KINGDOM OF TONGA - SPREP

Strategic Development Plan 8 2006/07-2008/09
2.3 Non Government Organisations
Support for Disadvantaged groups: There is an increasing concern about the
standard and quality of life of disadvantaged groups which include the elderly,
handicapped, poor, women, unemployed, widows, disabled, homeless and
unwanted children. Government needs to support these groups to improve their
current situation.
Financial support for non government organizations: Participants believe that
these organizations have in the past been the source of information for government
with regards to research and surveys done by these organizations. As a result,
government should include these organizations in their budget.
Address the ever increasing social problems that we have: Teen pregnancies, youth
crime, sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, school drop outs, family
problems (abuse and violence) were identified.
Establish a Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Youth and Sports: This would
specifically deal with these groups, as the current situation is not adequate to deal
with the issues raised by these groups. Over the next three years, there is a need to
focus on social, economic, political and health issues for women and youth. More
attention needs to be given to sports as this is a viable source of income for Tongan
youth.
Political Reform: There is a need to set up a body to look into the constitution
and ways to expedite dealing with problems identified above.
Strengthen links and communications between government and NGOs and other
Civil Society Organisations: Encourage people’s participation in the economic process,
and hold more consultations with the community. Also, it is important to ensure
that civil servants are fully aware of issues before they are publicized (and that
public servants all speak the same language on government issues).
Set up a cabinet committee to deal with complaints: The Commissioner for Public
Relations cannot deal with these.
2.4 Church Leaders
Education: The operation of mission schools needs to be financially supported
by government, especially with teachers’ salaries and pensions. Mission school
teachers are not as well paid as government teachers and also have no pension.
Government needs to consider assisting the mission schools in these areas.
Educators need to teach the young people of Tonga attitude formation and an
appreciation of their role in Tonga’s development, so that when they leave school
they will engage in income generation activities if they are unemployed. There is
Looking to the Future, Building on the Past 30