THE VAVA'U PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Last year we set up a fund to support students both at High School level in Forms 6 and 7 and at the University of the South Pacific here in Neiafu.
EDUCATION AND ENGLISH LITERACY IN TONGA
The latest survey by the Department of Education paints a grim picture. Although amongst under 40's the literarcy rate in Tongan is over 90%, here in Vava'u only 2% of the population have the equivalent of a Diploma in Higher Education (2 year course) or a Ba or Bsc.
The reasons for this are complex but the two most important bear examination particularly in a country where education is compulsory up to the age of 16 (soon to be 18).
In forms 4, 5, 6 and 7 (the 13-18) age group - all classes are conducted in English, at least in principle. The reality is rather different and it is common to meet many in this age group who speak next to no English.
The graduation exams for Forms 6 and 7 are set, not in Tonga, but in Fiji, thus the necessity for teachers to conduct their classes in English. This comes as a shock to many students who, in the previous years, have been able to pay lip service to the 'English-only' precept. As a result many fail, not because they are unintelligent but simply because English teaching in Tonga leaves a lot to be desired.
We, at the Library, can do little about this except encourage the dissemination of the English langauge through book lending and our Saturday morning efforts.
HOWEVER THERE IS ANOTHER REASON THAT WE CAN, AND ARE, DOING SOMETHING ABOUT.
THE OBSTACLE COURSE
There are four High Schools on the island but only Vava'u High, the government school, has a form 7. Entry into this form is by public examanation and, in effect, this form creams off the most academically able 25-35 pupils every year. Satisfactory grades in all subjects are a passport to the University of the South Pacific's degree courses.
A BIG ASK
For most families on the island trying to find the money to pay school fees for their children is a big ask. With only 60% of the population in the cash economy many families rely on remittences from relatives living abroad to help pay school fees. With the world recession these are now drying up. For a student in Form 7 the school and exam fees for the year are over 1000 pa'anga - a amount many families are unable to find. Thus promising students drop out of education before this final hurdle.
Another path into University education is through the University of the South Pacific campus here in Vava'u. This small continuing education college offers young people who left school after Form 6 the opportunity to qualify for a university education. The achieve this they have to take seven subjects and achieve a 'B' grade or better in each. Each of the seven modules costs about 250 pa'anga - again, a big ask.
THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Last year we launched the fund and thanks to the generosity of local businesses, residents and visitors to the island we were able to award nine scholarships to students whose education would have come to an end due to their family's fanancial circumstances.
HOW IT WORKS
We didn't advertise last year although we may do in the future. At the beginning of the academic year we approached the Principal of Vava'u High School and requested a confidential assessment of students who had qualified to enter Form 7 but whom, he knew, would be unable to enter this graduation year because of their parent's financial circumstances.
For instance, in two cases, the breadwinner of the family had died the previous year. We also consult the Principals of the three other high schools about students in Form 6 who are in danger of not being able to complete their academic year or pay their exam fees. The same approach was applied to students studyimg at the USP campus. But in this situation, as they were mature students, it required an interview and an informal means test.
Candidates were interviewed by members of the Library Committee (see next page) and the fees for the successful candidates were paid directly to the establishments.
THE NEED NEXT YEAR
WE know from our discussions with many Tongans living on the island, and with teachers and administrators that the need for financial support for students who wish to gain the qualifications to go to higher education will be greater next year.
It is our view that far too much aid is concentrated on tangibles. The most important intangible receives far too little aid that would make sure that the brightest, the keenest and the most talented receive the same opportunities that we receive in the west. These young people are the future of this country. They will be the engine of development.
We are happy to announce that we have already received a pledge of 1000 pa'anga towards the fund for next year.