15 Dec At risk youth are shown pathways to sustainable livelihoods at MORDI Tonga
July 1st, 2021 – A family prayer that is always heard in Tongan homes are those made to watch over youth of the family especially during the tumultuous times of their youth. School rivalries have existed as long as the institutions have been around, however over the past decades they have been an ongoing issue spilling over from friendly rivalry to outright violence. Schools have been torn apart, school spirit has been catapulted into contentious combat zones and the youth have placed in harms way often disrupting the future of at-risk youths.
Fakaola ‘eku Kalofiama is an initiative created to target at-risk youths, founded by reformed troubled youth Mr Lofa Talatala. The retreat encourages these youths to come together and break bread, learn to live alongside each other and are equipped with the tools necessary to become responsible and productive citizens.
Joining hands across the board, the 5-day retreat is made possible through the collaboration of the Ministry of Education, Tonga Police, the Tongan Parliament, Uprising Youth, FWC Crisis Centre and NRL. During the retreat the youth are engaged in a variety of activities that involve Anger Management, Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Campaigns, Bullying Behavior, Law and Order, Career Development. The youth also have time for recreational activities such as movie nights and sports tournaments.
MORDI Tonga was very fortunate to have been a part of this program and warmly welcomed the throng of youth for a tour of the grounds. As they disembarked from their buses the drizzling of rain soon gave way to a mighty rain and as they scrambled to seek shelter under the tent – the program proceeded with a welcoming note, introductions of the team and splitting the group of Fakola ‘eku Kalofiama into 10 groups for the tour.
The tour followed the same routine as any tour conducted at MORDI Tonga HQ’s, starting at the soil shed leading to the nursery. From there the groups were ushered to the home garden demonstration plot where they were informed volunteers can be given the chance to plant vegetable seedlings. Once informed that the seedlings will be grown for Alonga Center for Disability, many joined in emphatically planting vegetable seedlings. As the rain continued to drench the youth they sought temporary reprieve under the tent where Master Carver Mr Sione Tu’ione Pulotu stood to welcome them. Mr Pulotu is currently running tutua and ike carving training and spent a few moments huddled to give fatherly advice.
The groups were taken to the demonstration plots and some were seen bobbing around the passionfruit vines. The tours ended at Factory Zero showing opportunities to capture post-harvest and reducing waste. When the groups gathered back at the tents they were chattering amongst themselves and fell silent as vote of thanks was offered by MORDI Tonga’s CEO Mr. Soane Patolo. He also offered words of encouragement to the group before they had their lunch and departed.
It was evident that their time in the retreat has taught them to socialize amongst each other and with direction, support and nurturing that a paradigm shift can been planted firmly in their horizon. It is the hopes that the tour of the MORDI Tonga HQ’s has provided insight to the economic opportunities in agriculture for the youth and that future collaborations with this group can continue.
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