A new two-storey training facility for the Girl Guides Association of the Kingdom of Tonga, built with assistance from the Government of Japan, was opened by Hon. Halaevalu Moheofo Tuita on 19 November. The occasion also marked the 60th anniversary of the Girl Guides Association this year, after it was founded by the late Queen Salote Tupou III  in 1952.

The project costing TOP $177,000 was financed under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security program.

Japan's Ambassador to Tonga HE Dr Kazuchika Hamuro said, gender was a cross-cutting issue in the development of Tonga as well as the international community. And the Government of Japan supported the advancement of the status of women and the international community's efforts to achieve this ideal, through empowerment of women and girls.

He said Japan recognised that in Tonga's Strategic Development Framework, the Government of Tonga emphasised gender equality to ensure equitable distribution of development benefits, towards the establishment of strong inclusive communities.

"In Tonga I see many women play leadership roles in the Tongan economy. I hope girls and young female students succeed in such a leadership role of their predecessors in the near future and expand the horizon, overcoming a traditional perception of what and how women should be in society and taking leadership role more actively and confidently."

He said Her late Majesty Queen Salote Tupou III saw the vital role that women played in Tongan society and foresaw the future, when she instigated the Girl Guides in 1952. Her vision and leadership would envision that this perspective and ideal of 'gender and development', 60 years ago, he said.

The aim of the Girls Guides is to transform natural talent to manage into a talent to lead, that is what empowerment means and what supporters of the Girl Guides Association envision through various activities to teach skills and hands on experience. I am sure the new facility will help the Girl Guides work, for young girls and women in the community, he said.

Empowering

Hon. Halaevalu Moheofo Tuita who represented the Royal Patron of the Girl Guides Association,  the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho, congratulated the association  and acknowleded its important work in Tonga in empowering young girls to forge forth in life and achieve success, she said.

She invited parents to register their girls with the association and thanked the Government of Japan for reaching out to assist Tonga, despite their own difficulties after natural disasters.

Present at the ceremony was Mrs Hamuro, Police Commissioner Grant O'Fee, Lady Tuna Fielakepa, Rev Sela Na'a Latu President of the association, Halaevalu Palu the Chief Commissioner and Hon Sangster Saulala the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Forests and Fisheries and other guests.

Girl Guides members from Government Primary Schools performed tau'olunga dances for the event.