Tonga Service Project Background

Tonga Background Information

Overview

Malo e leilei!

If you don't understand, do not worry as both Tongan and English are official languages in Tonga. Almost everyone speaks English, but it is always fun to learn as many Tongan phrases as you can.

Tonga, a constitutional monarchy, is the only South Pacific country never to have been colonized by a foreign power, and in fact, the kingship has been handed down through many generations, beginning in the 10th century.

The archipelago of Tonga, affectionately called the "Friendly Islands," consists of 171 islands, with only 45 inhabited. There are four island groups including the mostly low-lying Tongatapu group, the volcanic and coral Ha'apai group; the flat coral islands of the Vava'u group and the volcanic Nitus group in the far north.

Tonga personifies the beauty of the South Pacific. It has an abundance of remote (almost endless) white sand beaches, all protected by reefs. Snorkeling and scuba conditions are pure perfection, and the Tongan people are very welcoming.

The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, with a strong recent push into light industrial manufacturing.

The LDS community is very strong in Tonga and all of the white chapels spread across the island it almost feels like your very own Polynesian Utah. The Liahona High School is church-owned and run and provides great education opportunities and future growth potential for youth.

The name, "Friendly Islands" given to Tonga, is a very appropriate one as the people are a very warm and open group where almost immediately you will feel like part of the family! Malo e lava mai!

Service Project

HEFY plans on tackling the education issue in Tonga and demonstrating by example how important education is to all of us. Most of Tonga's youth have uncertain plans after completing high school, especially regarding education, and many don't even make it through High School. In hopes of spurring education, some of the current plans include building 3 bus stops along the Taufa'ahau main road to Nuku'alofa, building a library, and building a study center aimed at counseling and guiding youth toward the importance of education. Local villagers and leaders have decided that these projects are the critical needs of their community and the time line and order of these projects will depend on what they feel is most urgent. HEFY is committed to helping the people of Tonga satisfy these educational needs. We will be working right alongside the people of this village during construction, in helping them better their lives and working with and motivating other youth in their educational endeavors.

Our goal is to not only help them with their current need but also to help individuals and communities see the social and economic benefits that come from improving education and the change in a young person who captures the vision of education. 

Trip Environment: Warm, sea level
Medical Care Access: Poor
Special Notes: