We allow the community to come and get water from the school when they don’t have enough at home
A School at the Heart of the Community
On the low-lying island of Ha’apai in Tonga, Principal Nukonuka Talanoa leads a small primary school that serves as far more than a place of learning. In a region vulnerable to rising sea levels, strong cyclones, and volcanic activity, the school has become a safe haven, a meeting place during disasters, a source of clean water, and a hub for hygiene and disaster preparedness.
Many of the students, like Christopher and Nanise, are members of the school’s WASH Club. This group of 9- and 10-year-olds plays a crucial role in keeping the school’s water tanks, bathrooms, and handwashing stations in working order, ensuring soap and sanitiser are always available. “These kids help us so much,” says Nukonuka. “They monitor everything to do with water and hygiene, and they report what we need.”
From Two Tanks to a Lifeline
When Nukonuka arrived as Principal in 2019, the school had only two water tanks. Through support from Live & Learn, the army, and other partners, that number has grown to eight. These tanks supply safe drinking water for students and teachers, and in times of drought, they serve the wider community.
“Some homes have only one tank,” she explains. “When they run out, we let them take water from the school. We even have two reserve tanks for emergencies.”
Facing Disaster Together
When the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted in 2022, the community moved to higher ground. The school buildings escaped flooding, but volcanic ash blanketed the roofs and contaminated the water supply. Parents and community members came together to clean the roofs, and the Tonga National Youth Congress (TNYC) helped empty and clean the tanks so safe water could be restored.
Looking Ahead
While the school’s water supply is now secure, other needs remain. Nukonuka dreams of a dedicated space for girls to manage their menstruation with dignity, complete with a shower and the necessary supplies
“If we had this room, girls would never have to miss school,” she says. “They could stay and continue learning.”— Nukonuka Talanoa, the Principal of the primary school in Pangai district, Ha’apai Island, Tonga.
Through the AHP Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Volcano Response, Oxfam and its partners are working with communities like Nukonuka’s to rebuild stronger, ensuring they are better prepared for future disasters and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
