Week 6 in Tonga Mon 13.10. - Sun 19.10.2014

Week 6 in Tonga; 13.10-19.10.2014

Monday 13^th of October      

                               

I had the first meeting with the class captains this morning about the idea of doing a community development project. After introducing each other, I told them of the idea of doing an activity which benefits the society. They have to come up with an idea of what we could do in our next meeting which is Friday.

The cooks!

  

In the evening, I decided to go for a run. When I came to the gate, it was locked. At 6:00 pm all the gates at QSC boarding school was locked. There was someone broke in last week therefore we had a lock down. If you want to go out from the school after 6:00 pm, you have to get the key from somewhere. But when you come back, and no one is around then you are in trouble. Of course, you can always climb...

Fehi came around to fix the bike but unfortunately I got the wrong part. 

Tuesday 14^th October

I got the key for the gate then went to make copies. There were two locksmiths in Nuku’alofa and they could not duplicate the key. I guess it was a special key type, and they did not have the parts. When I returned the key to the “faifekau”, he came up with the solution; the small gate stayed open until 9:00 pm, halleluja!

   

There was no one came for counselling and I spent the day writing my blog and did some of my school assignment. After school, I fixed my bike then went cycling. When I came back, I found few “uto” from the school’s kitchen. What a taste, did not eat “Uto” for ages.

 The 'uto! 

Some of the students and few teachers were making "kahoa" leis!

 Wednesday 15^th October

There were students came in for counselling. Some ran away from school last Friday. They went to one of the girls’ house to eat some chicken…. Through discussion, I came to know that the “ako alu” day school students are not allowed to go out of the school ground during lunch time. Some of the students live quite near the school and they can easily go home for lunch...

Group of friends came in, one of them put her foot on the ledge of the class room’s veranda. The teacher saw her and thought that she about to climb over the ledge... The youngsters just fooled around before the class started.…

The parents visited the boarding school bringing food in the evening. There were plastic bags of bread, sodas, pancakes and etc. You think, the parents had many daughters and the food was for the whole week. No, it was only for few minutes. The friends and whoever was around joined in for the feast, there was something never change with boarding school life in Tonga.

I remembered when Ipu came to visit us, me and my young sister, Silia in high school. Every time she came to town, she brought some food. Often, when I came around the food was gone. Whoever of our friends got there first, took the food and the feast started… 

Thursday 16th October  

I did not know there was an assembly this morning when I got out I heard the singing and I was late. The wind picked up since last night. Some of the students tried to put up a tent outside but  it had to dismantled due to the wind.

I spent the day at the computer lap writing the songs/poems that some of the students have handed in. I was not sure whether I could use these songs but they were interesting and outright funny. Perhaps for another project.

I also talked to 2 publishing houses in Nuku'alofa about my Youth Hymn Book project. They would send me their price quotations of how much might cost to print the hymn book in Tonga. A very long process but had to start somewhere.

Friday 17^th October

We did not have assembly this morning instead we had singing practice. It was the last time to have one with the senior classes F5, F6 and F7 until next month. They will have their study weeks starting next week and followed by the external exams in the beginning of November.

The nurses came again but this time to check the teachers' sugar level and blood pressure. There was a queue of teachers and after a short waiting I was in. We were all healthy on paper, but I was wondering whether the instrument was working properly.

 

Our community project working group had our second meeting during the lunch time. Doing a clean-up campaign was the main idea proposed. After discussion, we decided to clean the ground around the Royal Tomb, Mala'ekula"; between the fence and the road... 

Mala'ekula is located in the middle of Nuku’alofa and QSC occupied two opposite sides of the Royal Tomb.  We still have to ask for the teachers approval and of course, a permission from the Place Office. The kids are working on it…

I went running and when I came up to the playground there was a game of touch rugby. There were two kids from the neighbour watching. I called them to come and join us. “We are working” they shouted back. There was a street sale in front of their house and they were the sellers. After a while, I head “MOTU’A, MOTU’A… when I looked at their direction they were calling to me, “we want to come…”. REALLY? I guessed they stated the fact, that I am a “motua” (old man) J. 

