Children with specific learning needs will be helped with early literacy skills development using Tongan language alphabet flashcards developed for the schools they attend.
The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Mr Adrian Morrison handed over the cards to the Ministry of Education and Training Acting CEO, Manu 'Akau'ola at Ngele'ia Government Primary School yesterday, 16 May.
Funded by by Australia's Direct Aid Program, 400 packs of flashcards were printed for distribution to selected schools and families in the Ministry of Education's Inclusive Education programmes.
The flashcards project was developed by the Inclusive Education programme in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific's Institute of Education.
The large colour flashcards sets assist teachers and parents in teaching letter recognition, letter-sound matching, and beginning level phonics in the Tongan alphabet.
The raised graphic print allows children to touch and feel the letters, and helps those with visual impairment.
The flashcards are also available for sale to the public from the Institute of Education, at the USP Tonga Campus.