THE INSTITUTE

The Institute comprises the University, Performing Arts Foundation and Service divisions. The institute's name, ‘Atenisi, is Tongan for the Greek capital, Athens. It was so named by its founder and professor emeritus Dr ‘I. Futa Helu, because its philosophy of education passionately embraces both the scientific and democratic ideals advanced by the ancient Greeks.

‘Atenisi's educational perspective places criticism at the very heart of education. This critical component is realised by means of a core curriculum, composed of the classical languages and such traditional subjects as philosophy, logic, art and literature. Thus ‘Atenisi upholds both intellectual independence and social democracy. In that respect, it is unique compared to most, if not all, educational institutions in Tonga and the region, where the emphasis is strictly utilitarian in character. This does not mean that ‘Atenisi denies utility -- it simply holds that knowledge can effectively be put to better use if theory precedes practice and not vice versa.

‘Atenisi is independent of both church or state, and is therefore self-supporting, deriving its subsistence mainly from tuition fees, default grants, fundraising activities, and modest donations from alumni associations in Tonga and overseas. This novel autonomy has encountered considerable antagonism from Tongan ruling circles since its adoption some 40 years ago. Consequently, the Institute has suffered in terms of attracting resources for its unique development. Yet, its very independence has enabled ‘Atenisi to excel in the fields of education, art and literature, and policy generation.

With its two educational divisions (University, Foundation for Performing Arts), the Institute counted a total student population of about 150 (2008). We are in the process of a vigorous recruitment campaign, and so expect our student population to increase dramatically.

‘Atenisi has often been portrayed in the media as a people's university... and with justification. While its classical and theoretical curriculum may from a regional perspective seem elitist in character, the Institute has, in fact, afforded the Tongan masses an opportunity to aspire for excellence. Many of our students are from poor, isolated (and often desolate) communities; ‘Atenisi serves as their link to the treasures of academia.