TYEE Youth Market ended on a high note with a message that speaks volume, "we are not alone".

9/8/2020

Zumba Team from Ahopanilolo Technical Institute performing a tau'olunga before competing.

“I feel like as a young entrepreneur it was important to join this event to show other youth to embrace their creativity” Kalisi Tu’itavake, 21, Kolomotu’a. (Winner, The Best Youth Market Stall Presentation)

To conclude the TYEE Youth Market & Zumba Competition Event on Saturday, 5th September with over 200 people at the Digicel Square. We just keep getting bigger and better.

We had to limit our registrations due to the venue capacity verses the outpouring interests from the youth. But that did not stop them because not only did this number doubled, they were motivated and full of energy. The TYEE Youth Market catered for 25 youth entrepreneurs and this is what they had to say about the event.

“I feel awesome, because I had collected many profits”, Tevita & Suliana, 20 and 23 years of ages, Fangaloto.

“Anything could be sold here”, Hala Hakeai, 21, Kolomotu’a

“I felt excited because I get to sell all my products which are food”, Susanne Fakalata, 26, Ma’ufanga.

“Kou fiefia he tokoni ki hono fakamaketi’i atu emau ngaahi maketi”, Tu’amelie ‘Anitoni, 28, Ma’ufanga.

The TYEE Youth Market as well as the Zumba Competition went hand in hand to expose the best talents in our country, offer the people with a more “fun” approach to physical exercise as well as empowering the youth of Tonga. From a variety of entertainment, food products to clothes to hand sewn swimming wears to pot plants, handicrafts, and local produce crops - these youth came out of their hiding places and proved that they too can make it in a hostile business environment.

With over 20 groups registered to compete for TYEE Zumba Competition. We had people from all over Tongatapu at Digicel Square. Not only did they differ in terms of where they came from, but also in terms of their ages, religion, status, and occupation. It was a family day event, were the people came over to enjoy great food, amazing company, and exceptional services.

We would like to acknowledge the winner for our Zumba Competition; the Ministry of Finance with 20 participants, they came to win. We highlight this involvement in terms of setting the example to our people and to our youth. We must be the example if we want people to follow. So, it’s crucial that their participation did not only mean they’re on board with the movement against NCDs in Tonga, they wanted to support the work of the youth of TYEE GO GREEN! and that goes a long way.

We strongly encourage this form of support from our Government Ministries as they bring a message that speaks volume to our youth, and that is “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”.

The Winners and their Prize Packages can be viewed on here [Click to view]

With COVID-19 what the youth in our country need is support and reassurance that we are not alone. That although the responsibility of our country’s future is on our shoulders, but our government, our businesspeople, our communities are right there with us, supporting us to build the eco-friendly, successful future we all look forward to.

TYEE Go Green! our home, our future, our responsibility.

Acknowledgement of our Judges and Auditor at this Event

We wish to thank and acknowledge our Judges for this Event, Mr. Sevaki Fe'ao (Senior Program Officer, Tonga Health), Christine Lopeti (Representative of Rise-n-Shine Australia), and Virginie Dourlet (Teacher, Tonga High School). The Auditor, Pisila Kainga (MEIDECC).

L-R Front Row: Sevaki Fe'ao (Senior Program Officer, Tonga Health), Christine Lopeti (Representative of Rise-n-Shine Australia), Virginie Dourlet (Teacher, Tonga High School). Back Row: Auditor, Pisila Kainga (MEIDECC)

The Winner of the Best Youth Market Stall Presentation
Miss. Kalisi Tu'itavake (KPKT Design)
Aged 21
Kolomotu'a, Nuku'alofa.
She made and sold scrunchies, earrings and hand sewn swimming wears.

The Winner of the Zumba Challenge, Ministry of Finance

Acknowledgement of our Sponsors at this Event

We are grateful for all the business people including our Sponsors who also share this message to our youth.

Digicel Group for availing the venue as well as donating gift packs towards the event.

RISE & SHINE AUSTRALIA our Gold Sponsor for their generosity, donations, and sponsorships. They have become a strong right hand to push and encourage the youth. It is very much appreciated.

To the Ministry of Internal Affairs for sponsoring our hire items of tents, tables, and chairs. We highlight your support as every penny towards TYEE is divided and spread right across the TYEE initiatives for the development of the youth of Tonga to reach the vulnerable and the majority.

Tonga Health for sponsoring prizes towards the event as part of encouraging healthy lifestyle and leading the movement against NCDs in Tonga.

To South Pacific Mozuku Tonga Ltd for utilising TYEE GO GREEN! Volunteers to promote and sell their seaweed products and donating percentages of each sale towards the work we do. We welcome support in different forms and not only are we delighted to expand exposure of this product throughout Tonga, you are also allowing for our young talents to sharpen their sales and marketing skills, build their confidence as well as an opportunity for them to learn more of the products. All the SPM products were sold out at the event. We are open to extending our services to all business people who need this form of assistance. We work better when we work together.

Frangipani Korean Restaurant, and the Holtys Hideaway Cafe Ha’atafu for their donations of meal vouchers. Non-Tongan small business owners see the value of collaborating with TYEE. We are glad that through our events we get to give back to our business communities by driving customers to their respective restaurants and promoting their businesses right throughout our platforms. “It’s a give and take”. We do not like to only take; we go out of our way to ensure we give back to all parties that show support towards the youth and the work TYEE does.