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Government Supports ‘Atenisi Foundation for Performing Arts |
 From the Prime Minister's Office, Monday 17 November 2008: The Government has announced that it will make a grant of $100,000 to the ‘Atenisi Foundation for Performing Arts (AFPA) in recognition of its unique contribution to the arts and culture in Tonga through the special training it provides in singing, dancing and classical music.
The grant was announced by the Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele, in his address to the graduands at the 29th Graduation Ceremony of ‘Atenisi University at its Halaano campus on Saturday, 15 November. Her Royal Highness, Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, was the Guest of Honour at the ceremony.
In his address, the Hon Prime Minister also acknowledged the founder of ‘Atenisi University and AFPA, saying, “On behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the people of Tonga, I congratulate and thank the Founder of ‘Atenisi University, Professor Futa Helu, for his vision and the establishment of the first local university in Tonga. ‘Atenisi has provided an affordable academic institution in the Kingdom to thousands of our young people.”
The Hon Prime Minister singled out AFPA as an outstanding achievement and one which calls for national support, hence Government’s announced support.
Members of AFPA performed a “Lakalaka” (Group Dance) written and choreographed by the Her Majesty, the Late Queen Salote, that chronicled the construction and inaugural voyage of the legendary double-hulled canoe- the “Lomipeau”-from Futuna to Tonga with the slabs of coral that were used in the construction of the royal tombs, Paepae ‘o Tele’a, in Lapaha. They also performed the “Me’etu’upaki”(Seafarers Dance) and the Samoan “Siva” (Solo Dance).
AFPA also provided musical interludes during the ceremony featuring violinist, Loata Mahe, and pianist Sisi’uno Helu, playing the theme from the film “Schindler’s List” and “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Also featured was bass soloist Potesio Tu’itupou, in his rendition of Gabriel Figure’s Libere me, Requiem in D minor, accompanied by AFPA’s all-women choir.
This year’s graduation ceremony catered for the graduating classes of 2007 and 2008. This year’s Dux was ‘Anaseini Toe’umu ‘a Lotuma Likiliki who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Distinction) and the the 2007 Dux was Fiotelisa Manu’atu who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (High Distinction).
Other distinguished guests at the graduation ceremony included the Minister for Education, Hon Dr. Tevita Palefau, Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries, Hon Lisiate ‘Akolo, the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Bruce Hunt, and the New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E. Christine Bogle.
Issued by: The PMO Website Bureau, Prime Minister's Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
Telephone: (676) 24 644 Fax: (676) 23 888 Email:
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