Youth “Greenpreneurs” encouraged to grow sustainable businesses
Eight young Tongan “Greenpreneurs” and their green enterprises have been selected to join a new 2022 Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) incubator program.
Successful entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to participate in a business competition to secure grant seed fund capital of USD$5,000.
The Tonga Orientation Event, marking the beginning of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) program, was held at the Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship (TYEE) Career Centre, in Mataika, Tongatapu, on 21 September.
Visiting for the first time was the GGGI Director General, Dr. Frank Rijsberman and GGGI Regional Director, Ms. Katerina Syngellakis, welcomed by TYEE director Lusia Jones who facilitates the program in Tonga.
Dr Rijsberman said he started the Greenpreneurs program and GGI to give young people a chance to start their business and be supportive.
“One important gap that a program like this can fill, is giving the chance to people with big ideas, specific space and plans but not necessarily the financial skills or the skills to run a business,” he said.
The network aims to support green and inclusive job growth by supporting entrepreneurs (particularly women and youth) develop their green and sustainable businesses, whose business models include solutions aimed at contributing to their country’s climate and sustainable development goals in six Pacific Island countries - Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
The incubator program targets existing innovative early-stage green micro, small, and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) with demonstrated growth potential that are still in pursuit of a scalable and and repeatable business model through localised virtual and physical training and courses, a mentorship program, in-person events, and networking opportunities.
In Tonga the eight selected applicants and their businesses are:
Climate Change
Houma Council Chairman, Lord Vaea, attending the event, spoke of the importance of identifying effective ways to communicate to the public, especially the youth to understand what climate change is.
“I believe this is due to government policies and government officers not talking well to the rural and remote community outside Tonga.”
The regional Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) is a 3-year project funded by the Qatar Fund for Development and implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute.
Successful entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to participate in a business competition to secure grant seed fund capital of USD$5,000.
The Tonga Orientation Event, marking the beginning of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) program, was held at the Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship (TYEE) Career Centre, in Mataika, Tongatapu, on 21 September.
Visiting for the first time was the GGGI Director General, Dr. Frank Rijsberman and GGGI Regional Director, Ms. Katerina Syngellakis, welcomed by TYEE director Lusia Jones who facilitates the program in Tonga.
Dr Rijsberman said he started the Greenpreneurs program and GGI to give young people a chance to start their business and be supportive.
“One important gap that a program like this can fill, is giving the chance to people with big ideas, specific space and plans but not necessarily the financial skills or the skills to run a business,” he said.
The network aims to support green and inclusive job growth by supporting entrepreneurs (particularly women and youth) develop their green and sustainable businesses, whose business models include solutions aimed at contributing to their country’s climate and sustainable development goals in six Pacific Island countries - Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
The incubator program targets existing innovative early-stage green micro, small, and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) with demonstrated growth potential that are still in pursuit of a scalable and and repeatable business model through localised virtual and physical training and courses, a mentorship program, in-person events, and networking opportunities.
In Tonga the eight selected applicants and their businesses are:
- Arthur Cocker, Defiant Robotics (Health, sanitation & hygiene)
- Faiana Feaomoeata, Pearls of Vava’u (Handicrafts & Creative Arts)
- Fane Kite, FANE (Manufacturing & Textiles)
- Brian Taunisila, Green Engine Solutions (Circular Economy & Waste Management)
- Kalisi Tuitavake, KALISI (Manufacturing & Textiles)
- Luseane Taufa, Believing in Grace Inc (Agriculture, Aquaculture & Agro-processing)
- Masina Valu, Knox Recycle Depo Ltd (Circular Economy & Waste Management)
- Serene Tay-Siasau, Mataliki cultural creatives Tonga (Circular Economy & Waste Management).
Climate Change
Houma Council Chairman, Lord Vaea, attending the event, spoke of the importance of identifying effective ways to communicate to the public, especially the youth to understand what climate change is.
“I believe this is due to government policies and government officers not talking well to the rural and remote community outside Tonga.”
The regional Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) is a 3-year project funded by the Qatar Fund for Development and implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute.
Youth will grow businesses with USD5000 seed grants
Two green enterprises will be growing their businesses with USD5,000 in seed grants won in the Mafoa 'a e Ata-Youth Innovation Challenge, run by the Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc.
15 young business women become “greenpreneurs”
Friday, November 26, 2021
Matangi Tonga Online News
Matangi Tonga Online News
Fifteen young Tongan women, who are starting out in business, joined a local networking event last week in a program that connects them with other aspiring “Greenpreneurs” and business leaders in their communities and in the Pacific Islands.
Trainee chefs take up Go Green Recipe Challenge
Monday, September 28, 2020
Matangi Tonga Online News
Matangi Tonga Online News
Trainee chefs took part in the Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship 'Go Green Food Recipe Challenge' on Friday night, with Latai Fa'aoa of Team QSC winning the event. Read more here.
Limu Tanga'u seaweed in TYEE healthy food challenge
Friday, July 3rd, 2020.
