Six secondary schools in Tonga participated in the semi-finals of the ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’ competition today, presenting innovative technological solutions to local challenges.
The event, managed by Tonga National University (TNU), featured teams from Tonga College, Tupou College, St Andrews, Acts Community School, Tonga High School, and ‘Apifo’ou College.
Prior to the competition, students attended a design workshop where project criteria were clarified. The focus was on developing sustainable, low-maintenance technological innovations addressing community issues.
TNU acknowledged the competitiveness of the projects, saying, “So many interesting projects today, highly competitive too.”
The top four teams from this round will advance to the finals scheduled for March 25. TNU expressed gratitude to all participants and judges, stating, “Mālō to all schools and their teams, mālō judges for availing your time to assess the projects.”
The ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’ initiative, in partnership with Tonga’s Ministry of Education, aims to foster critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity among students. Tonga is the first Pacific island nation to participate in this competition, reflecting a commitment to nurturing youth innovation.
The competition encourages students to identify community challenges and develop creative solutions using design thinking. This approach not only enhances problem-solving skills but also prepares students for future technological endeavors.