Dare to Dream Foundation Inc, which aims to help Tongan Deportees and vulnerable Tongan youths was launched on Saturday 1 June at Masi‘ata Beach, Kolovai.

The founders of the Dare to Dream Foundation were five deportees from the USA, Latu Liava’a from Ha’avakatolo (President); Muli-ki-Fai’ana Vehikite from Talafo'ou (Vice President); Jay Cahoon Latu from Fo’ui; Osaiasi Vivili Moala from Faalevai Vava‘u and Unaloto Taufa of Kolofoou.

The members of the foundation aim to use their life stories, and to talk about their time in prison and the shock of being sent back to the islands from their former homes. By doing so they hope  to inspire others and help them make the right choices.

During the launching ceremony, Dr ‘Uhila Fasi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, talked about their working program.

Top of the list is to set up a six-months bootcamp, which he stressed will be strictly schedules and routines like a real military recruitment camp. He stressed that integrated into the programme will be the four core values of the Tongan culture: Faka’apa’apa’aki – mutual respect; Feveitokai’aki – sharing, cooperating and fulfilment of mutual obligations; Lototo – humility and generosity; and Tauhi Va – loyalty and commitment.

After participants successfully complete a 6 months boot camp programme, they are registered to be members of a Non Government Organisation, and they automatically become eligible for the Board’s higher performance development programs:

1. Arts, visual arts and craftsmanship.
2. Pathway Online Tertiary Education.
3. Australia Pacific Training Coalition, vocational training and Tonga Skills.

Dr ‘Uhila Fasi said the DTDFI was a committed team and they believed in working together.

“Doing this together…will not only guarantee sustainability, but it will also mean that the endurance of Dare to Dream Foundation Inc. will stand the test of time.”

The Board of Trustees includes Dr ‘Uhila mo e Langi Fasi – Chairman; Dr Netatua Prescott – Deputy Chairman; Una Tolu-Mafi - Treasurer; Katrina Ma'u Fatiaki - Secretary; and members, ‘Eleni Leveni Tevi, Sisilia Tuifua Petelo, Linda Tu‘ihalangingie, Rev. Penisimani Tonga and Dr. Veleveni Moala.

Guests at the launch were the New Zealand High Commissioner Ms Tiffany Babington and the President Elect of Rotary Masha Cato.