By Katalina Siasau

Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) celebrated the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, today, 10 May, at its national headquarters in Nuku’alofa, inviting high school students in Tonga, to honour the work of humanitarian organizations around the world, and to encourage volunteerism. The theme for Red Cross societies in 2024 is "Keeping Humanity Alive."

TRCS joined Red Cross staff and volunteers across the globe in celebrating and pay tribute to the millions of volunteers and red cross staff, who work to support people in need of protection, assistance, healthcare, social aid and solidarity.

Attending the celebration were high school principals, teachers, and students from Toloa College, Monfort Technical Institute, Tonga High School, Tailulu College, Ocean of Light, St. Andrews, and Tupou High School.

TRCS Treasurer, Aloma Johansson in her keynote address, said, "The theme "Keeping Humanity Alive" refers us to all of the challenges happening globally around us, the wars, natural disasters, and climate change."

She encouraged the students to take part in voluntary services and making differences in Tonga.

The TRCS Deputy Secretary-General, Sini Latu, called on students to be involved in humanitarianism in communities.

”What better way to promote this theme, than to have students here with us today," she said.

The Red Cross worldwide has around 13 million volunteers, and reaches 150 million people in 190 countries.