12th August, 2019 The Youth Division under the Ministry of Internal Affairs together with stakeholders celebrated the International Youth Day 2019 under the theme of ‘Transforming Education’ at Fa’onelua Convention Centre this morning.
Speaking to more than 50 guests and youth members, Hon. Lavinia Hoamofaleono Ma’afu said, “The Universal Declaration for Human Rights states that everyone has the right to an education. This year’s theme considers the importance of making education more equitable, inclusive and relevant for all youth. The need to examine how education is transformative and how the effort’s to achieve this are contributing to the overall agenda of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals is being highlighted.”
She said it is commonly understood that schools are responsible for educating students, but it is not the responsibility of schools to raise students.
“I believe that to effect the lifelong differences the transformative education process begins at home. To grow and to make good decision for our future. Youth needs the enabling environment to first begin in the home. This will turn have the flow on effect to our schools, the work place, church, our communities and our government.”
“Parents, caregivers, teachers, employers, community leaders and government leaders please help enable our youthful environment, hear our voices, allow us to contribute. Engage us in decisions, harness our best while overflowing with great ideas and youthful energy.”
Hon. Ma’afu also emphasized that young people have what it takes to contribute to the country but global warming might “take away their opportunity to develop into healthy islands.”
She urged Tonga’s youth to strive to learn, be eager to listen and lead by example in order to “break the cycle of hardship that affluent in our community.”
Representative from the Youth Uprising Tonga, Ms. Grace Fusitu’a said, ‘Transforming Education’ in Tonga empower the spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing of youth.
“Understanding the inner make up of a human being spiritually, mentally and physically and drawing out the goodness inherent and theme so that they may believe it for themselves. This would change their entire demeanour, increase level self-worth and ultimately change their outlook on life.”
“The youth crime levels, the ongoing bullying, the increasing suicidal rates and alarming mental health state of youth all begins at a thought level. But these can be altered if educators like you and I continue to bring out the greatness that is within. It will translate into action.”
Present in the ceremony were Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government CEOs, representatives from development partners, government officials, youth members and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications