A free bilingual reading app is helping Tongan children embrace local stories and boost literacy.
Tau Laukonga, launched this week, offers over 100 culturally rich books in Tongan and English, many with native-speaker audio narration. Available on Android and iPhone, the app functions offline, making it accessible to families without reliable internet.
Developed by Peace Corps volunteer Andrew Pavey in collaboration with Friends of Tonga, Tonga’s Ministry of Education, and the Free Wesleyan Church Education Department, the app aims to address a significant literacy gap. A 2017 World Bank report found that about 70% of Tongan households lack children’s reading materials.
“This initiative is one key milestone to children’s development in the era of information technology,” said Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala, who endorses the project.
Peace Corps Tonga Director Elizabeth Neason praised the effort: “Andrew has created a project which serves as a beautiful testament to the potential of this type of service.”
Michael P. Hassett, President of Friends of Tonga, added, “Tau Laukonga could change the trajectory of literacy attainment for an entire nation.”
The app is free and always will be, with future updates planned.
Download Tau Laukonga for Android: https://tinyurl.com/4j5ca57k
Download Tau Laukonga for iPhone: https://tinyurl.com/mre4zc4z
