Opinion Piece: Transparency in Education Funding – A Key to Safer Schools in Tonga
The recent announcement by the World Bank of an additional US$21 million to improve the resilience of Tonga’s education system is welcome news. With over 2,000 students expected to benefit from safer classrooms, improved emergency response systems, and better infrastructure, this investment has the potential to create lasting impacts on our nation’s future. However, as promising as this development is, the details of how these funds will be allocated remain unclear, and this raises valid concerns about transparency and equity.
Education in Tonga is a shared responsibility between the government and church-run schools, both of which play critical roles in shaping the lives of our youth. Yet, the announcement offers no clarity on whether funding will be distributed equitably between these two sectors. Will church schools—which serve a significant portion of Tonga’s student population—receive their fair share of the resources? Or will government schools take precedence? Without clear guidelines, this ambiguity risks creating divisions rather than fostering the unity and collaboration needed to strengthen our education system.
With the latest funding announced today, how the fund distribution model will be remains a pressing question. Church schools educate more students than government schools, yet the specifics of how resources are allocated to reflect this disparity are often difficult to follow. This lack of clarity only compounds the challenge of ensuring that the funds are used effectively and fairly.
Building on the continuing success of the current project, the additional financing of US$21 million will fund construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance works for schools in vulnerable Tongan communities. The additional support is expected to bring the total number of students benefiting from the project to 8,000, ensuring access to disaster-resilient classrooms, staff housing, and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
Moreover, the announcement is vague on the criteria for selecting schools to benefit from the program. Are funds being allocated based on vulnerability to natural disasters, student population size, or existing infrastructure conditions? Transparency in these decisions is crucial not only for accountability but also to ensure that the funds reach those who need them most. Our communities deserve to know how these investments will translate into tangible improvements for their children’s safety and education.
To avoid potential pitfalls, the government and the World Bank must address these gaps in communication. A detailed breakdown of the funding allocation, including specific projects and timelines, should be shared with the public. Community engagement is also essential. Parents, teachers, and local leaders should have a voice in prioritizing projects to ensure they align with the unique needs of each school.
In addition, there is an opportunity to set a precedent for future education funding. Establishing clear and transparent processes now will not only enhance public trust but also strengthen Tonga’s position to secure further international support. This can be achieved through regular progress updates, independent audits, and a commitment to equitable distribution of resources.
Education is the foundation of our nation’s resilience. While we celebrate this significant investment, we must also demand the transparency and accountability necessary to ensure it delivers on its promise. Let us work together to build not just safer schools but also a stronger, more unified Tonga, where every child, regardless of the school they attend, has an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.
