God works in his own way as he had for 6 former students of St. Andrew’s High School from 1966 Luke Veikoso, Tevita Fatai Latu, Sione Fataua, Tevita Siolaá, Kolo Fekitoa and Sione Filipe Totau (Mano) who were castaways in Áta and remarkably recovered by captain Peter Raymond Warner. From there on this globally famous story of the children of Áta is told and has been a life inspiration for many.
Mano Totau
Mano now 76 is happy to be part of an assistance to the school. On his visit to the school in early 2023 during the monsoon period together with documentary crew and visitors from abroadwith the aim to identify a potential project of assistance for the school based on it’s current needs only to be present when the school was covered in water. Much of this water would remain over a week especially in the northern backyard of the school right up to the door steps of the classrooms.
A health risk for the students made this project of reclaiming 20 meters from the classrooms an assistance of priority second by making this area accesible for the school for its functions.
Mr. Rutger Bregman
Dutch historian, author and bestsellor discovered the story of the Áta boys and have amplified its message globally through his book. Humankind. Rutger has been most generous to fund the assistance to the school which was over 126K Tongan paánga which included the funding of
1. Engineering evaluations and design by Cornerstone Consultants with Mr. Marakafa Tuínukuafe, a former student and dux of the school.
2. Implementation and construction by CTR Contronstuction group.
The school would also like to acknowledge the assistance and contribution of Dr. Janet Warner (Daughter of Peter Warner the sea captain that rescued the six boys and who became their lifetime friend and mentor) in organizing and holding followup meetings to progress the project along side the Tonga team which included the school board members and pricipal Mrs. Losana Vao.
The first steps of this project has been initiated which were those with highest priority. 1. Engineering Survey, 2. Reclaiming 20 meters from classrooms
The school looks to furthering these initiatives
1. To provide proper drainage for the area.
2. The construction of a multiple-purpose court to utilize the reclaimed ground by engaging it with sporting functions
3. To connect it to the Teufaiva Stadium to facilitate the school’s Tsunami Evacuation Plans.
The Chairman and the Board of governors, The principal and staff members but most importantly our students would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the generousity of the all those involved with the assistance. Mr. Mano Totau and Janet for managing and directing the assistance towards the school and Rutger Bregman for funding the project.
The young students of Áta will always be a proud and exciting history of the school which reminds all how God has made us to be vessels of his love, the adventure of finding what he intends for us and the thankfulness when we look back to witness of our life stories.
Malo Áupito & Ófa atu
Great to here this heratwarming story about the children of Ata. It gives hope for mankind in a world where the seems to be so much conflict. I like the song by Nightwish.