"I am somebody when I came. I will be a better somebody when I leave". ~TONGA YOUTH REAL TALK

​The TYEE Work Readiness Training Program for September 2016 Intake is in progress. With Day One done and with a maximum of 20 Trainees per intake, we have a house full of youth coming together to make a difference in their search for some economic opportunities to better their lives, just like all of us. With the support of the Tonga Business Enterprise Centre & NZAid Programme, we are able to serve the numbers of our young people in this way. We thank you!

​"My Dad died while I was still in school. So I dropped out of school to find work to support my family. My younger sister, who had been helping me, passed away last month. I look after her son now like he is my very own. So much sacrifices but it has made me stronger." NIPA 25

​"My mother died while in the hospital. I was told that there were not enough staff. I applied to Nursing School every year since I was 16 until I got in. Now I'm helping others in need." Mone 24

​"I lost my father in the Tungi Arcade shooting that happened more than 20 years ago. I was just 1 year old at that time. Mom raised me as a single parent and encouraged me to study hard. I did really well at school but, I think because I didn't have a father figure to guide me, I strayed and did some really stupid things."

"Like what?"

"Skipped classes and didn't sit exams."...

"What happened then?"

"They were ready to expel me from school but by the mercy of God I was given a second chance. Mom encouraged me to seek the Lord's help and that's how I was able to turn my life around. I was able to refocus on my studies and graduate from high school. What inspires me the most is my Mom had this single dream - to build a house for us because we didn't have one. She was able to do that, on her own. So one of the sayings I live by is 'Adapt & Overcome'. My two years of missionary service helped built my faith and I am confident now that anything is possible through Christ." #tongayouthtalk

​"Being unemployed for seven months after returning to Tonga was tough. But what hurt more was when my little brother said to me, 'What's the use of getting a degree from a good university when you can't even get a job?!' I didn't want him to think that there was no use in going to school."
​TONGA YOUTH REAL TALK #somethingbiggerthanyourself