The saying “vanilla gold” is returning to Vava’u, with prices for vanilla now as high as $1200 pa’anga per kilo on the global market. It is the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron. Vava’u has some of the highest-grade organic vanilla in the world and wants to
News
Tonga Skills Breaks Down Barriers for Tongans Living with Disability
People with disabilities face multiple barriers to earning an income and gaining economic independence. The Inclusion Strategy of the Tonga Skills program, funded by Australia in Tonga, focusses on a twin-track approach to assist people with disabilities gain new skills, improve productivity and access new markets. With assistance from the
Increasing Income Potential Through Design Skills and Financial Literacy
Linking design skills training and business planning helps artisans increase their income-earning potential. That is why Tonga Skills, funded by Australia in Tonga, facilitates access for women and men in rural communities to skills development to improve the quality and marketability of their products. With assistance from the Tonga Women’s
Tonga Skills Office to Host TATVET Quarterly Meetings
The Tonga Association of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TATVET) recently held a meeting at the Tonga Skills office. Present were representatives from 7 of the training organisations in Tonga as well as 2 staff from VSA (Volunteer Service Abroad). Diane Thorne – George from New Zealand’s VSA discussed
New Zealand Volunteers To Support Skills Development In Tonga
New Zealand’s Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA) sends skilled Kiwis overseas to share their experience and knowledge directly with local people and communities. Ms Diane Thorne – George Program Manager from VSA, and Team Leader of Tonga Skills Dr Uhila – Moe – Langi Fasi signed a partnership agreement for VSA
Vava’u Fishermen Learn Motor Maintenance
Fishermen from Vava’u were able to learn how to maintain and repair their outboard motor in a recent Tonga Skills training. They are now able to get their boats on the water and safely return to sell their catch. The trainees were very pleased with the training and say this
High Commissioner Launches New Training Program
The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, his Excellency Andrew Ford, launched the commencement of a new plumbing training program at the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology, as part of a comprehensive upgrade initiative through Tonga Skills. “Teaching resources, international training for teachers, new equipment and a dedicated workshop –
Partnership Strengthens Plumbing Training Course
Tonga Skills is partnering with TAFE Queensland to strengthen the plumbing training program at the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology (TIST). Support includes professional development for trainers, upgrading of teaching and learning resources, and purchase of new tools and equipment. The improvements will enable the program to align with
International Training and Assessment Course Delivered in Tonga
Tonga Skills is working in partnership with Australia in Tonga and Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) in the delivery of the International Training and Assessment Course for the first time in Tonga. This internationally-recognised program designed by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training provides an exciting professional development and
Training in Fruit Tree Cultivation
Tonga Skills continues to support the Agricultural sector in Vava’u through practical training in Fruit Tree Cultivation. The training, delivered by the Officer in Charge from the Ministry of Agriculture, focused on cultivation, crafting and tree management. Samples of both long-term fruit trees – such as mango, avocado, orange, tava
Tonga Skills is supported by the Australian Government, managed by Scope Global.