Tonga High School students turned out in orange yesterday, 25 February, as part of the "Unite to end violence against women and girls" campaign sponsored by UN Women and Tonga's Talitha Project.

Vanessa Heleta founder of the Talitha Project said Orange Day, was part of an initiative by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. She was delighted that most of the schools 1300 students responded to the call to wear orange clothes or an orange ribbon.

The Talitha Project is taking Orange Day to different high schools in Tonga on the 25th of the month, starting with Tonga High School yesterday. Prizes were awarded for the best orange costumes. “We are looking for creativity in the costumes,” said Vanessa. Vasa Selupe won $150 for her stylish costume, 'Inoke Lelenga won $100, and Siaongo Latuhoi won $50.

“We talk to the students about how each has a responsibility and a part to play to end violence. It's a two way thing - they have to be nice to each other,” said Vanessa

In July 2012 the Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign proclaimed every 25th of the month as Orange Day. Initiated and led by the UNiTE campaign’s Global Youth Network, worldwide activities implemented on this day by UN country offices and civil society organizations strive to highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and girls, not only once a year, on 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), but every month.