We had our normal kava party at the “kai’angakai” (manger), the name for our “kava club” at the school. Manger in this case means many things. First of all, there is no expectation of having a “Tou’a”. We are drinking kava in an all-women school, why don’t we have a “tou’a”, one of many complains uttered by the young guys at the “Kai’angakai”. Ok, next week we would have one, the pastor always said. Of course next week came and went and the “tou’a” never materialize.  We finished after 3 am.

Saturday 18^th October

I got up late, called Finland, felt good then I headed to the sea front fair. I stopped at one of the food huts, ordered a “luu puaka” for $5 and “Otai” for $1.  I really liked the Tongan food… It probably did not say much since I eat everything. One good thing about eating out, when the served food finished, you got up and left. Lunch was over. At home, I kept on eating until I couldn’t take anymore and there always food around. You really need to turn up your exercise routine if you are in Tonga. 

I went for a run; around the royal tomb down to the centre and came up to the main FWC church. There was no game at the ground so I continued to QSC. I think, I ran through many blocks and it felt like an hour. I got to the corner where I started and it was ONLY 10 minutes passed. Oh s___! 

I continued through the neighbourhoods. It was a good way to explore Nuku’alofa. People are getting ready for Sunday. There were ward cleaning, rubbish burning, and etc. I could also have some snap shots of what kinds of people live in the neighbourhood. I stopped at a volleyball game and I knew someone there... There were 3 kids playing touch rugby in one of the yards, I joined them for a while. 

Sunday 19^th October

The Sunday routine started. I went to Kapeta Church for the services; 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Today was the Evangelical Sunday which the emphasis was on Evangelical work. In the afternoon service, there were guest speakers on different topics related to the theme.  

The main attraction of the two services was the youth choir. Oh my God! Yes exactly. They sang also in English. After the service we went straight to the hall for a few cups of kava. The service ended around 6:00 pm. I got home about 12:00 midnight, a bit dizzy but grateful to be home.  

Of course, my relatives did come to visit today, I meant brought some "luu"

See you next week!

Week 5 in Tonga; 6.10-12.10.2014

Week 5 in Tonga; 6.10-12.10.2014

Monday 6^th of October

Today, the internal exams for the senior classes; Form 5, F6 and F7 started. All over Tonga, the 6^th class and the final year students of primary schools were also sitting the entrance exams today. Next year, those who passed the entrance exam would start high school.

I went to play touch rugby at the St. Andrew’s playground. This time, there were players but there was no ball. Someone was looking for it. It took some time before the ball appeared. It was the same situation when I was young. There were enthusiastic players but there were no equipment. I could take a ball with me next time. Any help out there? Am sure these guys will appreciate it.

We played 7s and after few games I could not keep up. I took the bike and went for a drive. I went through Tu’atakilangi. On my way back, I saw ‘Atenisi. I always fascinated with ‘Atenisi and its founder, Prof. Futa Helu. ‘Atenisi was the smallest University in the World. Futa passed away few years ago and unfortunately ‘Atenisi Institute (High school and University) was somehow closed. I never been to ‘Atenisi before and I was sorry to come so late. 

Tuesday 7^th October

Not ready yet!

After school, I heard some of the staff went to do some work at their plantation. I decided to do some exercise and cycled there. I was shown the plantation before. I cycled all the way to Veitongo. I decided to come back, it was getting dark. On my way back I found the teachers near Tufumahina… Even in Tonga, you got lost. About half a kilometer from QSC, my bike broke down, the left paddle fell off. Not again! 

Wednesday 8^th October

After school I decided to visit the gym which was in Teufaiva. I saw online an article about the gym which was opened by the late King George Tupou IV to promote healthy living among the Tongans. Lack of maintenance was obvious. The equipment was basic and was in bad condition. Despite the condition of the gym, the guys were in really good shape. I could only imagine what would happen if these young people get their hands on better equipment.

Young people with good talents are plenty here in Tonga in whatever sports. The problem is, there is no equipment available for them. Anyone out there who has any idea how to help, please do. I am sure the Teufaiva Gym would appreciate any support you may have.

