Transcript
VANESSA HELETA: We wish that we had more resources because it is all about resources really. So we came out with the initiative to open up the next room as an entrepreneur's room because right now we are partnering with the BSP, (Bank of the South Pacific), bank. They provide financial literacy for the young girls so we open up a bank account for them. What's the use of having a bank account if you don't have any money to put in it. So the next room is about getting them to come and make anything that they can create. Whatever creativity that they can come up with, like arts, handicrafts and fabric printing and all that stuff. They are going to make that in their spare time or in the weekends. Thank God that Digicel has given us the Digicel square to use unlimited so we are going to set up a little tent there. Cruise ships come in, so we are going to set up a little stall there so we can sell their products. Just something creative for them to do because it's not all about knowledge, knowledge-based programmes but also skills development. How do you make money? You know it is all about financial independence.
KORO VAKA'UTA. It's important. I think you have just pointed out how important it is for young women to have something tangible to work with.
VH: Yes that is right and we encourage them to start opening up this bank account, it will give them a sense of ownership, to make something, not to rely on parents and care-givers and family all the time but teaching them how to be resourceful. You can take care of yourself. If you are not going to do in school, maybe you can be a businesswoman, starting up your own little business.
KV: You are an example of a successful woman launching your own initiative and leading something, I understand there is a lot of Tongan women doing that in the community, is that something that needs to however improve, women in business?
VH: Yes that is the whole vision. As you know, everything takes time, but we teach the young women not only to be successful and to use your God-given talent but also how do you impact your families and your communities. To me, real leadership is leaders creating leaders. You can't just sit up there and expect that just because you are the CEO of whatever company you are in or you are the founder, you can just sit there and that's it. No. You have to create young leaders to come up and be their own CEO.
