June 24, 2020

The Hon. Prime Minister, Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa launched the commencement of the CTT component 1 payment of school fees for poor families and their secondary students; the increase payment of $200 for covid 19 preparation to 1,278 poor household and the commencement of school fees payment of 123 TVET students and living allowance to 39 students from outer islands, on Tuesday 23^rd June 2020 at Tungi Colonnade.

In his key note address, the Hon. Prime Minister told guests, “….this SET project is being financed by the World Bank through a total of $20.9million with US$18.5 million as a grant from the International Development Association, the World Bank’s fund for the most in-need countries and a US$24.4 million grant from the Australia-Pacific Islands Partnership Trust Fund. A total Tonga Pa’anga of $40 million, for Tonga SET Project”.

The aim, of this component, is to increase secondary school participation and completion by addressing the financial constraints poor and vulnerable households face, as well as providing some motivation for students to stay in school.

The Hon. Prime Minister added, that the government, parents, teachers and students were very grateful for this cash assistance from the World Bank and should abide by the rules, conditions and governing policy of the Agreement.

The guiding principle if this component is to provide the right set of incentives for these households to both encourage secondary school enrollment and ensure regular attendance through to completion.

This component is for the next 4 years ending in 2023.