Tanya, youngest candidate for Tonga’s General Election

Nice to see a strong, intelligent young woman who has a passion to help improve her community and her country. Gender balance in Government is key to improved and stronger decision making - something that has been proved over and over around the world. I was asked to give a presentation about women's leadership in the Pacific last year in New Zealand. In preparing for the presentation I looked at the numbers of women in decision making roles around the region and the numbers were sad. Tanya, I wish you well in your campaign. And to keep your eye on the not if but when as you mentioned. A lot of good work and ideas can come just from the campaigning process and can lead to great things. I support your view on the horrible situation of children not attending school, and its not always about the money but also about the attitudes of the family towards education. However, in today's society, in Tonga where we have great internet speed and abilities, those young people who do not complete school will forever be locked out of prosperity and the ability to compete with those better educated.