Twenty-eight students from seven secondary schools in Tongatapu completed Kaliloa, a Tonga Youth Leadership Program on June 29, at the Police College in Longolongo.

The students, both girls and boys aged 14-16 years from Tupou College, Queen Salote, 'Apifo'ou, Tailulu College, Tupou High School, Tonga College and Tonga High School camped for a week, and underwent training in a spectrum of leadership related subjects and activities, delivered by selected guest speakers from Government, NGOs, churches and from the community.

Two outstanding students were Sonatane Vaha'akolo from Tupou College and Fakalelu 'i Pulotu Vea from Tonga High School.

Sonatane said this was a very important program for their growth because they learned how to work as a group, how to become good leaders in one's school while gaining new knowledge and virtues of how to deal with challenges faced by youths nowadays.

Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai said today raising our children and making the future leaders of our country is a shared responsibility and more so during the challenging times we now live in.

“I personally hope that this strong collaboration will continue with power and strength in the future.”

She acknowledged the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for the technical and financial support for this program.

This initiative is part of a Tonga Police community outreach strategy focusing on empowering and strengthening the future generation, while reinforcing values instilled by parents at home by providing them with leadership skills to help them make the right choices given the many challenges.

Tonga Police partnered with the Ministry of Education and Training, Civil Society and His Majesty's Armed Forces.

The event was attended by the guest of honour, Patron Rev Semisi Fonua with New Zealand High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington, instructors Senior Constable 'Ana Malia 'Aho and Commander Brisbane Lokotui from HMAF.

The next training program is expected to be held during the school holidays in December.