Hilliard Memorial School

Having been at Hilliard for a full term now, it seems like a good time to show it to you. First, a short introduction. Hilliard is a primary school, classes 1-6 and forms 1 and 2. Class 1 students are 5 years old. The school is run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and is in the heart of Nuku'alofa, the capital city. We have more than 400 students. It is an English-speaking school, though many students come initially with little English.

My main assignment there is the library, which I am organizing, cataloguing, repairing, etc. (It's important for me to remember to keep it as simple as possible, so it can be maintained after I leave.) Almost all the books are stamped "obsolete" and "withdrawn," and they come from New Zealand or Australia libraries. Many are very old and worn out. I meet with each class each week, reading stories, and/or teaching them about a library and how it's used and organized. I've put up signs about the Dewey System for nonfiction, and I'll be starting to teach that to some classes during term 4. We'll see how it goes! We also have time to look at books and check them out.

The "Library Lunch" I have started is very popular, as students can come in and read and check out books during lunchtime, in addition to their weekly scheduled library time. My best customers are in class 3 and 4. Libraries in Tonga are rare, other than in some schools. I only know of one community library on Tongatapu, the island we are on. Reading is not a part of Tongan culture. The language was only oral until the missionaries came and developed a written language.

I am also meeting with class 6 students twice a week for English class.

I really like these kids, and the staff has been so welcoming and helpful. I've been learning a lot, too! Here are some photos of the school, students, and staff. Please let me know if you have any questions about the school. I know I'll be writing more about it in the future, too.

Hilliard Memorial School

Assembly on Monday mornings. Religious songs and the National Anthem are sung, and announcements made.

Some of the Form 1 students.

Library Lunch students.

Patsy, class 1 teacher, me, and Mrs. Satui, the principal at a workshop hosted by the Peace Corps.

Some of Hilliard's teachers. They're dressed in red in support of Ikale Tahi, Tonga's rugby team, that is playing in the World Cup.

On the trail of a sale

As we left our house this morning to go to the market for our weekly supply of vegetables, Belinda was outside washing the sidewalk from their porch to the gate. She told us that this morning was the handicrafts sale at Queen Salote College, and that it was just this morning. Well, we couldn't miss that and it was on the way to town. We got there about 9:40 and it didn't start until 10 so we thought we'd go to town and stop on our way back. Then a woman we recently met told us that the program would begin at 10, but we could come in now and sit with her. Okay. Take opportunities when you can. Queen Salote College is the only school that teaches all their students how to make kiekie and other traditional handicrafts as a part of their heritage. These are then sold as a fundraiser for the school.

We were waiting for the Princess, the guest of honor, to come, but there was plenty to look at while we waited. All the students were already there in their uniforms (even to the way their hair was braided and tied), sitting on the floor in orderly lines. The band was in the back wearing their uniforms and ready to play. All around the sides of the large hall there were tables set up with handicrafts, mostly tu'ovale and kiekie, with some baskets and embroidery (which was exquisite). 

Students sitting on the floor in lines. The band is in the background.

Waiting for the Princess. Tables filled with handwork in the background.

Not invited nor expected, we still were given salusalu (leis)

Side note: The crocheted tu'ovale uses a fiber called fau, which is obtained from the bark of the giant hibiscus. It's quite an involved process to make it. It's also used to make other items, like placemats and coasters. For those, it is wound around the spine from the coconut leaf. (This spine is used to make brooms, too, but that's another story....) 

The guest of honor, Her Royal Highness Princess 'Ofeina-'e he Langi Fakafanua.

The Princess views the table with embroidery. Her daughter, who is teaching there this year, is on the far right.

 At the front, on the stage, was a chair set up for the guest of honor. As soon as the Princess came we began. It was a short (for Tongans) program of about an hour, which included prayer, hymns, a band selection, welcome, and a gift of handicrafts to the Princess. Afterwards the Princess took a tour of all the tables, and we were allowed to follow behind and begin buying. And we still got to town and bought our vegetables, so an unplanned, but successful, fun day.

Ready to sell the kiekie and tu'ovale at their table.

A view looking down a row of the tables with buyers and sellers lined up on each side.

Teresa helps Jim make a decision on which tu'ovale to buy.

