of the 50th anniversary of Tonga High School we, of the last 50 years, as well as those of the present and the future will take the time to consider in depth three things:

our heritage

our participation

our contribution.

Those are three of the main things that make a school an important place in our lives. Those are also the three things in the spirit of KI HE LELEI TAHA that makes Tonga High School an important institution in the Kingdom of Tonga.

I regret that because of duties not only to His Majesty and His people but to the Governments and peoples of the Pacific Island States, I will not be able to share this important moment with you. But then I am sure that that is also part and parcel of the vision which gave life to Tonga High School; service KI HE LELEI TAHA.

In closing, may I extend to His Majesty and His people, to the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga and to past and present staff and students of Tonga High School my very best wishes on the 50th anniversary of Tonga High School.

May God’s blessings be with you and Tonga High School always.

‘I he loto faka’apa’apa mo’oni,

S LANGI KAVALIKU

*       *       *

Dr ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki was the Minister for Education, Women’s Affairs and Culture in 2011-2015 for the Government of Tonga under Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano. For more than thirty years, she worked as a teacher, school principal, curriculum developer, educational administrator, and planner in the Tongan Ministry of Education. Her memories of being a student at Tonga High School is presented under the set of profiles of the decade 1947-1961.

The following remarks were sourced from Dr Taufe’ulungaki’s message as Minister of Education in 2013 in commemoration of Tonga High School’s 66th anniversary and printed in the Tonga High School’s double celebrations 65th/66th souvenir magazine of 2013.

"Warmest congratulations Tonga High School on your 66th birthday! You have had a marvelous journey, with many notable milestones along the way. The ex-students list reads like ‘Who’s Who in Tonga’ and the school can be justifiably proud of the achievements of its students. But lest we forget, His Majesty, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV established the institution to provide the best education for the best of our young population in the expectation that they would provide the quality human resources the country needs for optimal development and progress.

Today, Tonga is undergoing many profound changes in almost every area of life: in the political arena, in economics, in the social sector, in health and education, in our culture, language, and traditions, in our Christian lives, and within our families and communities. Every challenge that we face, however, requires visionary and ethical leadership and decisive holistic actions that recognize the paramount importance of the health and well-being of the peoples of the nation. It is in such challenging times that we come to fully understand and appreciate the foresight and wisdom of the school’s founder, His Majesty, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, in establishing the school. He had faith that the graduates of the school would rise to meet any national challenge.

The fact that Tonga today, in the school’s 66th Year, is facing many trials and tribulations, which are opportunities for reform and transformation, is an argument that supports the call for a serious re-think by the Ministry, the school, and ex-students, of the school’s vision, core values and beliefs, goals and outcomes, processes, and educational programmes to ensure that future generations of graduates from THS would contribute more meaningfully to the development and well-being of Tonga.

In this 66th year of the school, I believe that this is the best way we could honour the school’s founder, His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV. We will, then, in years to come, have something to sing about and celebrate.

Tu’a ‘ofa atu

‘ANA MAUI TAUFE’ULUNGAKI

*       *       *

Hon Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (Hu’akavameiliku) is the Prime Minister of Tonga and Minister of Education and Training, Minister of Police, Minister of Defence. He held the portfolio of Education in the previous government from October 2019 prior to being elected Prime Minister on 15 December 2021. His profile and memories of being a student at Tonga High School is presented under the set of profiles of the decade 1982-1991.

The following message is from Hon Hu’akavameiliku.

In its early years, Tonga High School provided educational opportunities and pathways for Tonga’s best and brightest students. For most, this meant continuing their education in New Zealand to complete high school and on to university or other vocational training institutions. As time progressed, Tonga High School (and later, Tongan schools) adopted the New Zealand high school syllabi which allowed the students to sit the New Zealand School Certificate and University Entrance examinations in Tonga from the late 1960s onwards. By the late 1980s, the Government phased out the New Zealand syllabus and established a syllabus and examinations for Tonga’s high schools administered by the Ministry of Education. I sat the New Zealand School Certificate in 1986 and University Entrance examinations in 1987 which were the last years those exams were offered in Tonga. The Ministry of Education continues to implement reforms to ensure that resources are directed to where the country’s developmental needs are. This year Tonga will discontinue offering the Tonga School Certificate in Form 5. Students will continue to Form 6 before sitting their first national examinations. The minimum qualification for jobs is mainly Form 7 Certificate now, with very few still accepting Form 6.

The Ministry’s educational programmes have recently been reviewed by the World Bank, and their findings indicate that these are on par with our overseas counterparts’ programmes.

