An evening of songs of praise brought together over 100 secondary school youths from throughout Tongatapu last night, to mark the end of a three days programme aimed at ending interschool violence.

The students were brought together by the Fakaola 'Eku Kalofiama initiative – the name means “turning a spark to a fire”. The spark is intended to light the fuel of healthy and respectful relationships, through life skills camps where students from varying high schools are given the chance to know each other better.

The initiative led by a committee of eight volunteers is a targeted effort to curb interschool fighting and to diffuse animosity and violence. The committee includes Lord Fakafanua, Speaker and youth mentor of the Legislative Assembly. Finding a solution to ongoing violent encounters between boys from secondary schools in Tongatapu is their important mission.

Addressing the concert at the Lopaukamea II Hall, at USP- Tonga campus last night, Lord Fakafanua tried to hold back his tears as he told the youths he was very pleased with the outcome of the three days camp. Leading the confrontations were clashes between students from Tonga College and Tupou College. Last night the young men from different schools were sitting side by side at the concert and joining in the singing.

Special performances were given by the Fexco-Western Union Choir, Seventh Day Adventist youth choirs from Vaini and Havelu, the Tupou College Choir, orchestra and brass band, the Tonga High School Scripture Union, FWC Tu'atakilangi Youth Choir, and the Sisu Ko e Fetu'u Ngingila Youth Choir.

Other members of the organising committee are Susiana Kanongata'a (MEIDECC); Solo Siale (Ministry of Education); Robina Nakao, (CEO Fexco/Western Union); Penisimani Sili (Police Crime Prevention Unit); Lofa Talatala (founding member Fakaola 'Eku Kalofiama); Joe Kafatolu (NFL); and George Polovili, (Tonga Family Health Association).

Some of the sessions covered during the three days of camping included:

• My life, My Journey/Anger management
• Special Video Messages from Rugby Union stars, including, Malakai Fekitoa and Taniela Tupou
• Bullying Behaviour • Community service
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Talent and singing rehearsals

It is hoped that through sponsorship that more camps can be organized throughout the year “to encourage youth to dream and achieve their full potential”.