'Ako-thon' for Tonga

The heartbreaking devastation in Tonga after the eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano left hundreds without homes and a livelihood. As the people of Tonga slowly start to rebuild their lives, many families in Tonga will struggle with the cost of getting their children back to school.

The Akanesi Mataitonga Trust (2647473) and The Moana Trust (CC59530) have joined hands to support Tonga’s return to education. With the start of a new school year soon approaching there will be hundreds of families in Tonga without funds for school fees, uniforms and stationery.

Tongan families will naturally focus on house and vehicle repairs, and re-establishing their livelihood, with education a secondary focus for many, in the immediate and long term.

The covid19 lockdowns have shown how hard it is for kids when they can’t go to school and interact and socialise with their peers. This has a big impact on mental health and wellbeing. As online learning is not an option for most Tongan families, the long term socioeconomic consequences of missing out on education could be dire.

Based on the local needs, we believe it’s of utmost importance to get children ages 15 to 17 in the places worst affected (Tongatapu and Ha’apai) back into the classroom and across the finish line by providing funding for their fees, uniform and other school essentials.

We are raising funds by completing a 24-hour walkathon on 5 & 6 March 2022, visiting schools across Auckland, to highlight the importance of education and its pivotal role in societal and economic recovery. As well as the many benefits that education brings to youth and their families.

Funds will be provided directly to the schools and suppliers in Tonga, which also enables us to support local businesses.