STEM INITIATIVES IN TONGA – TONGA WOMEN IN ICT
(TWICT)
STEMTASTICS – NADI, FIJI
2025
PRESENTER – SELAFINE LIAVA'A
Introduction to STEM in Tonga
Tonga's journey toward STEM is just beginning its momentum through collaborative initiatives across government, education, and NGOS.
Tupou College Toloa
Creates dedicated STEM pathways in their All Boys Boarding schools.
The Ministry of Education & Training (MET)
Actively promotes mathematics and science integration in classrooms nationwide.
Tonga National University (TNU)
Collaborated with SAMSUNG NZ in processing the Samsung STEM Competition in Tonga.
JICA-supported Soroban initiative
A mathematical abacus skills through national competitions, strengthening computational thinking among young Tongans in Grade 6.
At the forefront of these efforts, Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT) leads dynamic STEM sessions for children and youth, bridging traditional knowledge with future-focused skills.
Introduction to TWICT
Our Mission
Established to empower women and youth in information and communications technology (ICT), STEM fields, and digital innovation, TWICT has been a registered NGO since 2018. We operate across Tonga, delivering comprehensive training, mentorship, and community outreach in technology and STEM disciplines.
Training
Technical skills development in coding, robotics, and digital literacy
Mentorship
Connecting students with STEM professionals and role models
Community Awareness
STEM Competition & events
Advocacy
Promoting inclusive policies and opportunities in technology
TWICT STEM/STEAM Sessions
STEAM Princess
In collaboration with Fiji STEAM Princess (Oliana) and the US Embassy in Suva, this initiative encourages young girls to explore STEAM through engaging, culturally relevant activities. Over 150 girls participated in a 2-day bootcamp with field trips, hands-on projects, and mentorship talks.
Teacher Training
In partnership with mEducation Alliance, we support teachers with practical STEAM activities for the classroom, helping them promote STEM in their schools.
Monthly STEAM Fun
Held monthly at the TWICT Hub, these sessions welcome children ages 4–16 in age-based groups, offering robotics, coding, science projects, and problem-solving activities that blend Tongan knowledge with modern STEM.
Our STEAM sessions have reached over 700 children across Tonga's islands in the past year, with 60% of participants being girls from underrepresented communities.
How We Are Funded
TWICT's initiatives are made possible through the generous support of organizations that share our vision for a technologically empowered Tonga. Our funding partnerships enable us to provide free or low-cost programming to communities throughout the islands.
US Embassy Suva
Small grants supporting our STEAM Princess program and community outreach initiatives
DFAT Australia
Multi-year support for digital literacy training and equipment for remote communities
COL & MFAT New Zealand
Funding for teacher training programs and educational resource development
Additional Partners
What's Next + Q&A
Upcoming Initiatives
National Maths Competition
Island-wide contest to celebrate mathematical excellence among primary and secondary students
STEM Quiz for Colleges
Interactive knowledge competition designed to increase STEM engagement among college students
Expanded STEAM Learning
Bringing programs to additional communities with a focus on remote islands and underserved populations
Partnership Opportunities
Contact us to discuss how your organization can contribute to building Tonga's STEM future:
Email: tw.ict@outlook.com
Phone: +676 25145
Website: https://totwict.org/
We are actively seeking funding partners to make these initiatives possible. Your support can help transform STEM education in Tonga.