Reaching out to youth through education [1]
Friday, August 16, 2019 - 18:46
By Linny Folau
An Open Day for Youth was held in Nuku'alofa on August 14 as part of a Tonga National Youth Week.
The event coordinated by the Tonga National Youth Congress, Ministry of Internal Affair's Youth Division and the Tonga Police Community Assurance Group, was held under the International Day theme 2019, Transforming Education.
Tonga Police showed their support by displaying their work and having officers on site to educate them on the harmful effects of drugs and other offences, while offering advice by providing information for support if needed.
Head of Tonga Police Community Assurance Group, Sgt Penisimani Sili said, “this is in line with the Police Commissioner's priorities that Tonga Police refocus on a Community Policing approach.
"We must reach out and educate our young people before they come into contact with drugs, and the harm and negative effects it will have on their future."
The Police Community Assurance Group not only carries out this outreach program with youths but has strengthened relationship with the Community Patrol Volunteers through refresher training, resourcing and joint operational activities, he said.
Police units from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, Professional Standards Unit, Detector Dog Unit and the Tonga Police Band also put together a Police display for youths, during this event at Digicel Square.