By Linny Folau

Tonga’s first Parliament Week with a theme 'Our Parliament' opened today aimed at furthering the knowledge of the public, including students, on how parliament works and the role it plays in governing the country.

Initiated by the Tonga Legislative Assembly in partnership with the UNDP, the program was held under a Tonga Governance Strengthening Program (TGSP) funded by the Australian Government. It includes radio and television programs, essay and poetry competitions on a topic 'What Parliament means to you', which is open to members of the public.

The Legislative Assembly compound also opened its doors for people to visit information booths that were set up with videos, slide shows and oral presentations by parliament staff. Displays covered the Tonga parliamentary history, the political reform, how bills become laws and the roles of parliamentarians.

The Speaker Lord Fakafanua said the initiative was implemented because it was important for people to understand the vital role and functions of the Tonga parliament.

He said under the TGSP outreach program they had visited many schools throughout Tongatapu and the outer islands and would continue community visits.

"We are very excited to know many students will be participating in the essay and poems competition. I am always enlightened by the opinions, thoughts and creativity of the younger generation."

He said since this was a democratic parliament there was a need for people to be represented in parliament effectively, as the same people also needed to actively participate in the political life of our country through their representatives.

“We hope that every Tongan man and woman will participate in the upcoming General Election in November and elect their representatives for the next four-years,” he said.

Civic education

The Australian High Commissioner HE Brett Aldam said civic education was very important. He said in Tonga people listened to and followed parliamentary proceedings on the radio. "Through the radio broadcast there is a high level of engagement because people are listening and following what is being said and debated in the House. I congratulate the Speaker, clerk and staff for taking parliament out to the people through the radio broadcast, and this week you are bringing people into parliament and giving them the opportunity to gain even greater appreciation of what parliament does and how it works.”

Attending the opening program was Richard Cox the TGSP Project Coordinator, along with Members of Parliament, Tonga High School teachers and students and representatives from the civil society and local businesses who toured the booths and the House.