Refurbished daycare center officially opens

The long awaited creche Ofaga Tolotolopulu has finally opened its doors.

The center was officially opened by the Minister for social services Billy Talagi last Thursday .

Young children from the Early Childhood Education joined local dignitaries this morning to be the first to enter the new Ofaga Tolotolopulu.

Minister Talagi said that this building is called Ofaga Tolotolopulu which means a place to rear or raise our young ones.

The Director General for the Ministry of Social Services welcomed everyone to the opening. Gaylene Tasmania acknowledged the members of Cabinet and senior government officials and the New Zealand High Commissioner for their support of the event today. She thanked the contractors, the builders and the various government agencies for their collaborative efforts to complete the building. Tasmania says that it is not fully furnished but there is sufficient resources now to open the creche.

In his speech the Minister apologized that this opening has been long time coming, and he acknowledged the struggles of parents looking for someone to care for their young children so they can return to work. BCN News had reported last month that the delays to the opening was due to more upgrading work which needed to be completed.

The two buildings were relocated from the former Niue PRimary school 3 years ago and underwent a series of refurbishment which included additional features befitting a structure safe for the children.

Twenty five students are registered at the new Ofaga Tolotolopulu with 7 carers employed at the center under the management of Moka Vaha.

The creche caters for children aged 12 months to 4 years old.