3 December 2011 To
provide financial relief to Tongan families that are struggling to pay school
fees and meet education costs for their children, the ‘Kalapu Lonitoni' - a
small Kava Tonga club in London, have donated £2,700.00 (approximately TOP
7,255.00) to six secondary schools in Tongatapu (i.e. Tonga High School, Tonga
College, Tailulu College, Tupou College, Tupou High Tertiary Institute,
‘Apifo'ou College ) and three secondary schools in Vava'u (i.e. St Peter Chanel
College (Kelana), Mailefihi & Siulikutapu College and Tailulu College).
Each school will receive £300.00 (about TOP806.00) of financial relief.
Kalapu Lonitoni was just a social gathering, particularly for rugby players and any Tongan who wishes to get away from home on Saturday nights for a bowl of kava. In the beginning of the year they decided to pay a nominal contribution every Saturday night with a purpose to help school children in Tonga that are struggling financially. According to the President of the Kalapu Lonitoni, Mr Fe'ao Vunipola - a former Captain of the ‘Ikale Tahi, it is a great feeling to be able to spare a few Pounds from the competing needs in London to help those that are struggling financially in our beloved country.
Taking the opportunity of Honourable ‘Isileli Pulu, Minister for Labour, Commerce & Industries's transit via London to a series of ministerial meetings in Brussels and in Geneva, the Kalapu Lonitoni sought the kind assistance of the Honourable Minister and his CEO, Mr Tatafu Moeaki, to relay their donation to the Principals of these nine secondary schools. A presentation ceremony was therefore held at Greenbanks, Residence of the Tongan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ambassador to the European Commission and other member states of the European Union, H.E. Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa, on behalf of the President and members of the Kalapu Lonitoni, handed over their donation to Honourable ‘Isileli Pulu on Saturday night, 3rd December 2011.
Honourable ‘Isileli Pulu, thanked High Commissioner Kioa, Fe'ao Vunipola and the members of the Kalapu Lonitoni for the kind donation and the excellent gesture of love to the students and their families that are in financial need back in Tonga .
The full list of the members of the Kalapu Lonitoni is provided below:
Mr Fe'ao Vunipola / Club President
HE Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa (High Commissioner)
Mr Pita Liutai
Mr Tevita Tukutau
Mr Paula ‘Ulamoleka
Dr Faka'osi Pifeleti
Mr Manu Launoa
Mr Siale Vuki Bain Vete
Mr Sione Sonata Tupou
Mr Patimiosi Ngungutau
Mr Taniela Likiliki
Mr ‘Elisi Vunipola
Mr Simifi Takapautolo
Mr Lolo Tu'ihalamaka
Mr Sesoni Tupou
Mr Kulisi Hala'ufia
Mr Folau Kioa
Mr Katilimoni Tu'ipulotu
Mr Keni Fisilau
Mr Hingano Fakatou
Mr Ngalu Ta'u
Mr Maika Lavulo
Mr Viliami Tavake
Mr Maka Tu'ihalamaka
Mr Saimone Lavakei'aho
Mr Viliami Tavake
ENDSIssued by the: Tonga High Commission, London, 2011.
