Source: Baha'i World News Service
http://news.bahai.org/story/461
On July 17, 2006 the Baha'i World News Service reported, "The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga praised the Ocean of Light School for its distinctive educational philosophy, which integrates academics and spiritual virtues, at the school's 10th anniversary celebration held earlier this month. "The school has grown very rapidly, not only in size but also in the standard of education it is providing," said the Honorable Dr. Fred Sevele. "The school's philosophy, [that] true education is a means whereby children should develop academically, physically and spiritually, has enhanced the development of the school." The 1 July 2006 commemoration was marked by a devotional program and performances by each class that celebrated the cultural diversity of the school. Present were members of the diplomatic corps, including the High Commissioners of Australia and New Zealand, along with other guests, parents, staff and students. The school was established in 1996 as a social and economic development project of the Baha'i community of Tonga in response to the needs of the community and a desire to offer the Tongan population an international standard of education... Starting with only nine pupils, the school expanded to a current student population of over 300 and with staff from various countries such as Australia, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Tonga, and the United States."