TOKAIKOLO CHRISTIAN KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION IN ‘EUA

 

Tokaikolo Christian Kindergarten K.4

 Friday 11, 2014
The first ever graduation ceremony for Tokaikolo Christian Kindergarten took place outside on a remarkable hilltop under a tent with a fantastic view at ‘Ohonua ‘Eua. The venue was on the Tokaikolo Church’s property known as Filatelefia (Philadelphia).
The school which has two teachers and 20 students is a part of the Tokaikolo Christian Education System. Those who attended the occasion included guest of honor Setikia Vea (Government Executive Educational Officer for ‘Eua), Pastors, family and friends from the community.


Rev. Salesi Ngahe

The program began with graduate’s grand entrance, followed by a prayer lead by Rev. Salesi Ngahe. The Reverend also gave a brief sermon, in which he stressed the importance of the school’s motto “Mo’ui ‘ia Kalaisi”. He added that the main purpose of the school is leading the children to Christ.

Rev. Salesi Ngahe



Principal Langalotu Taiala

‘Ana Ngahe, one of the two teachers, gave the welcoming speech. Afterwards, Principal Langalotu Taiala gave the annual report. She mentioned that the school, which is only 4 years old began with fewer students this year, it wasn’t until later on throughout the year when the numbers increased, majority of which are members of the Free Church of Tonga and only three from the Tokaikolo Christian Church. The program continued onto special performances by ‘Osai Malupo and Viliami Fe’aomoeata from Christ’s University in the Pacific (C.U.P).

 

K3 presenting their alphabets

The whole concept of little children wearing graduate gowns and formally entering in a university-like manner is very new to the parents and the rest who attended the occasion. Those who attended were filled with both emotion and excitement as they witnessed the children reciting and even entertaining them with alphabets, numbers, memory verses and Christmas songs. Every performance was done in the English language with the specific use of the phonics system.


 



Setikia Vea (Guest of Honor)

Rev. Salesi presented the awards to the K3, while Setikia Vea presented the awards to the K4. The presentation was followed by a speech given by Setikia. He thanked the two teachers for the efforts that they invested into the upbringing of the children. He added that he was impressed at how the English language is introduced at a very early age compared to the government schools in which English is not taught until class 3. He encouraged the community to bring their children to this kindergarten. He also made reference to the numbers mentioned on the principals annual report and added that government grants are based on the number of the students at the beginning of the year, implying the importance of bringing the children into the Tokaikolo Christian Kindergarten at the beginning of the year.

Rev. Leilani Fehoko from the Free Church of Tonga, mentioned that he too was very impressed. The majority of the students were members of his congregation. He jokingly continued to mention that his grandson understands English better his wife, but then concluded to say that he will encourage more children from his congregation to attend this kindergarten. Another parent said that the idea of dressing the children in graduation gowns is very inspiring, because it serves as an encouragement to both parents and children as they look forward to the future of their education as they graduate from high school and university.


Setikia  presents the awards

The program was concluded by an appreciation speech given by Tupe Fatai, followed by a closing prayer by Rev. Lailani Fehoko. After the program, a feast was prepared by the families of the graduates.


While everyone enjoyed their outdoor and hilltop lunch, a number of appreciation speeches were being said. Overall, every moment thoughout the program was overwhelming as it marked the first time for quite a few things. A first time for a kindergarten to graduate, the first time for parents to witness and experience the warmth of such occasion, and for any of the Tokaikolo’s graduation ceremony to be on a perfect setting on the outdoors of a hilltop especially on the high grounds of the beautiful island of ‘Eua.