Tongan CEO awarded Lincoln Alumni International Medal [1]
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 22:03
The CEO of the Mainstreaming of Rural Development Innovation (MORDI) Tonga Trust, Soane Patolo was awarded the Lincoln Alumni International Medal 2023 on 12 May in Christchurch.
He is the first Tongan awarded this medal during the Lincoln University graduation, which is in recognition of his exceptional work in empowering isolated rural communities to fight against poverty, stated MORDI Tonga Trust today.
As an NGO, MORDI Tonga Trust focuses on empowering vulnerable rural communities in Tonga, particularly women and youth in agricultural development and socio-economic empowerment. Since its start in 2007, the organization has grown from twp staff supporting 21 communities to 30 staff members and supporting 122 communities (80% of Tonga’s rural communities) with funding exceeding $25 million.
MORDI Tonga has made an important contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of rural communities in Tonga. The organization has increased agricultural input, bolstered agricultural productivity, and transferred innovative and technological know-how to rural smallholder farmers that form the foundations of Tongan food and nutrition security.
Patolo in his address acknowledged those who helped him during his career, including staff at MORDI Tonga and its Board of Trustees.
“I encourage you to stay true to your values, your vision, and your purpose. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t persevere through adversity. To borrow a quote from a great leader, Winston Churchill, success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts."
He also commended Mr. Ron Hartman and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, whom for over 15-years has invested in rural transformation through MORDI Tonga, without which they wouldn’t have come this far.
Patolo's other awards includes becoming an Adjunct Associate Professor of Rural Development at the University of Sunshine Coast in 2019. He also received the Royal Order of the Crown by King Tupou VI.