Interviews with Tongan Migrants 2

The following interviews reflect some of the attitudes held by two Tongan parents regarding the education system in Australia. These interviews also offer insights into the cultural differences between the Tongan and Australian society.

Background

David is the father of two children and came to Australia from Tonga in 1971 in search of employment. Although David has many cousins in Sydney he has been to Tonga several times to visit the rest of his family who still live there.

Observations

David initially found in coming to Australia that it "felt like coming to Paradise (with its) clean, wide, tree-lined streets, huge, high buildings, etc". He expressed extreme satisfaction and contentment with the Australian way of life: "Its a good life here. I am happy". In comparison to Tongan society David finds that Australia is "much more materialistic". There are less social and family ties and the people are less neighbourly".

David also makes many comparisons between the Tongan and the Australian education systems:

"The Tongan education system has better discipline, and the children there work harder and have more respect for the teachers" The students are also conscientious in maintaining the rules set for discipline within the school.

David believes that the education system in Australia should provide his children with an adequate well-rounded education in all subjects so that if they go back to Tonga, they can teach their families.

David is happy with the Australian education system. His children (one son, 6 years, one daughter, 4 years) have had no difficult whatsoever settling into the school system and integrating themselves with other children and learning the English language. In fact his children have picked the language up so well that they correct his English at home!