I witnessed and experienced first hand the government’s educational reform programs as I progressed through THS. In 1982, the Ministry of Education abolished the P-form (Class 7) and I entered THS directly into Form 1. Forty years on, in 2022 we no longer have Form 1 in high schools. Students will attend Primary schools up to Form 2 before sitting the high school entrance examination. There are many reasons for this ‘structural’ change and it includes deferring entry examinations to high schools to Form 2 level, keeping the students closer to home for an additional two years, reducing dropouts and keeping more children in classrooms.

Early childhood learning is a priority, and the government in the last couple of years has established nearly 50 new early childhood learning centres around the country, to provide better access for early childhood education. Despite this huge investment, the enrolment rate is still relatively low with only 50% of eligible students enrolled. Raising awareness and partnerships with communities are key to increasing the numbers of enrolled students in this age group. The Ministry is also prioritising inclusive educational programmes in primary schools for children who need special attention and is looking to invest in special classrooms. The Ministry is looking at expanding these programmes to all outer islands, to address the needs of this vulnerable group.

The Ministry has also established ‘Lifelong Learning Community School’ that supports lifelong and adult education. We have seen a significant increase in enrollment in the last couple of years.

The Government over the years has established higher learning institutes and programmes under the ambit of the Ministry of Education - teacher training; maritime training; academic and other Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes amongst others. The Ministry of Education also elevated the qualifications of these programmes to Bachelor and Diploma level for these courses which are taught in partnership with institutes such as the University of the South Pacific and various New Zealand educational institutions. These programs are accredited by the Tonga National Qualification Authority Board (TNQAB). When I was in Tonga High School, the only TVET program that I knew of was at Fokololo (Tonga Maritime Polytechnic Institute). Now, we have over 1000 students enrolled in TVET courses in government institutions, demonstrating the growing importance of TVET as a viable alternative to academic programs. Students of today are fortunate to have many options and better access to education, from early childhood to post-secondary school level.

Since my appointment as Minister of Education in 2019, I have been determined to ensure that all Tongan students have access to tertiary education, at a cost that is affordable. A lot of the groundwork was done by my predecessors. In 2021 the Government established the legal foundation for this through the draft Tonga National University (TNU) Bill which was passed by Parliament. The vision is that all post-secondary institutes such as the nursing school, the maritime institute, the institute of education will all come under the umbrella of the Tonga National University. The objectives of Tonga National University is to preserve, extend and disseminate knowledge in the Kingdom; provide academic, technical and vocational training and continuing education; foster and facilitate the study of the Tongan language and culture and all matters pertaining to this; research into subjects of relevance or significance to Tonga; and facilitate the economic and social development of Tonga through educational pathways.

It is often said that Tonga has the highest number of PhDs per capita in the Pacific, so we have the academic qualifications and intellectual capital to invest in our own tertiary institution. Our neighbouring countries have their own national universities operating alongside and collaboratively with our regional university, the University of the South Pacific. It is time that Tonga steps up and claims its place in the education space by establishing its own national university. Koe ngaue e kuo fakamohe mei ‘ulu. (There is more work to be done)

When I first tentatively set foot on THS ground 40 years ago, I had no idea that my educational ‘journey of a thousand miles’ started with that first step; or that I would be present at the hallowed grounds of Faa’imata to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Tefua a Vaka Lautala. It was a journey that wouldn’t have been possible without the solid educational grounding I received at Tonga High School. It is a journey that continues to evolve as we adjust to new norms while we chart a new and exciting course for a new era, not only for THS, but for education in Tonga.

It was an honour and a privilege to have been educated at THS. The school instilled in me the ‘Ki He lelei Taha’ attitude and equipped me with the confidence and the belief that I can achieve my dreams. Last but not least, Tonga High School provided me with lifelong friends that have shared the journey, and have stood by me through the good times as well as the difficult times.

As we celebrate Tonga High School’s 75th anniversary, I join all the students, teachers and parents of the school – past and present – in paying my respects to the Founder, HM King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV; the government of the Kingdom of Tonga - then and now; and the people of Tonga who, through their generous contributions and toil enabled the founding of the school in 1947. Ki He Lelei Taha ai pe!

‘I he loto hounga’ia moe tu’a ‘ofa atu.

