She thought that dropping out from school early and having kids there was no hope for her.

​The first step to getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. If you don’t step forward you will always be in the same place and if you won’t try then you will never know. This is all that it took for these ambitious young ladies to participate on the platform that TYEE offers for the youth of today.

As mentioned by the leader of this group Mrs. Fololeni Tufui, “I never knew that I could be part of this opportunity for I thought TYEE’s program is only for single ladies. As I went through social media only to find out that even us married women with kids can participate in this program then I reached out. Though I have been questioned by my relatives and friends for joining this platform but that didn’t stop me for all I needed was a chance for me and my family”. Such values and dedication brought this hardworking mother to TYEE for the sake of her family. How about the single ladies and boys? 

Coming out of High School from Funga Faa’imata relying on my parents for every provision triggered Miss. Lavulavu to step forward and be part of TYEE Work Readiness Program just to explore her independence life. Seeing the ambition and the eagerness to be independent at the age of 19 in this time of pandemic is why we invest on the youth, for the future lies on the youth of today. Commencing with our Work Readiness where we empower, develop their skills, and prepare these individuals to come out of their own shells, to TYEE Go Green Project Phase2 that gives them the chance for practical work experience to apply their skills and boost their confidence while helping our environment by recycling quality clothes to reduce waste for the betterment of our environment. This is part of the innovative ways of how TYEE help to prepare these individuals for the work environment.

Nowadays, it is obviously difficult for youth to step out of their comfort zone due to other’s opinion and what not. But that was not the case for these beautiful young ladies for they decided to take those small steps that would make the difference. They did not let their limiting beliefs and problems push them, but they were led by their dreams for a better tomorrow, and that is when they landed on their first life changing entrance to the door at TYEE. 

The future, being shaped today for the youth can be a difficult task but for us to witness the quietest person ending up the bubbliest soul in the group drives us to more difficult tasks. Seeing 10 individuals finishing the program stronger, motivated, and confident than which they were when they came in is why we are here for youth. For we cannot always build a future for the youth but we can build our youth for the future.

Life is full of surprises and sometimes the most shocking surprises are the most beautiful ones. As Ms. Mapu shared, “I did not even know I can stand in front of these many people and say something because I never did, for it was one of my weaknesses. But after the whole Work Readiness Program I am now standing in front of more than 40 people sharing my experience on this amazing program and journey while feeling good and confident than I have ever felt before.” Bringing out the hidden potential in these individuals who were not aware of that they had it after a couple of weeks is enough for TYEE to continuously shape the future of the youth today. 

To witness one of the Event invites, Mrs. Poteau Kaumatule being inspired and encouraged by just witnessing these young ladies sharing their experience from the program is why we empower and give hope to the youth today to rise-up! For she thought that dropping out from school early and having kids there was no hope for her. 

“There is no greater motivation than knowing I am becoming someone I can be proud of”, Mrs. Tufui learned from being part of this platform.  So wherever you go, go with all your heart!