Japanese Language - a symbol of sound friendship between Tonga and Japan ^Featured

Dr. Sione Vailala Matoto was present at the event as the Guest Speaker along with Rev. Savelio ‘Atuekaho, Director of Education for the Free Church of Tonga, Principals, Parents of the 24 contestants, and the Japanese language students of participating colleges.

His Excellency in his welcoming address noted the increase popularity of the Japanese language among young students in the Kingdom as a symbol, of the sound friendship between Tonga and Japan along with Soroban Education.

“Tonga is unique for its syllabus division has created its own unique Japanese language textbook, whereby studying Japanese can be easily understood by students even though it is a foreign language within Tonga’s social context,” stated the Ambassador.

Japanese language was first introduced to Tongan students in 1986, and to-date there are seven high schools in the Kingdom offering Japanese Language classes, and for training teachers at the Tonga Institute of Education, TIOE.

Hon. Penisimani Fifita in his keynote address highlighted that the speech contest marks an important milestone of 30 long years of commitment by the Japanese Government in advancing the Japanese language in Tonga. Minister Fifita expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the continuous generosity of the Government and People of Japan in assisting the Kingdom, in many ways in education.

Prizes were awarded to top three contestants of each category after being judged on five essential elements of, content and structure, pronunciation and intonation, presentation, grammar and vocabulary.

Milika Fifita, of Tonga High School won the Open Category, and will be Tonga’s nomination to participate in the Japanese Language Program for overseas students (Outstanding Students) this September, in Osaka Japan.

Arial Sanchez also from Tonga High School won the Form 6 Category; Tangimotia Havea from ‘Eua High School won the Form 5 Category while Salome Po’uli of Tonga High School won the Form 4 Category. 24 Contestants competed this year, with contestants travelling from the outer island to represent Vava’u High School, ‘Eua High School and Tailulu College from Vava’u.

The contestants were encouraged by Dr. Sione Vailala Matoto who acquired his Master and Phd in Japan under the Japanese Government Scholarship to strive towards event loftier goals, and that
the only way to achieve their purposes is to take small actions every day.

He left contestants with a substantial message to be honest and honorable but “being true to yourself is tantamount.” 

The Japanese Speech contest is an annual event co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and the Ministry of Education and Training, with cooperation from JICA Tonga Office, Japanese Language Teachers’ Association of Tonga and St. Andrew’s High School.

Later the same day, H.E Mr. Yukio Numata hosted an award ceremony and reception for the Ambassador’s Commendation awarded to Dr. Raelyn ‘Esau, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Education and Training and Mr. Mao’unga Maka, Principal of St. Andrew’s High School.

“This award acknowledged the extraordinary contributions of individuals or groups to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries in the international community,” stated the Ambassador.

The Ambassador stressed that both recipients are significant figures who have greatly furthered the development of the Japanese language in Tonga. Dr. Esau has been a great advisor to the Embassy since 2010 in the

Japanese Speech Contest and also for the Japanese MEXT Scholarship while Mr. Mo’unga Maka have been an extensive support in providing the venue for the Japanese Speech Contest and is committed to offer Japanese language classes at St. Andrew’s High School.

Guests at the award ceremony and reception included Dr. ‘Ana Taufe’ulungaki and Dr. Sitiveni Halapua, Mr. Claude Tupou CEO for the Ministry of Education and Training, Japanese Language Teachers Association in Tonga amongst others.

Japanese Speech Contest RESULT

Form 4 Category

1st    Salome Po’uli (F ) Tonga High School
2nd   Viliami Toluta’u (M) Vava’u High School
3rd    Saane Katuotua (F) Tailulu College, Vava’u

Form 5 Category

1st   Tangimotia Havea (F) ‘Eua High School
2nd  Sione Fifita (M) Tonga High School
3rd   Konifelenisi Fifita (M) Vava’u High School

Form 6 Category

1st   Ariel Sanchez (F) Tonga High School
2nd  Heidi Leka (F) Vava’u High School
3rd   Saiti Matangi (M) ‘Eua High School

Open Category

1st   Milika Fifita (F) Tonga High School
2nd  Eizabeth Mailangi (F) Vava’u High School
3rd   Lesieli Hafoka (F) ‘Eua High School