By Katalina Siasau
Thirty girls aged 10 to 14 years from across Tonga have gathered in Nuku’alofa this week to take part in the Talitha national adolescent girls camp, a program aimed at empowering young Tongan girls to lead purposeful and confident lives.
Founder of the Talitha Project, Vanessa Heleta, said the camp aims to bring girls together in a supportive environment where they can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and explore their potential.
Participants at camp include five girls each from each of the outer island groups of Vava’u, ‘Eua, and Ha’apai, and 15 from Tongatapu.
“The purpose of the camp is to bring these girls together and empower them to lead purposeful lives,” Heleta said.
The camp features a range of programs covering financial literacy, sexual health and reproductive rights, leadership development, and cyber safety. Guest speakers are also invited to share knowledge and experiences with the participants.
Held during the school break, the camp provides a valuable opportunity for the girls to bond, build friendships, and share their experiences.
For participants from the outer islands, it is also a chance to connect and discuss challenges they face in their communities.
“These girls are at a critical stage of development. This is the time to instil and motivate their leadership potential so they can grow to reach their full potential in whatever path they choose,” Heleta said.
She said that the program creates a safe space where girls feel comfortable speaking openly about important issues.
Heleta highlighted challenges such as bullying, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and drug use as key concerns affecting young Tongan girls.
“This program supports them to make healthy and informed choices in their lives,” she said.
One participant, 13-year-old Lita Afu from Leimatu’a in Vava’u, a student at GMS Liviela, was excited about attending the camp.
“I feel very happy because I have learned a lot since the start of the program. We’ve learned about making the right choices to achieve a better future,” she said.
The camp is supported by the Pacific Women Lead Program under Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
It runs from 8-10 April at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’alofa.
