Aiming to provide a space for fun and exercise with lessons of sustainability, Beulah Adventist School in Vaini, Tonga, has opened its new playground built with recycled waste materials.
Excited teachers, students and parents were present at the opening ceremony on July 15, where Ministry of Education and Training CEO Dr Tangikina Steen cut the ribbon and Tonga Mission (TM) president Pastor Fanueli Mataele dedicated the new playground.
Also present at the event were Ministry of Internal Affairs CEO ‘Onetoto ‘Anisi, TM Adventist Education director Fatongia Hopoate and other Adventist representatives.
Valued at $T70,000—around $A42,000—the project was entirely funded through donations, with $T6000 donated in cash and approximately $T64,000 in materials, building equipment, consultancy and labour.
“We thank everyone who supported this project and hope this playground becomes a model of how locally available materials can promote quality learning that is achievable and sustainable,” said Dr Elisapesi Manson, chair of the playground project committee.
