News
Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita Leads Tonga Graduation
The APTC School of Tourism and Hospitality celebrated its first graduation ceremony in Tonga on Friday 14 November at St Joseph’s Hall at ‘Ahopanilolo Technical College in Nukualofa. Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita was the guest of honour and key note speaker. Students received awards in the Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) and the Certificate III in Tourism (Operations). Karl Evans, APTC Samoa Country Manager, was the MC and worked diligently with Sr Koleti Kitau, APTC Tonga Coordinator, to prepare the event and ensure it was a memorable evening for the students.
As is customary in the Pacific there was plenty of colour and movement at the graduation. The students spent two days decorating the hall with mats and flowers and the evening began with an academic procession to present the students to the official party. The Princess spoke positively about the APTC and its benefit for the people of the Pacific and made several references to the contribution the tourism and hospitality industry makes to the Tongan economy despite the challenges of the recent international financial crisis.
The ceremony was broadcast live to the nation and coincided with the Princess’ birthday. At the end of the formalities all the students and guests sung a hearty “Happy Birthday Dear Princess” and wished her many happy returns for the day. The event concluded with refreshments prepared and served by students from the ‘Ahopanilolo Technical College.
The APTC School of Tourism and Hospitality has held six graduation ceremonies in the Pacific this year including the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Official Party at the APTC STH Tonga graduation. L-R: Andrew Warwick, Acting Chief
Justice of Tonga, Sr Koleti Kitau,
APTC Tonga Coordinator, HRH Princess Salote
Pilolevu Tuita, Karl Evans, APTC STH Samoa Country Manager, Anthony Bailey, APTC
STH Head of School, Ms Mele Taumoepeau, APTC Advisory Board Member for Tonga
and Dr Bruce Hunt, Australian High Commissioner to Tonga.
APTC STH Tongan students with their graduation certificates.
APTC STH Commercial Cookery graduates celebrating with family.