"We just want to say a huge thank you to all of those who have supported us through the Thrive Tonga project," says Captain Catherine Walker, director of Women's Ministries in Tonga, "We are absolutely delighted and excited to announce that you have raised $23,000 for us, and that is going to help us hugely in our work in the kindergartens as we continue to recover from the after effects of the volcanic eruption and tsunami."
The money will go to restore and upgrade Salvation Army kindergartens devastated by the eruption and tsunami that ripped through on 15 January 2022. It will also help further develop the ground-breaking work of The Salvation Army in Tonga: ‘Preschool education is still relatively undervalued and under-acknowledged in Tonga,’ explains Catherine. ‘But there is a growing appreciation of the importance of those early years in the development of a child. We provide learning and developmental opportunities for children, which have been acknowledged as beneficial in setting children up for success academically and in life.’
With 3 established kindergartens, The Salvation Army has been at the forefront of preschool education for many years in Tonga. Last year, Queen Nanasipau’u approached the Army to establish the newest kindergarten in Pea, as part of an initiative that would place the kindy at the heart of a community hub and health centre.
‘The Queen has placed her trust in us to provide a safe, stimulating learning environment that is both bi-lingual and holistic. Our programme has a strong Christian emphasis and we’re continually seeking new ways to improve our programme and give our teachers professional development,’ says Catherine.
The kindergarten worst hit by the tsunami was part of the Nuku’alofa Corps compound, which was inundated with seawater. The kindy lost resources, and there has been extensive damage to the outdoor play area and equipment.
The Kolovai kindy was saved from the worst of the tsumani damage, but the surrounding area in north-west Tongatapu has been especially devastated.
‘Everyone has experienced the trauma of the eruption and tsunami. The Army’s “usual” operations have taken on a whole new look ...'
The newest kindy in Pea is the first preschool in the large community. ‘The space we will operate from belongs to the Royal family for the use of the Pea community, and we have outfitted and resourced this with the basics to get the Kindy started,’ says Catherine.
No one has been able to escape the effects of the disaster, she adds. ‘Everyone has experienced the trauma of the eruption and tsunami. The Army’s “usual” operations have taken on a whole new look as we’ve had to clean-up, help with the distribution of aid and provide pastoral support.
'Now, with “Thrive Tonga” we have an opportunity for creativity and discovery. We continue to be available to people after the tsunami, and will continue to help children in Tonga thrive through all these circumstances.’
Watch video till the end for some very cute children ....