Rebuilding Hope: A RAWCS adventure in Tonga

Following the tsunami that devastated Tonga in January 2022, the Rotary Club of Sunnybank Hills, Qld, teamed up with RAWCS to bring hope, healing and a renewed sense of community to the island nation.

By PDG Chris Wright

In January 2022, the picturesque island of Tonga was rocked by a catastrophic natural disaster when an underground volcano erupted, unleashing a relentless force of destruction. As ash and debris filled the sky, the eruption triggered a monstrous tsunami, with waves towering over 19 metres above sea level.
The aftermath left the island of Tonga in disarray, with Nukunuku Primary School severely affected.

However, hope was on the horizon as the Rotary Club of Sunnybank Hills, Qld, embarked on a life-changing mission to repair and restore the school.

Situated in the heart of Nukunuku Village, Nuku’alofa, Tonga, the Nukunuku Primary School had become a symbol of resilience and community spirit following the catastrophe. The Rotary Club of Sunnybank Hills teamed up with Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Northern Region to offer much-needed support to the school and its surrounding community.

The primary goal was to repair and repaint the external walls of the school, restoring a sense of normalcy for the students, who had endured unimaginable challenges in the aftermath of the disaster, and enhance the educational environment.

The Rotary Club of Sunnybank packed a container filled with modern school desks, chairs, an abundance of reading books, and textbooks suitable for both primary and secondary classes.

Beyond the classroom, the project extended to addressing structural issues within the school. The team purchased local paint, painting equipment and building materials to repair damaged classroom floors and replace three external doors, ensuring the safety and functionality of the school.

“On September 14, 2023, the team embarked on a 10-day journey of hope, perseverance, and giving back. During this time, they not only repaired a school and improved medical facilities, but also built lasting connections with the people of Tonga, leaving a legacy of compassion and resilience.”

Recognising that the healing process extended beyond the classroom walls, the Rotary Club of Sunnybank Hills also lent a helping hand to the Nukunuku Medical Clinic by donating a range of medical equipment, including wheelchairs, blood pressure monitors, digital thermometers, hospital beds, a gynaecological examination electric bed, and a medical hoist to assist in patient care. These supplies will significantly improve healthcare access for the local community, underscoring the depth of the club’s commitment to the people of Tonga.

A crucial aspect of the success of this mission was the collaboration between the Rotary Club of Sunnybank Hills and the Rotary Club of Nuku’alofa. Dr. Amanaki, a dedicated member of the latter, played a pivotal role in liaising with and supporting the Sunnybank Hills team over the course of 14 months, ensuring a seamless and impactful mission.

The Rotary Club of Sunnybank Hills team, led by Joe Forgione and President Brett Fraser, with the support of Howard Baker, Ralph Prager, and Chris Wright, rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Their combined efforts laid the foundation for a brighter future for the Nukunuku community.

On September 14, 2023, the team embarked on a 10-day journey of hope, perseverance, and giving back. During this time, they not only repaired a school and improved medical facilities, but also built lasting connections with the people of Tonga, leaving a legacy of compassion and resilience.

The project is testament to the incredible impact a dedicated group of individuals can have when they come together with a common purpose. In the face of adversity they brought hope, healing, and a renewed sense of community to the beautiful island of Tonga. Their journey serves as an inspiring example of Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and demonstrates the boundless possibilities that arise when people unite for the greater good.