Tonga Skills is raising awareness about people with disability and showing how inclusive programmes can impact their lives and improve livelihoods.

The organisation last year started to document the stories of women, people with disabilities and people who are living in remote areas in Tonga.

The stories were published in a booklet called ‘Stories of Change for Inclusive Economic Growth’ launched in Nuku'alofa on June 21.

Ministry of Education CEO Dr Tangikina Moimoi Steen received the booklet from Tonga Skills' Team Leader, Sally Bannah.

The stories show the impact of inclusive activities facilitated by Tonga Skills in partnership with various government and non-government agencies. 

Vanilla cultivation promotion

At the same time a series of training videos on vanilla cultivation was presented to the Ministry of Agriculture CEO Leody Vainikolo to assist the work of the MAFF office.

The training videos on vanilla were part of Tonga Skills program to support community economic resilience during the COVID-19 restrictions in Tonga.

Earlier from 2018-2020, training programs specialising on vanilla pollination were held in Vava'u, facilitated by Tonga Skills facilitated fand conducted by MAFF Vava’u.

They said the free videos will further assist the work of the MAFF office to promote vanilla cultivation in Tonga.  Tonga Skills website

Tonga Skills is an initiative of the Australian Government which works in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Tonga National Qualification and Accreditation Board to deliver skills trainings and promote inclusive economic growth in Tonga.