Mele’s son, Fehi came to fix the bike. Mele told that Fehi fixed his own bike and he could do the same to mine. He brought his tools and he actually did a good job. He volunteered to fix the bike anytime and I could give it to him when I leave. It was a fair trade and I agreed.

 The "polopolo", Fehi and Mele!

Thursday 9^th October

I just talked to Rozza and she was having an evening snack… There was a 10 hours different between Tonga and Finland. It was around 7:30 am here and in Finland was 9;30 pm on Wednesday night. I took my breakfast at the same time, a sweet pawpaw of course.

Elenoa and I decided yesterday that we would meet up this morning at the exam room. Elenoa did not show up and I ended up helping with supervision. The Form 5, F6 and for F7 were sitting their Economics, Tongan and Biology exams… There were few students sleeping during the exam and I was not sure whether they finished or ran out of ideas. Interesting!

In the afternoon, I stopped by at the Education Office. I talked with Mele’ana about my placement in QSC. We also discussed the youth hymn book project, “Tohi HimiMa’ae To’utupu”. I also expressed appreciation for organizing my visit. I also had a good talk with Mele Finau who is working in the office also. Mele was in USP; stories, memories, jokes were thrown around… Unfortunately, Mosese Manuefetoa was not in. He is working in the office and he was in USP also. Mosese is one of the candidates for the Parliament election next month.   

Today was an exception to the general rule of only one kava party per week. Fiefia mixed the kava straight after school, 4:00 pm and we were only two of us for few hours. Others came later and we finished around 3:00 on Friday morning. 

Fiefia, the man!

Friday 10^th October

I went to TTI to see the counsellor, Fononga. I called Tevita few days ago and asked whether I could come and talk to their counsellor? I had a very interesting conversation with Fononga. We talked about youth culture, Tongan culture and etc. I think, he has done a lot and I did enjoy his enthusiasm.

Tongan fire truck!

When I came back from TTI, I stopped at the Friendly Island Bookshop to see Sela about my project the “Tongan Youth Hymn Book”. She took 4 of the songs/notations. She was going to write the lyrics for them. I was so glad that she wanted to help.

In the evening, we went to Tupou High School for kava party. Rev. Tu'ipulotu Finau, Rev. Simione Halaifonua, Rev. Leopino Mafile'o and Rev. Save (the director of Education for the Tongan Church) and our young guys with our string band were there. Tu'ipulotu was there and few other teachers. ‘Asi Fale was one of them. We were in high school together ages ago. It was good to be in company of priests, no evil...

Saturday 11^th October

I woke up late this morning after the kava last night which we finished after 4.00 am. I heard the cannon sounds echoing through Nuku’alofa. I got onto my bike and cycled down to the sea front. Damn, the bike broke again and by the time I arrived at “Pangai”, the gun salute was over. I asked the soldiers who started to pack their equipment, what was the occasion? I was told ...it was something to do with the returning of “Princess Elisiva Fusipala Tau ki ‘Onetuku Vaha’i” who died in the USA and just arrived to Tonga this morning.

The Princess was one of the highest chiefs in Tonga. Her father was the late Prince Tu’i Pelehake, the younger brother of late King George Tupou IV. Throughout the day, the Tongan national radio station, A3Z playing hymns and aired programmes related to the funeral. Tonight was the wake, different churches provided praying sessions and songs throughout the night until the funeral on Sunday and the programs were aired live on A3Z.

Sunday 12^th October

Tevita picked me up around 8:30 and we went to the “talimalanga” in Kolofo’ou’s hall. Few elders and the local priest were having kava waiting for Tevita.  He was the preacher at the main service this morning at Saione. After the service, we returned to the hall to have few more drinks. I still had hangover from Friday night and the kava was getting to me. Only few cups and I already got the feeling from Saturday morning and it was not a good feeling... Luckily for me, it was not long. After the kava session, we drove to Ha’ateiho for lunch at Tevita's house. Tevita and Siosi dropped me back and of course with more food for the evening.  

A new development in Tonga, we sat on chairs and have kava around the table!

I was told, there is debating going on but it is definitely more convenient for older people!

