L-R: Co-researchers Ms Soana Kaitapu, Ms Sabine Huber and Ms Raina Reyes.

L-R: Co-researchers Ms Soana Kaitapu, Ms Sabine Huber, Ms Raina Reyes and Mrs. Manu Vehikite (Field researcher from Ma‘a Fafine mo e Famili)

L-R: Mrs. Manu Vehikite, Mrs. Mele Siulua, Mrs. Royland Salt and the MFF Director, Mrs. Betty Blake.

L-R: Mrs. ‘Ana Mafile’o, Mrs. Stella Moala and Miss Michelle Vea

NUKU‘ALOFA: A training session for the Ma‘a Fafine mo e Famili Incorporation was held today, Friday 20^th March 2020 at the MFF conference room in Fasi mo e Afi.

The purpose of this training is to brief the Early Intervention Program staff (EIP) about the Tongan Families’ aspirations for children and barriers to participation in early childhood education (ECE).

Co-researchers Ms Soana Kaitapu from the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Manu Vehikite the Field Researchers from Ma‘a Fafine mo e Famili, Ms Raina Reyes and Ms Sabine Huber were the facilitators.

This research project aims at interviewing (Talanoa) with an approximate of 50 parents both Care Givers and family members of the EIP to discuss and find out if these families have experienced any barriers to accessing early childhood education.  This includes families who have children with a disability.

Royal IELTS Class of 2017

To all those who are interested in sitting the International English Learning Testing System (IELTS) this year.  We would like to inform you that at the moment with the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able to give you a definite date for the test.  Our usual practice is to have students register with us here at the office.  To register, visit us on Salote Rd. opposite the Tonga Telecommunications TCC office or call 25991 and leave your name, phone number and address so we could contact you as soon as we have confirmation from Auckland University that there will be a test.

In the meantime, please practice speaking in English with fluent English speakers, reading everything you can get your hands on that is in English, listening to English speakers on TV or radio and writing in English too.  The four components of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening are what is tested on IELTS.

Malo aupito

IELTS Class of 2016

 by Ána Mafileó (Our new Case Manager for Elderly Care here at MFF)

NUKU‘ALOFA – The Ma’a Fafine mo e Famili Inc. invited Sister ‘Akesa Halatanu from the Ministry of Health (MOH) to conduct a 2 hours training for the Tongatapu Care Givers (CGs) and Early Intervention Program (EIP) to help them with their services towards the 150 elders and the 50 children living with disabilities from around Tongatapu who are under the Social Services Program of the Government of Tonga under the management of the MFF.

This training awareness was held on Wednesday, 18^th March 2020 after the CGs had their fortnightly meeting with the MFF Director to report on their daily routine in which they provide to their elderlies and what needs to be provided to help with their services.

The CGs and EIPs were grateful for this opportunity as the information provided by Sister Halatanu was of great help to their services.

Sister Halatanu stressed the importance of “protecting yourself first and protecting others, your families as well and especially the elderlies.”

She said, “Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Novel coronavirus called covid-2019 is a new strain of coronavirus affecting humans. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing and it can take up to 14 days for the symptoms to show after a person has been infected.”

Since the outbreak of the new flu-like illness in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China called covid-19 in December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic. Most countries around the world especially in Europe are in lockdown due to the fast spreading of this covid-19 with the death toll now at about 8,919.

Some of the CGs and EIPs asked questions to clarify how they can avoid the spreading of the disease if it reaches Tonga. Mrs. Siutiti ‘Osamu a Care Giver who looks after two elderly female spinisters from Fasi mo e Afi said, “One of my clients has been coughing regularly for about 5 years now. She does not suffer from a cold or flu, but she usually coughs and uses a tissue to wipe her mouth clean. My concern then, is, can the virus spread through her regular coughing or not?”

Sister Halatanu confirmed that if the client is not sick but her regular coughing is normal, then, it is important to always wash her hands, wear mask and make sure the house is clean at all times.

Care Giver Siosi Puniani looks after a client from the Ma’ufanga village and her concern was for her elderly because there are animals in the house, such as dogs and cats. “I understand the simple practices that can help protect us from the virus, but, if the virus reaches Tonga, is my elderly vulnerable to be infected through her animals?”

Sister Halatanu confirmed that the virus does not travel through animals.

