Ten Tongans have completed training as coaches to help develop local industries, after undertaking a programme with Tonga Skills.
CEO of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Tangikina Steen, presented the certificates of appreciation, on February 12 in Nuku'alofa.
These trained industry coaches were ready to engage with business owners and managers to support them in growing their businesses, said Dr Steen. They include:
- Lavinia Egbert, fashion designer and basic sewing; Hu’ahulu Ha’unga, handicraft production and design;
- Tevita Pola’apau, handicraft production and design;
- Vika Fusimalohi, Women Economic Empowerment Foundation (WEEF)-Financial literacy;
- Meleoni Uera, Matala Training & Learning Solutions (MTLS)-Financial literacy;
- Katrina Ma’u Fatiaki, Tapuaki mei Langi Consultancy-Leadership, Good Governance and Human Rights;
- Sione Tukuafu, Willow Constructions-occupational health and safety, customer service, basic construction tools, and basic financial literacy;
- Christopher Faka’utoki, CC Plumbing solutions-basic plumbing skills;
- Linda Tu’ihalangingie, Financial literacy and Consultancy; and
- Taniela Taufalele, Taufalele Constructions-general construction skills.
Tongan businesses can now directly engage the services of these trained coaches to develop the various skills that they might require.
The coaches were identified after taking part in two Tonga Skills workshops that explored methodologies on business coaching. In addition, some of them have registered their training programs and are recognized by the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board.
Tonga Skills is an Australian Government initiative for inclusive economic growth in Tonga. Two qualified Tonga Skills’ coaches Lopeti Filo and Rolf Huber were assisting.
