Talitha Project opens new "Drop-in" centre for girls [1]
Friday, August 26, 2016 - 21:56. Updated on Friday, August 26, 2016 - 21:58.
A "Drop in" Centre for the Talitha Project was opened on Thursday, 25 August at Uata Building, providing a safe and supportive meeting place for girls and young women to discuss issues they are facing and participate in development and empowerment activities.
The centre is funded with assistance from the Australian Government and UN Women.
"We are thankful for the support, which made this centre a reality," said founder Vanessa Heleta.
She said the centre offers a safe and supportive meeting place for girls where they can participate in structured development activities and have access to information.
“I hope the girls will take advantage of the centre and the services we provide because it will empower them to become proactive young leaders not just for the future but starting now. They can impact their families, communities, schools, churches and the country when they realize their leadership potential.”
She said before the project only had an office. Now the girls have their own room, computers, TV, couches and more bookshelves in a little library and walls freshly painted, she said.
The Australian High Commission in Tonga HE Mr Andrew Ford said Australia was very pleased to support the work of this project.
"The Drop in Centre will provide a safe space for young women and girls to come and discuss issues they are facing."
"It is significant that this event took place on Orange Day, the UN Secretary-General's campaign UNITE to End Violence against Women held on the 25th of each month, which is a day to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls," he said.
Established in 2009, the Talitha Project is a young women’s development organization with a mission to address and prevent the cycle of violence against women and girls.