Recognising the achievements of our young Tongan leaders.

On Monday 9 November, our Year 9 Fakatoukatea students celebrated their graduation by leading the Junior School Assembly. This year marks 12 years of the Fakatoukatea Indigenous Leadership Programme at Onehunga High School.

The assembly was a special occasion for our students, many of whom spoke about what the programme had meant to them. They shared what being Tongan means to them and how Fakatoukatea had helped them become more confident and proud of who they are. They also spoke about the importance of setting goals, working hard and taking responsibility for their futures.

Our student speakers were Alisi Tu’amoheloa, Ana Vaea, Faith Fifita, Fitu Fahina, Florence Roebeck Leha, Nancy Lutui, Paea Teisina, Sarah Elizabeth Titus, Tevita Huni, Toby ‘One’one, William Talakai and Zara ‘One’one. Aisea Mokofisi, Losana Hausia, Mason Fenunuti and Victoria Sinipata were also recognised with certificates.

A particularly meaningful part of the assembly was hearing students thank Anahila Kanongata’a and Sosepa Hausia-Schaumkel for the opportunities they had been given. Their appreciation was genuine and showed just how much Fakatoukatea has meant to them.

Our thanks to Anahila and Sepa for their commitment to our students over the past 12 years. It was wonderful to see the confidence of our young people as they led the assembly and spoke so proudly about their culture, their families and their aspirations.

Tuli ke maʻu hono ngaahi mālie.