By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
An informal educational program for young adults, called ‘Family Life Education Out of School’ was launched in Nuku'alofa today, 25 July 2025. The program delivered by the Talitha Project in partnership with UNFPA, aims to help young people learn how to make better decisions.
The program was launched at the Mele Siuʻilikutapu Hall in Kolomotu’a by the Australian High Commissioner, HE Mr. Brek Batley, who said it provides Tonga’s youth with tools to prepare for adulthood.
“It gives them the knowledge, attitudes and life skills to make informed choices – to confidently transition from adolesence to adulthood.”
Mr. Batley described the program as powerful. “It reaches youth where they are beyond the classroom and delivers critical kowledge to help reduce risky behaviours. To prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs and address gender-based violence.”
The program will also address broader issues like substance abuse and mental health.
The Founder and Executive Director of Talitha Project, Vanessa Heleta, said the FLE Out of School Program will cover 10 different topics including Values, Sexual and Reproductive Health Education, and Financial Literacy, over 20 weeks.
The FLE Out of School program is delivered by Talitha Project in partnership with the UNFPA funded by the Australian Aid and the Shifting the Power Coalition (StPC).
Facilitators from various government ministries including the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education will asisst Talitha Project in delivering the program.