Jim, wearing his new tu'ovale and almost ready for church.

Away to 'Eua!

 Once again on the trail of the whales, we went to 'Eua on August 13. There were six of us, plus two more passengers on our 8-minute flight on Saturday morning. Yes, 8 minutes. It was full of wonder, though, as we viewed Tongatapu from the air, saw whales beneath us in the ocean, and approached 'Eua. We landed on a grass landing strip. A smooth and delightful flight! 

 We were met by people from The Hideaway where we were staying, and made a quick trip there to leave our luggage. Then it was off to find the whales. Our captain, Kathleen, was determined to find them for us. What a thrill when we finally began to see them far off and sped in their direction. As soon as we got close, two of us (not me or Jim!) got into the water to swim with them. We thought they had left, but Jim got a lucky shot of David swimming with a whale. Success! No videos I had seen, or photos, can ever do them justice when you see them swimming nearby.  Truly gentle giants.

'Eua's harbor.

A wave of the tail.

 That evening we had reserved a dinner with Wolfgang, who works with Deep Blue Diving. He has made a clay/cement outdoor oven housed in a rough outdoor kitchen. We were ready for his special wood-fired pizza.  It was plentiful and delicious. (Now I'm ready for our own outdoor oven when we go home. Take note!)

The oven, and it's red hot!

Ready to bake! And we were ready to eat!

Wolfgang does the honors.

 On Sunday morning we enjoyed the view of the ocean from The Hideaway, watched whales, walked down to the lookout by the ocean, and just enjoyed being there. By afternoon, though, we were ready for a hike. Perhaps we'd see the 'Eua parrots? After a 15-minute 4-wheel drive transport, we were dropped off with a (sketchy!) map of the area and directions to look for the "blue ribbon." The ground was muddy and full of clay. Walking was a challenge, but we certainly saw some great sights in 'Eua's rainforest, and the fact that it's mountainous was a revelation. Tongatapu, our island, is so flat. We found out later that the elevation is 300+ meters. We heard parrots, and Jim and Jinnet saw one, briefly. The views and the vegetation were outstanding. We did get to the lookout, our destination, but the weather was deteriorating, as we headed back to get picked up. Very tired, but so glad we went.

A relaxing breakfast.

The walk down to the ocean from The Hideaway.

This tree caught our attention on the hike.

Jim at the lookout.

View from the lookout.

We had to get up at 3:30 the next morning to be off by 4 A.M. to catch the ferry to get a "good" seat. The ferry left at 5. It was packed, by then, with people everywhere. The swells of the waves were hitting the side of the boat, so it was like being on a ride at the fair for a while. It was close to 8 A.M. when we got back to Nuku'alofa and had breakfast at Fresh Cafe. We stopped at the Market to get a few vegetables for the rest of the week and went home to sort out our many unforgettable memories (and dirty laundry).

View of Tongatapu from the ferry.

Coming into Nuku'alofa's harbor.

TIST (Tonga Institute of Science and Technology)

 Written by Jim.

Tongan Institute of Science and Technology (TIST), a tertiary  school under the direction of the Ministry of Training, Education, Youth, and Sports (MOTEYS).

A view of TIST. Students gather under the cupola in their free time.

TIST was originally started with the help of the German government as Fokololo 'o e Hau  or the Maritime Polytechnic Institute. Since then it has expanded to include a School of Agriculture, a School of Hospitality and Tourism,  and a School of Engineering  and Construction.

I am currently working in the School of Engineering and Construction in the Department of Carpentry and Joinery. This department awards a nationally accredited Trade Certificate in Carpentry after completing 36 - 38 weeks of  classroom work and 3-plus years of on-the-job training in the building industry.

Students start their studies with 13 weeks of  theory and practical assessment before  spending the next  year working in industry. They then return to school to receive more advanced theory in two more 13-week sessions separated by another year working, until they have studied and worked for a total of 8000 hours.

My Counterpart, Folau, and students.

Jim observes students using the planer.

Jim and students building a door.

The course of study is built on the Tongan, Australian, and New Zealand Building Codes. Topics covered usually start with the foundation of a building and work the way up to the roof and then onto the interior. The teaching of safety is always  stressed it each section.