Matangi Tonga Online News
Matangi Tonga Online News
From Left: Lusia Latu-Jones TYEE President, Masa Kawaguchi, General Manager South Pacific Mozuku Tonga, and Victoria Jarvis Owner of TOP Restaurant and Lounge
Locally produced seaweed, Limu Tanga'u, featured in a food and cocktails tasting event presented at The Top Restaurant on Friday night, in collaboration with the South Pacific Mosuku and the youth-led TYEE Go Green programme in Nuku'alofa.
Masa Kawaguchi, manager of South Pacific Mosuku, located at Sopu, is the only farmer and supplier of Limu Tanga‘u in Tonga, and said it has many health benefits.
“The seaweed boosts the immune system. It is high in fibre. It improves blood circulation. It promotes fat loss,” he said.
“We are pleased to team up with and support the TYEE Go Green initiative to help with their youth work. We are also working with Vaiola Hospital to incorporate the limu/mozuku into their menu as a healthy alternative.”
Mozuku is a type of edible seaweed found in southern Japan.
The tasting included tempura seaweed salad, seaweed broccoli soup, seaweed sushi, seaweed prawn burgers and skewer beef with seaweed sauce. Each selection was paired with a taste of The Top’s green cocktails.
TYEE Go Green president, Lusia Latu-Jones, who works with unemployed youth, said their programme includes a Food and Cuisine Recipe Online Challenge, focusing on local produce and youth entrepreneurs.
“We are putting up the SPM Mozuku as one category,” she said. People who submit recipes can win prizes.
Masa Kawaguchi, manager of South Pacific Mosuku, located at Sopu, is the only farmer and supplier of Limu Tanga‘u in Tonga, and said it has many health benefits.
“The seaweed boosts the immune system. It is high in fibre. It improves blood circulation. It promotes fat loss,” he said.
“We are pleased to team up with and support the TYEE Go Green initiative to help with their youth work. We are also working with Vaiola Hospital to incorporate the limu/mozuku into their menu as a healthy alternative.”
Mozuku is a type of edible seaweed found in southern Japan.
The tasting included tempura seaweed salad, seaweed broccoli soup, seaweed sushi, seaweed prawn burgers and skewer beef with seaweed sauce. Each selection was paired with a taste of The Top’s green cocktails.
TYEE Go Green president, Lusia Latu-Jones, who works with unemployed youth, said their programme includes a Food and Cuisine Recipe Online Challenge, focusing on local produce and youth entrepreneurs.
“We are putting up the SPM Mozuku as one category,” she said. People who submit recipes can win prizes.
Unlocking Tongan youth potential
Friday, Sept 7, 2018
PACIFIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, New Zealand.
PACIFIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, New Zealand.
Lusia Latu-Jones (pictured third from the right) is a woman one would describe as ‘having it all’, developing a strong sense of business acumen from a young age, she went on to establish several businesses and consulting companies, one of which is New Zealand-based, LL Consulting Ltd. However, despite her accomplishments Lusia says that it wasn’t leading her to pursue her actual dreams. Read more
Work-ready certificates help prepare youth for jobs
Wednesday, July 26, 2017 - 21:59
Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Matangi Tonga Online
Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Matangi Tonga Online
Seventeen young Tongans were awarded Work Readiness Training Program certificates last Friday, 21 July after completing the two-week course with The Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE).
The Program aims to up-skill unemployed youth aged 18 – 29 with relevant foundational skills including emphasis on the importance of having a work-ready attitude. It is the first approved and funded activity under the Australian Government Tonga Skills Pilot Program.
The occasion was attended by TYEE staff, trainees, their families and stakeholders at the House of Tonga in Mailetaha, Nuku'alofa and certificates were presented by Tu’ifua Takapautolo from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tonga Skills and TYEE Board Member Sela Bloomfield.
The TYEE program encourages unemployed youth of Tonga to move forward. The 17 successful trainees will use their newly acquired skills with assistance from TYEE to secure their first jobs through its recruitment services.
Tonga’s Statistics Department states unemployment is on the rise with recent statistics showing increases from 4.9% in 2006 to 6.5% in 2011.
Around 560 youth are currently registered with TYEE, to upskill themselves to compete for future employment.
Milestone paves way to support unemployed youth
28 June 2017. Tonga Skills. Tonga Skills is supported by the Australian Government, managed by Scope Global
In an important milestone for the Tonga Skills program, the first contract for skills delivery by a training provider has been signed with Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE).
Under this agreement TYEE will provide a Readiness for Work program for 20 unemployed young people, place them in existing job vacancies and support them in their first weeks of employment. The skills activity will include identifying existing job vacancies, selecting appropriate young people for the jobs, briefing their parents, 2 weeks training, application and interview support, and on-the-job support for the employers and the new employees.
“It is exciting that this Australian Government program can fund such an innovative program as one of our first pilot activities,” said the Tonga Skills Team Leader, Dr Fasi. Read more
Under this agreement TYEE will provide a Readiness for Work program for 20 unemployed young people, place them in existing job vacancies and support them in their first weeks of employment. The skills activity will include identifying existing job vacancies, selecting appropriate young people for the jobs, briefing their parents, 2 weeks training, application and interview support, and on-the-job support for the employers and the new employees.