Mrs. Stella Moala, an EIP staff said her main concern, was on how CGs would continue to carry out their age care services and early intervention if there will be a lockdown in the future. Sister Halatanu said that it is the responsibility of the government to provide help for its people, but then, we all know that this is impossible due to the limited resources the government has. She praises the great contribution the MFF and its Care Givers are giving in looking after the welfare of our elderly people. “The 150 elderlies on Tongatapu is a lot of work and deserves praise” she said. She also confirmed that at the moment, neither the government nor the Ministry of Health had a plan particularly for the elderly people.

Sister Halatanu also said that one of their colleagues at the MOH suggested that the country should conduct a 3 day lockdown drill. In this way, the government decision makers who still take for granted the seriousness of this epidemic as well as the people of Tonga would experience how we should cooperate in avoiding the spreading of the coronavirus before it reaches our shores.

Finally, Sister Halatanu advised that the best way to avoid the spreading of the virus is to avoid contact with the sick people, regularly wash hands with soap, or use hand sanitizers, avoid touching your face and mouth after touching surfaces and stay at home. As a precaution, avoid visiting markets where food and live animals are sold.

MFF Director meets Tongatapu 6 Town Officers and Tauhi Kolo

Date:   Tuesday, 10^th March 2020

Time:   5:30pm

Place:  Hofoa Free Weslyan Hall

The MFF Director, Mrs. Betty Blake was welcomed yesterday by the Minister of MEIDECC, Hon. Poasi Tei and his Town Officers from the 14 villages of Tongatapu 6 Constituency as well as women representatives from each village.

The purpose of this meeting was a request from the Honorable Minister to the MFF Director to give a formal speech introducing the work of the Ma’a Fafine mo e Famili Inc. through the Tonga Social Service Program especial the Aged Care for the Elderly.

The program started with a prayer led by the Hofoa Town Officer, Mr. ‘Aliki Kanongata’a.

After the prayer, Mr. Taueli Taulango the Chairperson of the Tongatapu 6 Council welcomed Mrs. Blake to the meeting and invited her to deliver her speech.

According to Mr. Taulango’s welcoming speech, he said that the Tongatapu 6 Council usually conducts quarterly meetings.  At the meeting we attended, was the Honorable Minister, Poasi Tei, the Chairperson and the Town Officers and Tauhi Kolo of the 14 villages under the Tongatapu 6 Constituency.

The Town Officers and Tauhi Kolo were very impressed with Mrs. Blake’s explanations of the reality of the work undertake by the MFF especially the Care Givers who are being allocated to serve the elderlies both here on Tongatapu and Ha’apai.

Hon. Poasi Tei in response, confirmed the wonderful service of the MFF and the Care Givers as he explained that the last 3 years of his late father, were peaceful and comfortable because of the work of the care givers.  Further, he said he was lucky to be included in this program.

He said, “My father always looked forward to his Care Giver’s visiting time and he was very happy.  Even though we, the children, were sometimes busy with our daily work and other priorities and tend to forget to spend quality time with our father, but the Care Giver were always there to talk to him, to do his washing, cooking, cleaning and I am very grateful for your service.”

Hon. Poasi Tei has requested 10 elderly from his constituency to be under the Aged Care for the Elderly, however, due to the limited numbers given by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) to the MFF, he will discuss it further with his village council.

Tongatapu 6 constituency has its own program in which they usually visit their aged people on special occasions such as Christmas with gifts and donations.  Hon. Poasi Tei advised Mrs. Blake that in his constituency, they have 200 elderlies, but they will give the chance to those who are in most need of age care.  He also confirmed that he will look into it with his Cabinet, a proposal to upgrade the wages of the Care Givers from $5.00 per hour and the numbers of elderlies to be increased from 200 as the demands is very high.

For further information, Mr. Sione Maka from the Tongatapu 6 Constituency office can be reached at this telephone number: 25-007.

OR

MFF ph 25991 and talk to any of our staff to help you out.

The MFF Director, Mrs. Betty Blake and Hon. Poasi Tei, Representative of the Tongatapu 6 Constituency and Minister for MEIDECC.

Betty Blake continued discusses with Hon. Poasi Tei his needs to increase the number of his elderlies to be allocated into the care of the MFF.From Left: Hofoa Town Officer ‘Alisi Kanongata’a, Betty Blake and Hon. Poasi Tei.

Download the Child Friendly Version The Experiences and Needs of Children including Children with Disabilities Tonga 2018

Download the Experiences and Needs of Children including Children with Disabilities Tonga 2018 – Pdf File

Download the Experiences and Needs of Children including Children with Disabilities Tonga 2018 – Word Document

This study was launched by the previous Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Samuela Ákilisi Pohiva (R.I.P) on Monday 29th October, 2018.  This is the first study of its kind in Tonga and also the Pacific region.