First year students start, after an extensive introduction to the proper use of tools and safe techniques in the use of power tools, to build in theory a simple structure on columns or piers with a simple rafter roof. We don't actually build this house just the parts, due to the cost of lumber in Tonga, the same timber is used over and over for each part of our house. The building codes and safety are always stressed, and each student must show that he or she is competent in each step. This is done with written work, technical drawing, demonstration of practical skills, and one on one discussion with the instructors.

Second and Third year students are introduced to more and more complicated structures, materials, and techniques. New topics include reinforced concrete, form work, trussed rafters, doors and windows, moldings, interior stairs, and some discussions on commercial buildings.

Graduation held at Queen Salote College Hall, July, 2011.

Graduates and guests.

Graduates

My Counterpart, Folau, and students under the mango tree playing a game of draughts.

WISE (Women in Sustainable Enterprise)

There has been a banner outside Queen Salote Hall for about a month proclaiming that WISE would be launching there on July 23rd. We also read about it in an email we get called "WOIT: What's on in Tongatapu?" We couldn't seem to grasp what it was really all about and what/who would be there. And did WE want to be there? Today was the day, and since we were going to town to buy a supply of vegetables, we decided to stop there on our way home (It's right on the way.) and see what it was all about.

I'm so glad we did! Around the perimeter of the Hall there were twenty-five to thirty booths. It was all about women and the businesses they have, or are starting. Many had beautiful handicrafts and jewelry (You know my weakness.).  The Talitha Project was represented, which is an NGO trying to meet the needs of women 12-25 "who are in need of empowerment, security, counseling, skill development, support and love." Women were there with businesses in flowers and plants, either to sell or rent for occasions, and there were representatives from the Women in Law Association, just to name a few and to give you an idea of the variety.

In the center of the Hall there were chairs and a stage. The day began with a choir singing, and a pastor offering scripture and prayer, as well as various women extending a welcome. Later the stage was used to introduce the 'Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles) Rugby Team and the candidates for the Miss Heilala competition for the Heilala Festival.

On the far end, on the built-in stage, a woman-owned preschool provided a play area for children. They were having a great time! There was also the Escape Cafe (owned by the woman who initiated the WISE idea.) which was serving its full menu. Add a raffle.... And, well, a good time was had by all. At least we certainly did!

The entrance to the Hall. Note the tapa cloth on the windows.

Children's play area and the WISE Launch banner.

This bouquet came from thegarden of the woman at this booth, which had nothing to do with flowers.

Meet the 'Ikale Taha Rugby Team and the Miss Heilala contestants.

The 4 Miss Heilala contestants are introduced.

Plants to buy or rent for occasions.

 

Ok, this isn't from the WISE Launch, but, perhaps, future WISE members? Students from Beulah College selling their product: peanut butter. It was at the Heilala Festival block party the night before. Their motto, "It's tasty.....It's yummy.....It's crunching....." We bought a jar....

Island hoppin'

 Well, not exactly island hopping, but when it's low tide you can actually walk to it. It's a 45 min. walk and the water is knee-high. Sounds a little too aerobic for me.  It's a small island off the central northern tip of Tongatapu, just off Nuku'alofa, and it's called Pangimotu. . They have a small boat that will ferry you there. It leaves at 11 AM and the last boat back is at 4. It's only a 5 min. ride. Since we're Peace Corps they give us a discount and it's 10 pa'anga for the round trip. A great deal!

We spent a very nice day with David and Jinnet beach walking, snorkeling, eating lunch, reading, and a little mohe (sleep) on the beach. What's not to like? Jinnet and I both looked at each other and both of us had the same thought: is this really us having this experience? Wow. For a midwestern gal I sometimes just can't believe it! We're starting to try to do a lot of things now when we can. When we realized that 1/3 of our time here is over Jim and I said that we didn't want to go home and wish we had done some things and hadn't taken the time. This was a good start. This won't be our last trip to Pangimotu!

Pangimotu: view from the water taxi.

Boarding the water taxi. (Yes, we have our life preservers. PC policy.)

The perfect  tree for us and our gear.

Lunch!

Yachts anchored off the island.

Good snorkeling around this partially submerged small ship.

Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu in the distance.