I didn’t pay much attention to sewing at first, because I used to believe that sewing is only for old people and also I wanted to pursue in the field of Information Technology (IT). When I started to sew I was actually scared and very shy because I didn’t want my colleagues and friends to label me as the sewer but little did I know my future awaited me but I didn’t realise at the time. However, my very own inspiration came from my mother who has been sewing our clothes ever since I was a child. My mother told me once, “Sofaia you will be safe in sewing because you’ll be your own boss and also be able to provide for your own family when that time comes”.

With that encouragement from the most hardworking person in our household I then decided to take a sewing class for one year of 6 courses. It was a challenge because I never studied about sewing in high school. And also I was the only youth in this class and the rest were mothers and married women. Being in the class with women whose 10years older than I am was not very encouraging at first yet very helpful in the end. This was just last year and now I am looking at the outcome of risking that challenge and I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone not listening to what others said and completed my sewing courses.

These shopping bags were made from the recycled clothes that were not being swapped by the youth at our ongoing Go Green SWAP Project events. From these clothes I used bits and pieces from various clothes just to create one bag. To be honest this is not an easy task to do. Because I had to spend time on matching these various clothes regarding colours and styles for a bag to look attractive. Also, I must be incredibly careful with the material that I choose to utilise for not every fabric is suitable for a bag. Mind you one bag is not made from one piece of clothing. It consist at least six different pieces of clothing to create one. To patch these various clothing materials, I had to be cautious when I sew them because I did not want to ruin one piece for that will not make the bag complete. But the best thing about these bags production is that these clothes are not completely new, they are recycled clothes. There were some that had stains and some were torn so I had to use the only part that wasn’t torn or stained to come up with different patterns, designs, and complete bags.  What a fun experience that was!

These bags are created for us to utilise for shopping, church, school instead of using plastic bags. This is our contribution to the betterment of our environment for we all know the damage these plastic bags do to our environment. This is not an easy task as I mentioned earlier because not a lot of youth has the knowledge and the skills to sew from used clothes not brand new fabrics. Not only that it is a challenge to create a different design from its original. To be honest sewing is easy and quite fast I should say but it consists a lot of time in terms of creativity.
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Looking at the final product I have finally made I’m glad to convey a vote of thanks to my Teacher Mrs. Maopa Finau for all the help and encouragement you have given me throughout the time we spend during the sewing course. Not only that I’d like to say a huge Thank you to my parents for always having my back on every step of the way that brought me to TYEE today. Also a vote of thanks to TYEE for the chance I am given to showcase my love and passion towards sewing. ​[by Miss S. Kivalu, 21 years old].

Your support and purchase will be re-invested into each project to help us to develop our youth entrepreneurs, create more jobs, and start more youth businesses during these challenging times while we contribute to our environment. Our concept:  waste reduction, affordability, sustainability.

​TYEE Office
From Alaivahamama'o Bypass Rd,
Turn into Hekoni Rd (Hala ki Pili), take the first Right turn, then take the first Left turn. 
Mataika, Nuku'alofa.

​Tel: +676 685-5259  Mobile: +676 770-6340 / 842-5259
Email: hello@tyeetonga.org  
​Monday to Friday:  9am - 4pm (Except Public Holidays)

​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!

​[Ex-The Commonwealth News & Events website] Regional Finalist - The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work 2021. 

Congratulations! Miss Ilaisaane Lolohea Manu (TYEE) - Tonga has been selected as a Regional Finalist, representing the Pacific, for the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work 2021. This wonderful recognition is warmly shared with our individual youth who have played a part and contributed to our youth work. This is for all of you too, and Tonga!  You can view the Finalists and Miss Manu's profile on this link: Regional Finalists!

Twenty extraordinary young individuals including inventors, activists and entrepreneurs from 18 countries have been announced as finalists for this year’s Commonwealth Youth Awards.

The awards recognise outstanding Commonwealth young people whose projects are transforming lives in their communities and helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More than 1,000 entries from 43 Commonwealth countries were received last year. The finalists were selected across each of the award’s regional categories following a rigorous judging process.

The awards

This year, the awards have expanded to include five regional categories: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Canada, and the Pacific.

The top finalist from each region will be announced as the regional winner at the official awards ceremony on 10 March 2021. The ceremony will be held virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of these five regional winners, one outstanding young person will become the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2021.

All 20 finalists will each receive a trophy, certificate and £1,000 to expand the impact of their projects. Each regional winner will receive £3,000 and the overall pan-Commonwealth winner will take home a total of £5,000.