This photograph was taken on the launch day and together with the Hon. Prime Minister and the distinguished guests, Mr. Christoph Wagner from the European Union Delegation in Suva, Fiji, His Eminence Bishop Soane Patita Paini Mafi of the Catholic Diocese of Tonga and Niue, the Speaker of the Whole House Committee, Hon. Veivosa Taka, The Assistant CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mr. Ónetoto Ánisi, Mrs. Betty Blake the Director of MFF, the staff, Mrs Unaloto Halafihi the Chairwoman of the (NATA) and the children who make up the Children’s Task Force for the Study.  The names of the children are on the report.

The study was graciously funded by the European Union.

The International Consultant was Jo Aldridge who is Professor of Social Policy and Criminology at Loughborough University, UK.  She created the study methodology, analysed the data and wrote the report.  Gabriella Blake Ílolahia the study advisor also helped to write the report together with Mr. Angus McLean of Australia.  Other learned persons. Dr. Sela Moa and Miss Talaivini Mafi both helped with the report.  Mr. Angus McLean also helped in the drafting of the study proposal up to the write up of the final report.

The MFF and NATA would like to thank everyone including the children who took part in the survey and also those in the Government Departments who helped in the study.

The report was launched at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel from 5 to 7pm and it was live both on Television and Radio Tonga and FM87.5.

Le’o ‘oe Kakai 98FM

Tonga’s first women-led community radio station 98fm: Letio le’o ‘o e kakai was initiated in 2011.

The radio is dedicated to promoting the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (women, peace, security), Peace building and Dialogue.  It is a community media project using ‘suitcase radio’ technology in partnership with FemLINKPACIFIC and supported by the Canada Fund, AusAID Canberra and The British High Commission Aid Fund.

A not-for-profit platform for women and community groups to discuss issues of local and national interest, the radio gives a voice to women and youths to air their issues of interest in a non-threatening environment; to share ideas and knowledge that empower action to improve lives.   An opportunity for women develop leadership confidence and the initiative required for ongoing positive change, improve knowledge and be active in discussions, questions and development, e.g. gender policies, domestic violence, CEDAW, improve governance through greater female participation.

Let your voice be heard on issues that people are facing, such as hardship; gender discrimination; abuse of human rights; injustice; anti-corruption; poor governance; undemocratic systems; lack of service delivery; to name a few.  Share your community news and information on 98fm or to find out more, email: 98fm.mff@gmail.com.

Broadcast hours: 10am to 3pm, Mondays and Wednesdays.

What are we talking about at this time?

16 Days of Activism – Against Gender-Based Violence

Tonga 2013 – Violence is not my Culture, Good Leadership Is

• Monday, 25 November – WHITE RIBBON DAY – UN Int’l Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, Transformational Leadership Training
• Sunday, 1 December – UN World AIDS Day, Candle Light Vigil
• Tuesday, 3 December – UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities
• Thursday, 5 December – UN International Volunteer Day, Leadership in Action – Alleviating Poverty
• Tuesday, 10 December – UN International Human Rights Day

Meet Generation Next 2013: the Broadcasters

A team of young women who serve as volunteer community radio producers and broadcasters:

‘Atela Semi

  Tupoutu’a Kupu

  Fusi Kauvaka

  Melaia Manu

  Nancy Fauolo

If you are looking for a copy of our National Domestic Violence Study, it can be downloaded here.

Tonga VAW report FINAL 2012

Name of Project:  Creating an Enabling Environment – HIV and AIDS and Child Abuse

Funding:  HIV and AIDS Country Development Officer (CDO) Tonga

Partner:  Tonga Family Health Association

Duration:  1 month, June 2011 and March and April 2012

No of Participants:  107 (women, men and youth)

The objective of the project was to bring to the awareness of participants the importance for adult to protect children from rape, molestation, and abuse.  It was also importance for participants to be aware that children can be contracted with the virus of HIV and AIDS or STIs through rape, molestation and abuse.

The above workshops targeted the Eastern part of Tonga including Nukuleka, Makaunga, Talafo’ou, Navutoka, Manuka, Kolonga, Afa and Niutoua.