SIAOSI ‘OFAKIVAHAFOLAU SOVALENI (HU’AKAVAMEILIKU)

March, 2022

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REMEMBERING TONGA HIGH SCHOOL

F EELING VERY SPECIAL

In my new uniform

Wearing my funny hat

Brown sandals and all that

Feet hardly touching

the ground

suitcase swaying lightly

reflecting nothing inside

yet heavy with uncle’s pride

my first day

at THS

Silence at the gate

Students smiling

Me looking down

Knowing

I couldn’t speak English

Hello are you new, someone asked

Yes, I said

Good, she said

Come with me he said

Welcome

to THS

Listening to the master at assembly

Not understanding anything

Waiting for uniform inspection

Someone asked ‘where is your belt?’

In my bag whispered surprised

It’s for your waist not your bag

Laughing, mockingly moving away

Running to get my belt

I found I had left it at home

Feeling embarrassed

At THS

The new teacher looked familiar

From church I used to see her

She read to us

Listened to us

Asked us many questions

But I sat in silence

Although I knew the answers

Afraid to speak

Afraid to make a mistake

Afraid to be called a fiepoto

At THS

Silence was golden

For students I came to know

So I kept on being quiet

Letting curiosity grow

I marveled at the teachers

Great things they seemed to know

Obeyed their instructions

Did my homework and read

Then got a prize in December

For best behavior instead

At THS

Sometimes soon after

A Tongan teacher came

He always demanded quiet

But preferred to shout instead

He made fun of our mistakes

Calling some a bunch of louts

He scolded us for little things

Like having bad hand writing

And beat us for coming late

From a hand standing outing

At THS

Life was a little different

Later on I have to say

Making friends speaking up

Being selected to run or jump

Or to play netball and winning

To hear students cheering

And calling out my name

A sign of approval

That they liked my game

Feeling at home

At THS

Geography was a favourite

And History was boring

Maths was not so bad

English so heart rendering

And if there was a prize for Sports

I would be close to winning

But sports was not important

For school cert or prize giving

So I decided to study harder

And do better

At THS

So imagine my surprise

When me and two others

Were catapulted to the top class

With School Cert our new focus

As if that was not enough

Being prefect and head girl

And me with myths to dispel

So I looked up at the heavens

For help for what was coming

Feeling blessed

At THS

Nineteen sixty two

It’s celebrations galore

Faa’imata ‘o e Tauataina

A new building and what’s more

Me and our sports team

Heads up at Toloa

While the dreaded School Certificate

Loomed large at our door

Giving everything to progress

To the race for success

At THS

[This poem was composed by Dr Konai Helu Thaman a Scholar and Professor at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Auckland, New Zealand; a Master of Arts in International Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA and a PhD in Education from the USP. She is a widely published poet. She entered Tonga High School in 1957 and she was Head Girl in 1961-62 and was awarded the Proxime Accessit in 1962.]

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PART I

Kava And Nua

T ONGA HIGH SCHOOL initially had three houses, Kohai, Koau and Momo. In 1956, Queen Salote Tupou III converted the three into four houses, namely Kava, Nua, Sangone and Tele’a. The contents of this book are the results of an attempt to weave by multiple hands, laying strand upon strand from THS ex-students of Kava, Nua, Sangone and Tele’a, of their journey since 1947 to this 21 st Century.

Part I honours KAVA and NUA.

Kava House’s colour is red which symbolises action, confidence, courage, and vitality.

Nua House’s colour is yellow which symbolises Nua’s state of wealth, wisdom, and creativity.

Part I is a collection of overviews, personal stories of a vibrant and engaged community of Tonga High School ex-students in a wide range of areas at community, national, regional, and international levels. These allow individuals the opportunity to share a brief reflection and share the wisdom developed from years of training and practice and how it can cultivate and harness the talents of people from all backgrounds that began student training, academic development, and leadership at THS.

CLERGY

‘Oku Mau Lotu Ki He Lelei Taha! THS Ex-students in Ecclesial/Faith Spaces¹

C ELEBRATING THE 75 TH anniversary of Tonga High School invites all of us to put the spotlight on significant milestones, achievements, and contributions made by the school and its ex-students. I am particularly proud of the fact that Tonga has as its current Prime Minister an ex-student, a former Dux (1987), and also the President of the Ex-students Association, Hon Hu’akavameiliku (Siaosi Sovaleni, better known to his circle of friends as ‘Toti.’). That is indeed worth celebrating.

I would like, however, to highlight in this very short piece the contributions of ex-students to churches and faith communities the world over. Called by its critics as ako ta’elotu throughout the years, many ex-students have proved that they are not only educated to do their best in politics and business, but they can do church and religion too. Unexpected though it may be, ex-students occupy leadership positions across the faith and theological spectrum.

