A joint funding commitment by New Zealand and Australia to education in Tonga is aimed at ensuring more teachers are trained.
The 12 million US dollars the New Zealand government is contributing over five years is part of the Joint Development Commitment signed in Nuku'alofa this week.
Tonga's education minister Ana Taufe'ulungaki says the money will reduce the number of untrained teachers in schools and assist with curriculum reform.
"Thirdly will be the grants programme and this year for the first time we'll be introducing a grant for early childhood education and the fourth part will be sector management programmes and hopefully by the end of the year we will have the Education Act reviewed and amended and passed through the House. That will put in place the policies we are now developing, in particular the increase of the compulsory school age from four years of age to 18."
Tonga's Education Minister, Ana Taufe'ulungaki.