Food is an important part of the Tongan culture. people shared their food even with strangers. It is considered rude not to invite pass by when you have food. I have been invited for lunch after church on Sundays. On Sunday Tongans have Umu and it is a special meal. Neighbours exchange food and people invite each other for lunch...

My 5th week in Tonga was over!

Week 4 in Tonga 29.9.-5.10.2014

Week 4 in Tonga; 29.9.-5.10.2014

Monday 29^th September

Today, I got the first songs from the students, Form 1M (F1). F1 is the first year in high school and most of the songs/poems were about mother and some were very funny. There was only one about father. I guessed mothers are more appreciated J. 

The students were asked to write songs which I could use as lyrics for the Tongan Youth Hymn Book, “Ko e Tohi Himi ma’ae To’utupu”. I also asked the teachers to participate. Both students and teachers are quite busy this term, there are final exams plus the external exams for the senior classes F5, F6 and F7.

Tuesday 30th September

There were more students came to see the counsellor. One of them used one of the young teachers’ mobile phone to call home... Mobile is not allowed in QSC. Possession a phone is a punishment crime and using a “young male” teacher’s phone seemed to fall into that category also. The friends happened to be in a wrong place in a wrong time and they were all guilty.

One of the visitors was a young student (F2) who wrote few colourful words in her exercise book.  I think, she had a very good imaginary… Unfortunately, her teacher did not have a sense of humor. Why sent her to the counsellor, I wondered? 

Wednesday 1^st October

I went and bought a radio. I missed both the local and the international news. I was checking the stations. After a while, I realised that the power line already came off the wall but the radio was still on. It was a magic radio, I thought. It stayed on for many hours without power source. The Chinese shop should advertise this property of its radio; energy efficiency, it charged for few minutes and working for hours...

Thursday 2^nd October

After school, two students came to do some work at my place. They washed the curtains and wiped the windows. They were doing their punishment work for coming late last weekend. The boarding school students left the QSC on Friday evening and came back on Saturday evening. If you were late for whatever reasons, you were punished. There was no point calling about coming late because it would not make any difference…

I cooked some food for the girls. They had other duties and they left to do them and came back later when the food was ready. When they came back, they were 4 of them. They walked in as if I invited them also. I forgot Tongans always shared their food. My Tonganisation process continued J.

Friday 3^rd October

I had to take the school band group photo for the school magazine before we went for the teachers’ parade. Today we marked the “World Teachers Day”. All the teachers in Tongatapu were supposed to be at the cerebration which started with a march from the seafront to the National Stadium, Teufaiva. There were thousands of teachers from government schools and from church schools; from primary schools, from high schools and from higher education institutes. Bands and floats accompanied the teachers and hundreds of people lined up the street to watch the march. At Teufaiva, programmes continued with more performances. Amazing day! I met more old friends at the event and it was the same as last time we departed. Promised to see again but I was sure some of them I would never see again...   

  

Most of the teachers came out wearing pink in support of the Pink October, the Breast Cancer Awareness month campaign.

Saturday 4^th October

Toni and Nia came by and they gave me a lift to the market to get some water melon, coconut, pawpaw and banana. I like my bike but there is a limit to what it can carry. 

I went to watch the main game of rugby between Toloa’s ex-boys and the Army at the stadium, Teufaiva. It was lively and good to see the Tongan supporters of both teams giving it their all. Unfortunately for the Toloa’s fans, the Army won. 

It was the main game and I figured the referee could be one of the best among the Tongans but he was terrible. There were hundreds of scrums and penalties. I wonder how we could improve the game with this quality of refereeing.    

 The fan!

Sunday 5^th October

 

Samuela & Kava preparing the Sunday Umu!

I returned to Kapeta’s church for the morning service. I saw Judge Peauafi Pifeleti. I met Peau in Falefai when my parents worked there and it was Christmas holiday 1992. Last time I talked to him it was by phone, he was in NZ at the time and it was many years ago. I was invited for lunch.

There was lot of food coming. Toni and Nia came around with food when I got home from the church. The neighbour brought some and Mele came also with more food. I am sure it would be enough until next Sunday...  

My 4th week in Tonga was over!