In the Siasi Uēsiliana Tau’atāina ‘o Tonga, the names of Tevita Taasi Kale, Siosiua Helu, Manase Tafea, Savinata Moala, Siaosi Mailangi Lutui, Sione Ha’angana, Tēvita ‘Ofahulu, and many others come to mind. Currently, two ex-students are Principals of two separate theological colleges, one of them is the Rev Dr Henelī Taliai Niumeitolu at Sia’atoutai Theological College. The Rev Dr Ma’afu-‘o-Tu’itonga Palu serves as a consultant for the United Bible Societies in matters of Bible translations. Others like Visa Vakalala Taufu’i, Rev Tēvita Tapueluelu, Mele Malinga Mausia and others are in leadership positions within the church.

In the Siasi ‘o Tonga, Dr Feke Mafi served once as President of the church. Rev Siosiua Siola’ā is at present the General Secretary. Others are serving in various parishes both in Tonga and abroad. The Siasi ‘o Tonga Tau’atāina has people like Paula Fonua (Principal of Tailulu College) and others like ‘Oketi Tavalu who is in Auckland, New Zealand.

Ex-students like the late Vuki Tangitau, Viliami Afeaki and Kakolosi Kioa Tui’one, and in recent years Molitika Paongo, Fulilangi Hola and many more did their best for the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints. At Brigham Young University (Laie, Hawaii), we have Associate Professor Aaron Shumway, who was in Tonga High School with the 1982-1987 cohort. Others carried their duties as missionaries.

In the Assemblies of God tradition, Taniela Kaufusi, Vaka Taimani, Sitaleki ‘Ahofono and Vili Hefa frequent the airwaves and social media spaces.

THS ex-students also lead in churches in New Zealand with passion and excellence. In the Methodist Church of New Zealand (Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa), the late Tavake Tupou and Setaita Taumoepeau Kinahoi Veikune were former Presidents. Kalolo Fīhaki, Tēvita Fīnau and Kulī Fisi’iahi serve as synod superintendents. Many others—like Viliami Fīnau, Motekiai Fakatou, Siutaisa Toutai Tukutau, Makeleta Lute Pole Tu’uhoko, Fīnau Halaleva and the late Mele Foeata Tu’ipulotu—lead in various areas of the church.

The Uniting Church of Australia benefits from the service of ex-students like Dr ‘Isileli Jason Kioa, ‘Ikani Vaitohi, Lief Fungalei, ‘Alimoni Taumoepeau, Loni Vaitohi, Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, Mosese Taufa, and Sylvia ‘Akau’ola Tongotongo.

The United Methodist Church in California in the United States also have some of THS’s own. Amongst them are Dr Siosaia Tu’itahi, Dr ‘Ofa Uepi Ha’unga, Loni Veikoso, Foloke Ika, Kitione Tu’itupou to name a few. The First Tongan United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington has Mausia Kakala Folau. Other ministries in the US have Kalina Malua Katoa, Salamasina Afuha’amango-Vuna, and others.

There are ex-students with leadership roles in the Anglican Church (the late Lola Baker Koloamatangi, Telusila Moala Mafi Vea, Laiseni Liava’a), and non-Christian faith communities like the Baha’i Faith (Dr Sione Tu’itahi) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (James Vailahi). I have no doubt there are Muslim and Hindu ex-students. With them, we all celebrate this momentous occasion in the life of the school.

As we come together to mark the 75th anniversary of Tonga High School, there are challenges for those in churches and as ex-students we have a duty to step up and face those challenges for the sake of Tonga and its future. First, whatever faith community we belong to and theological persuasion we live by, we have a duty to work together for the common good. Tongans at home and abroad had gone through enough divisions caused in most cases by our faith differences or religious indifference. We can no longer justify guarding our faith to the detriment of those who are placed under our care. We must not tolerate a faith that elevates alienation above peaceful coexistence. Tonga High School ex-students need to lead the way.

Second, misinformation is running wild within religious spaces and conspiracy theorists find refuge in our midst. Real people in the community are hurt because of this. There needs to be a concerted and collective effort amongst ex-students who are in leadership positions to acknowledge facts and educate the public about the difference between opinions and facts. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but should not promote alternative facts. It is the duty of those who are charged to care for others to protect them from deception and life-negating theories.

Third, and finally, let us mark the occasion of Tonga High School’s 75th anniversary by working together to build a safe and life-flourishing environment for students, ex-students, our kāinga and Tonga. The best can only be achieved by offering our best, investing in the best, and diligently seeking what is best for all of us.

