Press Release, Tonga National Youth Congress -

Tongan volunteers learn how they can help Tonga

Tonga's new volunteers began a three-week training program yesterday, March 14, to learn about their role as Tonga National Volunteers. The training began with an open ceremony held at the Tonga National Youth Congress.

This is the fifth group of Tonga National Volunteers and the largest group of volunteers to date. There are 16 volunteers in this intake, 13 of whom are starting their assignment now. The remaining three volunteers are due to commence in June.

Topics to be covered in training include capacity building, project design and management, proposal writing and budgeting, health issues and community education. The volunteers will also have the opportunity to talk to previous program participants about their experiences as a volunteer.

Those attending current training are: Elaine Howard, USA; Manutu'u Tali, Ha'apai; Etuate Pangai, Sisifa Tu'itupou, and Lieni Leimamo Ula, Vava'u; Kalala Lavelua, 'Eua; Geroge Polovili, Tevita Vea, Vaiola Liukovi Nau, Latu Natasha Uta'atu, 'Eseta Mafua, Naule'o Fifita, and Andrew Toe'api, Tongatapu.

The Tonga National Volunteer Service program places Tongans, based both locally and abroad, in non-government and community organisations for one year. Since its inception in 2000, Tonga National Volunteers have worked on community development projects in Tongatapu as well as some of the outer islands to support and strengthen non-government organisations. The program provides participants with the opportunity to help Tonga, gain work experience and, for those abroad, the chance to re-ignite their link with their heritage. The program provides participants with a modest stipend, medical insurance and ongoing training throughout the year. The Tonga National Volunteer Service program is administered by the Tonga National Youth Congress.