Graduation at Funga'onetaka Kindy

We were invited to be the honored guests at kindergarten graduation this week. Funga'onetaka Kindy was built on land donated by our Country Welfare  Manager's brother. The building was built by Australian Aid. The flooring was donated by New Zealand Aid. Furniture and play equipment were donated by LDS Charities. Play kitchen and outdoor equipment donated by WHO as well water tank and vegetables for an outdoor garden which is used for snacks. It truly was a combination of many countries working together to provide this preschool and kindergarten for the village of Navutoka.

There were 7 graduates. Their personalities certainly came through at the graduation. Some are outgoing and ready for the stage. Others are as shy as a church mouse, running and hiding, and having to be coaxed to the front for their presentations.

Kalolaine Taukolonga         Elina kofe
Losalina Tatafuomalie         Katea Huihui
Mele'ana Li                          'Ahoafi Lotefia
Ma'u Mafi

Principal: Ane Kanesi 'Otuhouma

Tradition is that candy leis are piled deep on each of the graduates. This is also done at high school graduation.

Children, like children everywhere, love their sweets. The problem in Tonga is that the Tongans have terrible teeth. The dentists tell of of  preschoolers whose teeth are rotting and need to be extracted. When we show this picture to Elder Hudson, he will cringe.

I have to include this picture of Elder Thomson. He looks so happy! and he was.

Elder Thomson played his guitar. Yes, stage fright fled and he did an excellent job. He played Grandma's Feather Bed (remember that one, grandkids, Elder T has now played it in 3 countries for children) and Away in a Manger. It was fun to see the smiles on the kids faces (parents too) when Elder Thomson played his guitar

I gave a brief talk (maybe 5 minutes) at the ceremony about educating our children, how important it is, and how amazed I was that these children could recite the 2 scriptures in English! Revelations 3:20 and John 3:16. They sang a song in English. English is key for these children to learn. Middle school and high school are generally in English.

This was a really fun day.