"I can confirm that no matter what your your age and status are, you can achieve your goals if you work hard with true commitment, be loyal to your work, and surround yourself with the right people and support then the impossible becomes possible.  I would like to acknowledge the key people who have empowered, supported and helped me to come this far and be counted in this life changing awards for youth changemakers and leaders.  

• The Commonwealth Youth Programme Awards 2021
• Ministry of Internal Affairs Youth Division, Tonga
• TYEE Board & Management and Staff 
• Rev. Taniela Manu, my family and friends.

Thank you for all your love and support, I am humbled. To God Be The Glory". -Ilaisaane Lolohea Manu.

NUKU'ALOFA - Friday, 12th February 2021:  Staff of TYEE together with the first 10 Go Green! Youth Volunteers for 2021 hosted a very youthful, memorable, and enjoyable clothing SWAP Event to 30 registered youth participants at TYEE Head Office, Mataika.  The participants came from different communities, Havelu, Ha'asini, Fua'amotu, Ma'ufanga, Nukunuku, Fasi moe Afi, Tokomololo, Fanga, Lapaha, Hala'ovave, Hofoa, Longolongo, etc. 

More than 120 pieces of quality youth fashions, (dresses, skirts, tops, pants, jackets, etc) were recycled and qualified for this SWAP Event. The Go Green! platform provides the youth participants not only with a way for them to appreciate our approach to waste reduction, but also, an affordable alternative to shopping for quality and sustainable fashions.  The Event kickstarted with some ice-breaking games, followed by presentations by the TYEE Staff about various areas of their work and the purpose of the Go Green! initiative. 

​Go Green! a youth-led community initiative, established in 2019 to address youth unemployment in making their transitions to work by volunteering at the Go Green! project events to gain some real practical work experience, boost their confidence, validate their soft skills on the job such as teamwork, customer service, punctuality, communications, listening skills, taking initiative, meeting set goals, and much more. The other, to educate our participating youth on ways to reducing waste, caring for the environment while contributing to climate change through the recycling of quality youth fashions.  It also, provides an opportunity for the participating youth to be supported and build network of new friendship,  utilize their skills and talents to create their own jobs and earn an income to assist themselves and their families. 

The event ended on a high note with, each participants leaving TYEE with their hands full of quality fashions, meals and drinks were provided on top of the entertaining music, made new friends, debate, and fun activities that filled up the event's program on the day.

​There is reassurance that more youth will return to our next Event on Friday, 5th March 2021 at TYEE.

​NUKU'ALOFA, Queen Salote Memorial Hall: “I want to prove to the youth of Tonga that we can indeed make a living from our talents,” ‘Ofa Paletu’a, 18yrs old, Talafo’ou. Ms. Paletu’a was one of the registered youth participants for TYEE GO GREEN! Youth Market and she testifies to the promises delivered by this initiative, we can help you earn a living from your God-given talents.

This event marks the TYEE GO GREEN! Initiative first anniversary and looking back to our humble beginnings only reassure us that we are heading in the right direction. 

In a one year time span, GO GREEN! Youth Market has catered for over a thousand people. We have not only supported and molded young local entrepreneurs, but it had trained and enabled many youth volunteers to practice and rise to the demanding requirements of the workplace. 

Through GO GREEN! any of our business partners now have access to high performing and outstanding staff members. 

“Firstly, I want to thank you and your team for the great effort over the weekend. Your girls were amazing, full of energy and very enthusiastic.” Masa Kawaguchi, South Pacific Mozuku Tonga Ltd. 

“The 5 staff you provided was exceptional, they were well presented, punctual, active, confident ….and were fast learners. “Chef Sione Tau’aika, Head Chef Zero. 

This is what differentiates TYEE GO GREEN! From other youth-led and driven initiatives. We keep to our promises and we are consistent; we have supported our young entrepreneurs, help the youth financially and in terms of their health, trained over 200 volunteers on a practical level and become staffing solutions for the businesses as well as constantly evaluating our work to improve, grow and develop ourselves moving forward.

As best represented by two of the youth participants in this event, “I will spread the word that most of the market stalls were sold out and more people should join” Pisila, 31 yrs old, Halaleva.

“I wish to acknowledge youth to feel comfortable making stuff to have more money” Alisi Halatoa, 25, Houma. 

We filled the day with joy and laughter and created an open-free-spirited environment, allowing the youth to be themselves and realize that they are not alone in this fight against youth unemployment in Tonga.  
If not for the team effort and commitment of both TYEE staff and GO GREEN! Volunteers we would have never accomplished what we did in this period. We are grateful for the businesses and Ministries who also recognise the value of our work and wish to further empower and build the youth of Tonga through donations and sponsorships.

If the youth succeed, our future will be successful. 

GO GREEN! 
Our home, our future, our responsibility.