A special Tongan Language Week gathering celebrated service, leadership and academic achievement.
Last night, during Tongan Language Week, our OHS community gathered to celebrate alumna Anahila Kanongata’a. The evening recognised her achievement in completing her Master’s with First Class Honours and honoured the significant contribution she has made to Onehunga High School over the past 12 years. Anahila returned to OHS with a desire to give back to the school she once attended. Through the Fakatoukatea Leadership Programme, she has worked alongside generations of students, supporting Tongan student leadership and strengthening connections between students, families, the school and our wider community.
Anahila’s research, ‘Onemato: The Impact of the Fakatoukatea Leadership Programme’, grew directly from this work at OHS. In presenting her research, she reflected on her own connection with the school. As an alumna, she had once been challenged to consider what she was doing to give back to her former school. That question stayed with her and in many ways, Fakatoukatea became part of her answer. Her research now provides an academic examination of the programme and its impact on participating students, the school and the wider community.
A central theme of Anahila’s presentation was leadership through a Tongan worldview. She spoke about leadership being grounded in relationships, service and responsibility. Leadership, she explained, is not always about being the person at the front. It can be seen in those who care for others, take responsibility and understand that their actions have an impact on their families and communities. She also spoke about identity and belonging, encouraging students to know who they are and understand the generations who came before them. Recognising the sacrifices and aspirations of family, and carrying that legacy forward, were important messages throughout her presentation.
Anahila also reflected on what 12 years of Fakatoukatea has taught her about supporting young people. Students have reinforced the importance of family, positive relationships with teachers and being recognised at school for who they are. She spoke about the importance of bringing families into the school and creating strong connections around students. Her message to our young people was also one of persistence. She encouraged them to continue working towards their goals when things are difficult, to learn from setbacks and to keep going. Her own achievement of a Master’s with First Class Honours reflects that same persistence.
The evening also gave others the opportunity to acknowledge Anahila’s contribution. Students who have participated in Fakatoukatea paid tribute to her and reflected on the difference her leadership and support have made. Principal Shameen Hayat thanked Anahila for the years she has given to OHS and acknowledged the importance of her work with our students. Student Siale Teisina also presented his NCEA Tongan speech, adding a fitting student contribution to a gathering centred on Tongan language, identity, leadership and education.
Congratulations, Anahila, on completing your Master’s with First Class Honours.
