Road to Faa’Imata 2022

Book excerpt: Faa‘imata represents the traditional home of Kava, a significant figure and source of Tongan culture. Thus, as in the legend of the origin of Kava, Faa‘imata connotes a place where great sacrifices have been laid to honour authority and yet also where kingly favours have been granted that covered shortcomings and inadequacies. More significantly, it marks a place where new beginnings and new legacies can sprout. Therefore the Road to Faa‘imata represents the many facets and multiple interpretations of the pathways and passages traversed by each of the Tonga High School ex-student featured. It represents an equalizer of sorts where students coming from diverse backgrounds and stations in society are provided with empowering opportunities to achieve outcomes that benefit Tonga, reflecting their capacity to absorb, critique and reapply what they have learnt.