THIRTY Pacific-based youth workers from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji graduated with Certificates and Diplomas from a Regional Pasifika Youth Development Program, during a graduation ceremony in Nuku'alofa, on August 10.

"Ola Fou", meaning "new life" is a project of the Youth Cultures and Community Trust, a charitable organization registered in New Zealand.

The course is funded by NZAid to assist 16 youth workers from Tonga, eight from Fiji and six from Samoa to attend a series of block courses over 15 months to complete qualifications at the Certificate and Diploma level.

It is aimed at supporting Pacific-based youth workers to develop their leadership skills and gain qualifications to work with young people in their individual communities.

The course offering training in Fiji and Tonga was concluded in Nuku'alofa with the graduation ceremony and facilitated by trainers from Praxis New Zealand, a private training establishment registered with the NZ Qualifications Authority.

'Anitelu Toatepi, the program's Tongan coordinator said the course provides Tongan youth workers with the right qualification to develop their skills as youth advocates, particularly on how to connect with youth and lead community youth projects.

Tongans

The five Tongan youth workers that graduated with Diplomas included Pamela Misinale from the Tonga National Youth Congress, Socinda Finau from the Vava'u Youth Congress, 'Ofa Pakalani from FWC Tokomolo, 'Akosita Tu'a from Hunga Youth and Mausa Halahala from 'Eua Youth.

While 11 Tongan youth workers graduated with Certificates that included Pasio Falekakala from the 'Utulei Youth Group, Lisa Havea from Vava'u Youth Congress, Matelita Houa from the Tonga National Youth Congress, Samisoni Tu'ipulotu from the Ha'apai Youth, Leaongo Fahina from the FWC Youth, Melevesi Kei from Kameli Youth in Vava'u, Panepasa 'Anau from the Salvation Army Youth Division, Lu'isa Fonua from On the Spot Youth, Tatofi Halaliku from the Ha'afeva Youth and Liani Ma'afu of the Catholic Diocese Youth Council.

An earlier first intake of nine Tongan youth workers who joined the first Ola Fou Development course graduated with their certificates and diploma in Suva in April 2010.