Kinder-Resilient

Friends of Tonga Spearheads International Collaboration to Build Second Climate Resilient Kindergarten

VAVA’U, TONGA — The village of Tu’anuku ushered in a new era for early childhood education in early February, celebrating the soft opening of a brand-new, resilient kindergarten facility.

The milestone marks the culmination of an international collaborative effort spearheaded by Friends of Tonga (FoT), a National Peace Corps Association-affiliated non-profit operating out of Laurel, Maryland. Founded and operated by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs), FoT remains dedicated to sustaining the spirit of service long after their initial tenure in the Kingdom.

FoT built their first climate-resilient kindergarten in Ta’anga, ‘Eua back in 2021, directly responding to the damage from Tropical Cyclone Gita. Rather than just rebuilding the same vulnerable structures, Friends of Tonga felt it was crucial for them to start building infrastructure that actually stands a chance against future storms.

The atmosphere was celebratory as community leaders, parents, and eager students gathered for the ceremony. A highlight of the day was when current Peace Corps Volunteer Maya Manaster officially cut the ribbon, declaring the school open—a moment highlighting the seamless transition from past service to present action.

Bridging Diaspora and Development

While rooted in the Peace Corps experience, the realization of this project was fueled by a unique blend of high-profile advocacy and grassroots support. Crucial funding was facilitated by members of the Tongan diaspora, bridging the gap between professional sports and community development.

• Charles Piutau, formerly of the Bristol Bears rugby club, facilitated a generous donation from the team.
• Giovanni Manu, currently playing in the NFL for the Detroit Lions, utilized his platform to give back to his roots.

“Tonga will forever hold a special place in my heart since I grew up there and shared countless great memories with my family,” Manu said regarding his motivation. “I told myself as I embarked on this journey of American football that if I ever made it to the big stage—the NFL—I would give back to the small nation that shaped me into the person I am today.”

A Collaborative Effort

Beyond fundraising, the project relied on a robust network of partners to turn the vision into physical reality. Schools for Children of the World (SCW) provided architectural designs and technical oversight, ensuring the structure adheres to modern safety standards capable of withstanding local environmental challenges.

Additional support came from:

• The Atlas Foundation and Edrington (Funding)
• Perfect Beginnings Montessori Children’s House (Furniture donation)
• Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT) (Local coordination)
• Hundreds of individual donors worldwide, including returned Peace Corps Volunteers and other NPCA-affiliated groups.

“Femolimoli’i” — Taking a Share

In Tonga, the proverbial word “femolimoli’i” means everyone takes a share, a concept deeply ingrained in Tongan culture. The project embodied this spirit, with many organizations collaborating to see it realized.

Local representatives from the Ministry of Education were in attendance to underscore the facility’s vital importance to the national educational landscape. They affirmed that while providing early-childhood education spaces is a national priority, this collaborative model is essential to overcoming resource limitations.

With the official academic term set to begin shortly, the soft opening provided local families with a first look at the future of education in Vava’u. As Tonga is among the countries most vulnerable to extreme climate events, the RPCV-led initiative addresses a critical need for climate-resilient infrastructure.

These structures serve a dual purpose: they provide a safe consolidation point for the community during disasters, and they allow students to return to the classroom sooner. It is a future built on partnership, resilience, and hope, proving that when everyone takes a share—femolimoli’i—truly lasting change is possible.

Michael P. Hassett served in Tonga 2012–14 as an English Language Facilitator in the village of Fahefa, Tongatapu. He is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Friends of Tonga.