“It is exciting that this Australian Government program can fund such an innovative program as one of our first pilot activities,” said the Tonga Skills Team Leader, Dr Fasi. Read more
TYEE offers lifeline to unemployed youth
Monday, November 28, 2016 - 16:57. Updated on Monday, November 28, 2016 - 17:00.
Tonga's unemployment statistics are grim, with youth unemployment reaching as high as 40% in rural areas, according to some estimates. The Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE), a Non-Government Organisation that was set up due to the high rate of unemployment in Tonga, has helped 175 young people gain employment. TYEE celebrated its second anniversary on Friday, November 25...
Read more
Tonga's unemployment statistics are grim, with youth unemployment reaching as high as 40% in rural areas, according to some estimates. The Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE), a Non-Government Organisation that was set up due to the high rate of unemployment in Tonga, has helped 175 young people gain employment. TYEE celebrated its second anniversary on Friday, November 25...
Read more
TYEE marked 2 Years anniversary at its Official Launch
Radio & TV Tonga, Nuku’alofa, 28/11/2016
A special program was conducted last Friday evening to mark the 2 years anniversary of the Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE).
Speaking during the program, the Guest of Honor, Hon. Fatafehi o Lapaha Filipe praised all the good and hard work of the NGO in order to ensure a better future for the youth of Tonga...
Read more
A special program was conducted last Friday evening to mark the 2 years anniversary of the Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE).
Speaking during the program, the Guest of Honor, Hon. Fatafehi o Lapaha Filipe praised all the good and hard work of the NGO in order to ensure a better future for the youth of Tonga...
Read more
Helping Tongan youth find jobs
Monday, September 5, 2016 - 22:05. Updated on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 09:07.
A Non-Profit Organisation, Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship today launched a new recruitment website and donated computers that will assist their work in supporting youths access to information, training and job opportunities...
Read more
A Non-Profit Organisation, Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship today launched a new recruitment website and donated computers that will assist their work in supporting youths access to information, training and job opportunities...
Read more
Tongan Non-Profit Supports Youth Employment, Job Training
Submitted by PIR Editor on Mon, 09/05/2016 - 13:39
New recruitment website launched; donated computers put to use
NUKU‘ALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, Sept. 5, 2016) – A Non-Profit Organisation, Tonga Youth Employment and Enterpreneurship today launched a new recruitment website and donated computers that will assist their work in supporting youths access to information, trainings and job opportunities...
Read more
New recruitment website launched; donated computers put to use
NUKU‘ALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, Sept. 5, 2016) – A Non-Profit Organisation, Tonga Youth Employment and Enterpreneurship today launched a new recruitment website and donated computers that will assist their work in supporting youths access to information, trainings and job opportunities...
Read more
MEAA donates computers to assist Tongan youth
6 September 2016, MEAA Media room News
MEAA has donated computers to a Tongan charity helping young people find work.
The 15 computers were shipped to Tonga by Heilala Charity Group to assist non-profit organisation, Tonga Youth Employment and Enterpreneurship, which supports youth access to information, training and job opportunities...
Read more
MEAA has donated computers to a Tongan charity helping young people find work.
The 15 computers were shipped to Tonga by Heilala Charity Group to assist non-profit organisation, Tonga Youth Employment and Enterpreneurship, which supports youth access to information, training and job opportunities...
Read more
TYEE happy with first workshop
15 April 2015, Nuku'alofaTimes
Tonga Youth Employment are pleased to have successfully hosted its first introductory workshop to its initial Youth Entrepreneurs participants.
Read more
Tonga Youth Employment are pleased to have successfully hosted its first introductory workshop to its initial Youth Entrepreneurs participants.
Read more
Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Conference
17 November 2014, Nuku'alofa. Tonganz.net Media
Tonga Government, Public & Private Sectors, NGOs, Community Leaders and Youth Organisations representatives came together at Fa’onelua Convention Centre in Nuku’alofa, to address the challenges of Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship. The conference was the first public announcement of the new Project Pontifex initiative. The purpose of the conference; to raise the awareness about youth unemployment, share Project Pontifex’s approach for impact and emphasise on the important role of Government, Public & Private Sectors, and NGOs in creating jobs for young people, and challenge them to come up with new ways for training young people and helping them to set up businesses themselves. The issue of youth employment is very close to the heart of Project Pontifex, which highlights the need to collaborate with Employers in all sectors...
Read more
Tonga Government, Public & Private Sectors, NGOs, Community Leaders and Youth Organisations representatives came together at Fa’onelua Convention Centre in Nuku’alofa, to address the challenges of Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship. The conference was the first public announcement of the new Project Pontifex initiative. The purpose of the conference; to raise the awareness about youth unemployment, share Project Pontifex’s approach for impact and emphasise on the important role of Government, Public & Private Sectors, and NGOs in creating jobs for young people, and challenge them to come up with new ways for training young people and helping them to set up businesses themselves. The issue of youth employment is very close to the heart of Project Pontifex, which highlights the need to collaborate with Employers in all sectors...
Read more