The Minister of Education, Dr. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, launched a new online course, “Child Protection and Safeguarding in the Tongan Education System,” yesterday.
The course aims to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to child protection issues effectively. Dr. Fasi stressed the importance of the initiative, saying, “They do not go to school, they’re unprotected, they’re vulnerable to all kinds of ugly things.” He hopes the course will empower educators to safeguard Tonga’s most vulnerable children.
Following the launch, Dr. Fasi handed the course over to the Vice-Chancellor of Tonga National University (TNU), Dr. Guilio Masasso Paunga. The program is a joint effort between TNU, the Ministry of Education, Save the Children Australia, and Australian Aid.
Daniel Cronin of Thuso Consultancy Group demonstrated the course, explaining that it sets a “professional benchmark level” for teachers in child protection. “Teachers can start to implement those good practices and evaluate what works well for the benefit of all children,” he said.
Two of the first three teachers to complete the course received certificates, marking a significant step in strengthening child safety in Tonga’s education system.
