The International Day for Persons with Disability was marked in Nuku'alofa on December 3, with a float parade and march on Taufa'ahau Road under a theme, "Together for a better world for all".

The program organized by the Tonga Red Cross Society brought together disabled people and children with disability for a day of fun in the capital.

The Tonga Red Cross, who runs and funds the 'Ofa Tui mo e 'Amanaki Centre, offers a special education service for up to 80 disabled children from the ages of 3 to 15 years old in a special education service that was set up in the 1970's.

'Evapomana Tu'uholoaki, the Tonga Red Cross Society Program Manager said on December 6, that the program was aimed at providing an opportunity for participation by all stakeholders, including government ministries such as Health and Education to show that people with disabilities and their families can be integrated into Tonga’s development agenda.

Vulnerable

"People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups of people in developing countries, including Tonga. They often lack a voice in public discourse, and their interests and needs are frequently neglected. To have a day dedicated to them and for a get-together with the rest of the people with disabilities will increase their sense of belonging in our community and in our country," she said.

'Eva said the program increased the OTA centre's links with the existing disability stakeholders.

The float and march began from Pangai Lahi to the Queen Salote Memorial Hall and included the OTA Centre, Alonga Centre, NATA, Inclusive Education Classroom GPS Ngele'ia, Mango Tree Centre, Paralympics and Special Olympics Committee and the Ministry of Health Psychiatric Ward, and families of the disabled.