Decline of Tonga’s Educational Standards
According to Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi, education in Tonga was once celebrated as the highest in the Pacific, with exceptional teaching standards, high-quality curriculum delivery, well-equipped classrooms, and rigorous exams. It was a system admired throughout the region, producing students whose academic achievements stood as a testament to the nation’s commitment to education.
Dr. Uhilamoelangi Fasi, who served as Head of Exams in Tonga for many years, played a vital role in maintaining this excellence. His deep understanding of the system and its outputs, coupled with his tenure as a regional inspector of education in Fiji in 2002, gave him a unique perspective on the strengths of Tonga’s education compared to other Pacific nations. During his inspections of education systems across the region, he consistently found Tonga leading in both quality and outcomes.
However, even during this period of success, signs of decline began to emerge. Dr. Fasi observed that the preparation of teachers was weakening, and many skilled professionals were leaving the sector for opportunities abroad. Despite these challenges, Tonga managed to retain its competitive edge, continuing to produce quality students comparable to those from neighbouring countries. Yet, the cracks in the foundation were becoming more evident. Dr. Fasi has long been an advocate for meaningful reform, highlighting not just the issues but also potential pathways to recovery.
By 2010, the situation had worsened. Other Pacific Island nations, some of which had previously been considered educationally insignificant, began to surpass Tonga in the quality of their graduates. This shift underscored the consequences of years of neglect by successive governments. What was once a source of national pride now faced questions about its relevance and effectiveness. Universities and higher education institutions across the Pacific began to scrutinise Tonga’s curriculum, with many requiring Tongan graduates to complete bridging courses before admission. This starkly highlighted the system’s inability to meet modern academic standards.
Adding to the issue, the reliance on pass rates as a measure of success masked the true state of education in Tonga. Dr. Fasi pointed out that while pass rates appeared high, they included students who barely met the minimum requirement of 50%. This statistical approach created a false impression of quality, hiding the fact that many students lacked basic competencies. For instance, some science graduates were unable to perform simple tasks, such as lighting a Bunsen burner, and others struggled with fundamental mathematics.
The performance of teachers also raised concerns. Although many held advanced qualifications, including bachelor’s degrees, their work often failed to reflect their educational backgrounds. This gap between credentials and effectiveness further exacerbated the declining standards in schools.
Dr. Fasi’s concerns emphasising the urgent need to address these issues promptly highlighting their critical impact on students. He stressed that immediate reforms are necessary to restore the standard of exams and curriculum delivery to levels acceptable to universities and higher education institutions. With years of neglect taking their toll, the question now is whether the incoming government will prioritise education and act decisively to reverse the decline. Addressing these issues will require not just reforms but leadership with the vision and resolve to restore Tonga’s education to its rightful place.
What was once an education system that led the Pacific has now become a cautionary tale of neglect. The decline of Tonga’s education sector is not just a national concern but a challenge that threatens the future of its youth. With the new Prime Minister awaiting the King’s consent to officially assume office and name his cabinet, it seems almost certain that Dr. Fasi will take on the role of Minister of Education. In his interview, Dr. Fasi also outlined his vision for reforming Tonga’s education system, emphasising his commitment to restoring its former status as a leader in the Pacific. His plans aim to address long-standing issues and rebuild the foundations necessary for excellence.
