Latest News from Vava'u Island Group, Tonga
Tuesday 24 March 2009
APTC School of Tourism and Hospitality Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga Graduation Ceremony
Students and staff from the APTC School of Tourism and Hospitality together with special guests, family and friends assembled at Mango Restaurant & Bar in Neiafu on the shores of Port of Refuge in Vava’u for graduation of three of their citizens who had studied in Samoa during 2008. Staff of Mango and students had decorated the restaurant with mats, tapa, shells, platted coconut leaves and flowers in preparation for the evening’s celebration that commenced with a procession of Graduates to the beating of the lali drums as the sun set over Mount Talau. The Graduation of three students followed last week’s event in Nukualofa with 18 students 2 of whom are citizens of Vava’u. In keeping with all APTC graduations the event was a combination of local culture and Australian formality that truly spoke of the partnership between the APTC and the people of the Pacific Forum nations.
Evalina Fa’aoa Lavalavu-Tourism Graduate delivering the Graduate address
Ms Shaz Ball Volunteer Graduation Coordinator with Karl Evans Country Manager-Samoa APTC School of Tourism & Hospitality
Karl Evans Country Manager-Samoa APTC School of Tourism & Hospitality, Evalina Fa’aoa Lavalavu-Tourism Graduate, Amanaki Lelei Funaki Tourism Graduate working at Sailing Safaris and Mermaid Restaurant & Bar, Katalina Hungalu Hospitality Graduate working at Tropicana Café. Viliami Pale Commercial Cookery Graduate from Tongatapu.
Mr Samiu Vaipulu-Member of Parliament Vava’u Representative, Ms Masina Tuition Assistant to the Governor of Vava’u, Mr Bruno Toke-Tonga Visitors Bureau –Vava’u, Mrs Janine Le Strange- Vice President of the Vava’u Tourist Association, Mr Alan Bowe, Vava’u representative for Tonga Tourism, Hon. Paula Tatafu Chief Magistrate of Vava’u, Government Representative for Vava’u, Mele Sefesi(obscured) Pastor Havili Sefesi, Karl Evans Country Manager-Samoa APTC School of Tourism & Hospitality, Aunofo Havea Manager of Sailing Safari’s and Mermaid Bar & Restaurant.
Katalina Hungalu Hospitality Graduate working at Tropicana Café. Amanaki Lelei Funaki Tourism Graduate working at Sailing Safaris and Mermaid Restaurant & Bar, Evalina Fa’aoa Lavalavu-Tourism Graduate
The Tonga Visitors Bureau’s Bruno Toke, Vava’u Tourism Association Janine Le Strange and the newly formed Tonga Tourism, Alan Bowe were guests on the VIP table all of whom received a traditional Tongan welcome and presentation of a kahoa (floral neck piece).
The evening commenced with a prayer of blessing from Pastor Havili Sefesi. Hon Paula Tatafu – Chief Magistrate of Vava’u and Government Representative for Vava’u was the guest of honour and keynote speaker for the graduation. Mr Tatafu spoke of the graduates’ commitment to improving their careers and the industry in Vava’u. The Chief Magistrate gave praise to the Australian Government for the opportunities that the people of Vava’u were receiving. He spoke of the “end of the beginning and the beginning of the end” as the graduates move to a new stage in their working lives.
Evalina Fa’aoa Lavalavu, who is returning to the workforce after the birth of her child, presented the student response and thanked the governments of Samoa, Tonga and Australia for making the opportunity available to complete a formal qualification in tourism. Evalina talked of the 6 months experience shaping and changing their lives. To be job ready with up to date and relevant competencies leading to greater productivity and efficiency required in our workplace. The opportunity to network with the Samoan Tourism industry and meet fellow students from the pacific and learn their languages. These life long skills have prepared us for challenges in any workplace and the society we live in.
Pastor Havili offered prayers and thanks to conclude the formal part of the proceedings.
A staff member from Mango performed a Tau'olunga (traditional Tongan solo dance) during the graduation.
Staff member from Mango Restaurant & Bar performing a Tau'olunga (traditional Tongan solo dance) during the graduation.
An APTC graduate Viliami Pale from Nukualofa attended the ceremony to lend support to their new APTC colleagues and it was pleasing to see them talking together after the formal proceedings swapping stories about their experiences studying in Samoa and their plans for the future. Samoa Country Manager, Karl Evans reminded the graduates in his address that they had now joined an important group of people as APTC alumni and had a bright future ahead and he encouraged them to take new paths with their qualification. Karl recognised the work of his colleagues in Samoa in semester 2 2008 and the involvement of industry partners in Tonga who have been a key to the success of the college.
The evening concluded with refreshments prepared and served by staff of Mango Restaurant & Bar. APTC is supported in Vava’u by volunteer Shaz Ball who along with Lisa & Greg from Tropicana Cafe Tonga assist in promoting all of the schools and courses of the college, assisting students to complete application forms, organising graduations ceremonies and many other tasks. Mr Evans presented Shaz with a gift in appreciation of her efforts.
Information on all courses available is available at
Or contact Shaz on 71123 or 8867311 or
Karl Evans
Country Manager - Samoa
Australia-Pacific Technical College
School of Tourism & Hospitality
Ph. +685 26844
Mobile +685 758 5702
Fax. +685 26871
Email:
