Tonga’s First University

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 25 December 1977, Page 5

Tonga’s First University

by Wi Nuku’alofa — Clad in red robes and praised for their hard work, six Tongan students this month (Dec. 1) became the first ever graduates of a university-level programme in the island kingdom of Tonga. With more than 3.000 persons on hand to help celebrate the educational milestone. the students received their degrees from His Majesty KingTaufa'ahauTupou IV. Among those in attendance were official representatives of the governments of Fiji. New Zealand. Australia. Britain. Taiwan, the Gilbert Island, the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States. The two themes of continued technical advancement and the preservation of the Island culture were sounded repeatedly during the day-long festivities at 'Atenisi Institute, west of Nukualofa.

Discussing the distinction between arts and sciences. King Taufa'ahau praised the six graduates and urged 'Atenisi to continue toward its goals of development in both areas. He urged cooperation of education and government injroning out development problems in the small island kingdom. I Futa Helu, director of Atenisi. described the infant university as an attempt to combine the divergent aims of economic progress and cultural preservation. “Our main goal will continue to be academic excellence." Mr Helu said during the ceremony. which was broadcast live on Radio Tonga.

Mr Helu said that the king's presence at the graduation ceremony symbolized the turning point in 'Atenisi's struggle for recognition in Tonga. "It has been an abiding desire for us to operate a school system independent of Church and state, but yet to have a degree of harmony with other institutions in society." he said.

Inoke Hu’akau. elected representative of the graduating class, told the audience. “This diploma will serve as a first step toward continuing education to promote academic excellence. personal integrity and social advancement for all people. It is also our goal to use the education we acquire

ill Keenen (’Atenisi Institute) to further Tonga’s progress in a rational way.” The presentation of the three associate of arts and three associate of science degrees by the king comes just two years after the university division was founded. University-level courses were first given on a non-credit basis at 'Atenisi in 1971. Keeping with the themes of educational advancement and promotion of traditional values, the day's activities were appropriately divided into a morning graduation ceremony, followed by an afternoon of feasting and dancing. More than 300 polas, or large tables of food, w'ere presented for the feast. Tongan and Gilbertese dances w'ere performed for the guests and each of the graduating students presented gifts of tapa and mats to the king. Located just w'est of the capital city. ’Atenisi Institute includes a high school, w'ith about 800 students, and a university divison. w'ith about 45 students at present. Plans for a technical division had also been made, a spokesman said.

The university, which began with eight students, is patterned after the United Stales community college concept. Some additional hours of credit are required in the Tongan version, how'ever. These hours are needed to help students fill in their sketchy backgrounds. Dr Thomas Schneider. Associate Professor of Humanities at ’Atenisi, explained. "We think that students should get a thorough backgrounding before specializing in any one field.” he said.

This work has paid off in the form of recognition by overseas universities. Dr Schneider continued. Tertiary institutions in the United States, Australia and New Zealand have recognized ’Atenisi and accepted credit for transfer.

Of the six graduates from the school’s first class, four have applied for admission and been accepted to New' Zealand schools, w'here they w ill continue their education. Two others have received job offers as high school teachers in Tonga, a school spokesman said.