Kinder-Resilient

Friends of Tonga spearheads an international collaboration to build a second climate-resilient kindergarten.

The Tongan village of Tu’anuku childhood education this past February, celebrating the soft opening of a brand-new climate-resilient kindergarten facility.

This milestone marks the culmination of an international collaborative effort spear-headed by Friends of Tonga (FoT), a National Peace Corps Association–affiliated nonprofit organization based in Laurel, Maryland. Founded and operated by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, FoT remains dedicated to sustaining the spirit of service long after its members’ initial tenure in the Kingdom of Tonga.

FoT built their first climate-resilient kindergarten in Ta’anga, ‘Eua, in 2021, in direct response to the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Gita. Rather than just rebuilding the same vulnerable structures, however, Friends of Tonga felt it was crucial to build infrastructure that would actually stand a chance of surviving future storms.

The atmosphere at the soft opening 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 that highlighted 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, helped secure a generous donation from the team, while Giovanni Manu, currently playing in the NFL for the Detroit Lions, utilized his platform as a professional football player 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.”

Students and teachers at a brand new, climate-resilient kindergarten facility in the village of Tu’anuku in Tonga.

A Collaborative Effort

Beyond fundraising, Friends of Tonga relied on a robust network of partners to turn the vision for the kindergarten into physical reality. The nonprofit organization Schools for the 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. General funding came from the Atlas Foundation and Edrington, while Perfect Beginnings Montessori Children’s House donated furniture. Local coordination on the ground was provided by the Civil Society Forum of Tonga. Hundreds of individual donors worldwide, including Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and other NPCA-affiliated groups, also contributed to the project.

“Femolimoli’i”: Taking a Share

In Tonga, the 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 its realization. Local representatives from Tonga’s Ministry of Education were in attendance at the opening ceremony 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 kindergarten’s 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, this RPCV-led initiative addresses a critical need for climate-resilient infrastructure.

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