Photos by Linny Folau and Peter Poulsen

HM Queen Nanasipau'u was deeply moved by a drama performance by Fili Tonu Group who portrayed an elderly blind man being mistreated by others, when she opened a new Social Protection and Disability division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tungi Colonnade on Thursday, 25 June.

In her keynote address, she said she was touched by the drama because it brought back memories from when she worked at ‘Ofa Tui ‘Amanaki Centre (OTA) during the 1980’s and witnessed the daily challenges faced by people living with disabilities.

She thanked Government for establishing the office and acknowledged the NGOs that have programs to help the elderly, disabled and those less fortunate in Tonga.

The Queen also presented Certificates of Appreciation to representatives from Alonga Centre, Red Cross Society of Tonga, Mango Tree Respite Centre, Ma'a Fafine moe Famili, Women and Children's Crisis Centre, Civil Society Forum of Tonga, Tonga Family Health, Salvation Army and churches.

The Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Yukio Numata said in 2000 the Government of Japan established the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, which initiated the foundation of this division.

He said the fund provided direct grant assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable groups in developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank.

“This assistance aims to foster long term social and economic development for those living in poverty and situations of high risks.”

At the same time, the Minister for Internal Affairs Hon Fe'ao Vakata said statistics showed an increase in the number of disabled people in Tonga.

It is the government’s vision to work with its partners in civil societies and other ministries to provide for those in need, he said.