Tauange ke tapuaki mai ‘e he ‘Otua Mafimafi ‘a e kātoanga ‘o e ta’u 75 ‘o e ako’anga ‘oku tau ‘ofa ai. Pea ke ‘alungamonū ai pē ‘ene fai fatongia ke a’usia ‘a e lelei taha ma’a Tonga mo e kaha’u. May the Almighty God’s blessings be upon THS as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.

‘Ofa atu fau mo e lotu.

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Rev Dr Nāsili Vaka’uta

‘Api ko Taha-moe-‘Eiki, Tatakamotonga

EDUCATION

A DOCTORATE IS THE highest academic degree awarded by any university to a student upon satisfaction of a prescribed course of study. Academic institutions and different fields of study refer to doctorate degrees in various ways, for example Ph.D or D.Phil (Doctor of Philosophy); D.Min or D.Div (Doctor of Ministry/ Doctor of Divinity). There is no question that the course of study for a Ph.D is not easy but Ph.D graduates find that the degree opens up a whole new world of possibilities. There is also the not-so-insignificant matter of having ‘Dr’ as a prefix to your name! Dr Lia Latu Maka, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Language Education, shared her experience of undertaking Ph.D studies in the hope that it will be of assistance to future Ph.D scholars.

Lia Latu began her primary school studies at the GPS Pangai Hihifo, Ha’apai before finishing off at the GPS Ngele’ia. She entered Tonga High School in 1974 and completed in 1980. In THS, Lia was a Prefect and in 1980 she was awarded the most prestigious achievement of Dux of Tonga High School. Lia is a widow now and is the parent of five children, four of whom are ex-students of THS. She also has four grandchildren. Lia’s academic qualifications are:

Doctor of Philosophy, Language Education

(Reading/Critical Literacy)

Dr Lia Latu Maka’s personal experience

I went to pursue my Master’s and PhD, leaving behind a young family – an 18 months-old and a 4 year old and a husband to look after them. There was no internet and no emails then. Communication via phone was very expensive and in England, everything was expensive. There were no Tongan relatives close by though there were three, but they lived several hours away. In a way, being so far away forced me to work hard and completed my PhD in less than 3 years. The high costs forced me to get work as a tutor at the University and lived on chicken noodles.

Some tips from Dr Lia Latu Maka for future Doctoral scholars.

• To get good grades, it is better to gain some relevant experience especially in the field you want to pursue further research on rather than go straight from first to third degree.

• To fully focus, go to places with less distractions (distractions being Tongans, family, funerals, weddings, etc)

• If you are a young mother, never leave your family when you pursue a PhD. The risks, the costs and the impact may not be worth it.

• You must be technology savvy.

Learnings

• Choose your field of study well – where you work now or what you did at undergraduate does not necessarily equate to your seasons of calling.

• I was a Science student at THS but ended up doing an ARTS degree (Politics/History), came back and became a reasonably good teacher (so they say), went for PhD studies in Textual analysis, and ended up in executive HRM governance.

• A PhD does not necessarily make you a specialist and is not an end in itself – experience in the field and on-going refreshers, should deepen your skills and competencies.

• Properly research areas of need in Tonga or where you want to live. Try out new areas – uncharted territories. It is in the Tongan genes to succeed – wherever, whatever, whichever, whenever.

THS ex-students with Doctorates

Tonga High School has come a long way and after 75 years, it is estimated that upwards of 70 ex-students have attained doctorate degrees. These ex-students are testimony to the value of obtaining a doctorate degree. After investing considerable time and effort in their studies to reach the highest level of academic achievement, they come out of university with their degree together with a sense of accomplishment, prestige, and credibility. Tonga High School’s Ph.D graduates work all over the world in diverse fields including academia and educational institutions, government, finance and banking, agriculture, fisheries, theology, scientific agencies and regional and international organisations.

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The #RoadToFaa’imata2022 Initiative attempted to collate a list of the THS ex-students who have attained doctoral degrees, and the list provided here is not exhaustive. It is important that we recognize and acknowledge the educational journey these individuals and their families undertook in pursuit of their doctoral degrees, all the while, modelling the very essence of Ki He Lelei Taha. The first Tongan and female to be awarded a Ph.D was Tupou Le’ota Pulu (Class of 1952) when she graduated from Brigham Young University, USA in 1965. The first Tongan male to be awarded a Ph.D was Senipisi Langi Kavaliku (Class of 1950) when he graduated from Victoria University in 1966.

Viva Tonga High School!

THS Ex-students with Doctorates