Tonga's only youth run NGO is hoping to help end violent interschool rivalries through its mentorship and outreach programmes.
Tongan high school students attend a three day youth camp aimed at curbing inter-school fighting. Photo: Fakaola 'Eku Kalofiama initiative
Fighting between high school students, particularly boys, is a serious problem in the kingdom with some deep historical and religious roots.
In the worst altercations children have been admitted to hospital with serious injuries and there has even been a stabbing according to, Mele Fonua, the chief operating officer of the organisation,Tonga Youth Leaders.
Fonua and her colleagues work to try and connect youths with mentors in fields or areas of interest to them.
One of their biggest success stories is youth mentee, Lofa Talatala, who along with his mentor the speaker of the Tongan parliament Lord Fakafanua, recently organised a three day camp bringing together over a hundred students from rival schools.
Called the Fakaola 'Eku Kalofiama initiative which Matangi Tonga translated as “turning a spark to a fire” it aims to teach youth about healthy and respectful relationships, through life skills camps where students from rival high schools are also given the chance to know each other better.
Mele Fonua said they are very proud of Lofa and what has stemmed from his mentorship.
"It is a different take on what the government and other NGO's have started because this is led by young people," Mele Fonua said.
"People who have been through this, who have been in the fights, who know what the impacts are on young people. Who have seen like the negative impacts and all of the opportunities that young people who are involved in this get cut off from."
Fonua, said as well getting to know each other better the students learned about developing healthy respectful relationships, anger management and other life skills.
This was reinforced with special video messages from rugby stars Malakai Fekitoa and Taniela Tupou.
Tongan high school students listen to a presentation during a three day camp aimed at ending inter-school violence. Photo: Fakaola 'Eku Kalofiama initiative
The inaugural Fakaola 'Eku Kalofiama camp concluded with a music concert involving performances from the students and youth participants.
Mele Fonua said seeing friendships develop between students who would normally be at each other's throats was very special.
The organisers are hoping to get sponsorship to host more camps in the future.