The project was also devised to cover four centres with two villages participated in each centre. The centres wereMakaunga and Nukuleka at Makaunga village, Talafo’ou and Navutoka at Talafo’ou village, Manuka and Kolonga at Manuka village and Niutoua and Afa at Afa village.

Topics covered included, Human Rights, Human Dignity, Gender, HIV and AIDS, STIs and Child abuse

Culturally the topics covered were regarded as sensitive and taboos to talk about in our society. The MFF team was able to give time to hear and discussed with participants especially the importance to learn and to have knowledge on issues mentioned above. The importance of protection and freeing our people especially children from social problems that will affect them due to ignorance and negligence was highlighted during the group discussion. After a good and fruitful discussion the group gave the go ahead because they saw the importance of the message to learn.

Breakthroughs

The project was able to breakthrough cultural belief that talking about sexual transmitted disease such as HIV and AIDS and STIs is disrespect in nature and must not be discussed openly in public especially when there are elderly people or brothers, sisters and cousins.  As a trainer I am proud to say that after a good discussion with the participants in each of the centres the program went smoothly with no disturbance.

Name of Project: Transformational Leadership and HIV/AIDS

Funding: UNAIDS

Partner:  UNAIDS

Duration:  1 week (12 to 16 September 2011)

Total No. of Participants:  24 (young female school prefects, female youth)

The project above was based on the outcome of the training that was attended by the MFF President held in Fiji in 2008. The process on having the project implemented in Tonga began last year when UNAIDS personnel visited MFF to look for an opportunity to build partnership in the implementation of the program for Tonga. The process started and fortunate enough for Tonga the program was implemented from the 13 – 16 September 2011 with school prefects from Colleges and High Schools in Tonga. There were 12 High schools and 2 Technical Schools that were invited and 10 schools were able to send representatives to participate in the workshop.

The program was a series of three training and MFF and UNAIDS representative were planning for the next round to be held in May next year during the school holidays.

Apart from the school prefects some of the youths from around were invited including the eight young women for the Generation Next Program.

What is Transformational Leadership

This project focuses on the being first before effort is made to transform the next person.   It is about using the knowledge gained, the skills and attitude that they acquire and the ongoing interactions with others undertaking the program, to transform them into “the change we want the world to be”.  TDLP promotes values such as humility, learning, listening and working in partnerships with others.

Project Name:  UNSCR 1325: Women, Peace and Security

Funding Body:  AusAID Canberra

Partner:  FemLINK PACIFIC

Duration:  2007 to date

This is a media project in partnership with Fiji, Bouganville, Solomon Is. and Tonga. It is aims at the promotion of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325: Women Peace and Security. It started in 2007 through a telephone call from Sharon Rolls, Executive Director of FemLINK PACIFIC to MFF President straight after the riots on 16/11/2006. The partnership was built on peace building and it is to recognise women skills and experience in peace building.  It is a media program and partners were to interview and document stories of women in the community.  The stories would be shared amongst partners and people in their respective countries through the femLINK PACIFIC monthly journals.   The documentation is also targeted at the Policy level and decision making.

Community Radio

There is a young correspondent who is employed by femLINK PACIFIC and tasked with the interviews and the documentation of women’s stories and have the stories sent to the Community Media Centre in Suva / femLINK PACIFIC.   MFF houses oversees the work of this young correspondent.

In 2011, we in partnership with FemLINK PACIFIC were able to secure funding for a new radio with Canada Fund.  The radio is FM 98, Le’o ‘o e Kakai and it was opened by the Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano on the 12 March 2012.  This radio opens only twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm and the purpose of the radio is to air women’s stories and also to promote UNSCR 1325.

Generation Next:              April 2011

Generation Next

Under the supervision of the young correspondent for the above project, she is also tasked to train and build the capacity of eight young women to assist her in the collecting of the stories from the community and also train the Generation Next to become operators, producers and production of the Community Radio for Tonga.

In addition to roles of the Generation Next it is anticipated that these young women will be trained and developed in knowledge and skills that will one day enable them to participate in the decision making levels of our society.

 Community Radio for Tonga  –  Le’o ‘o e Kakai

This is the newest project under MFF in partnership with femLINK PACIFIC who provided technical assistance for the implementation of the First Women led Community Radio Station for Tonga. This project was made possible with the financial assistance of the Canada Fund. The new radio station will serve as a platform for peace building by women connected to women and to the community through their stories and issues. It is hoped that it will target government to hear and learn from women themselves who will be able to share their issues on air.

Le’o ‘oe Kakai 98FM