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Tonga High School Ex-Students Web Site Newsletter |
WORDS FROM THE WEBMASTER & OUR NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
Welcome to the THSESWS monthly newsletter for the month of October 2001. We are glad to bring to you some of the latest events concerning our ex-students globally and others. We are, once again very grateful for Mr Hons' contribution to our site. Mr Hons was asked to elaborate on a message he sent regarding the need of fire-fighters in Tonga. Without hesitation, Mr Hons wrote us another interesting article. Thank you so much Mr Hons.
Last month the THSESWS published the news about one of our ex-students; Karlo Mila who is currently working for the Health Research Council (Auckland Branch) as an Administrator. A number of our visitors were interested to know what exactly is the organisation Karlo works for and what is its role in relation to the people of the Pacific and in particular; the Tongan community in Auckland. As a result, the THSESWS contacted Karlo asking her to write an article about her work and briefly explain what her organisation does. Fortunately, Karlo kindly accepted our invitation to write us and article and we are delighted to publish it here for you all (See below).
Last month also brought pride and joy to the hearts of all Tonga High School Ex-Students who have been fortunate enough to witness the feat performed by Silivia 'Atiola. This Tonga High School student won "The Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement" essay competition. Special thanks also go out to Malia Mailangi for sending us the winning essay by Silivia 'Atiola. (See below)
Many thanks also to 'Etuate Saafi of the Auckland Chapter for compiling a comprehensive set of news about the events that had been happening in New Zealand. Thank you very much!
This month has been very interesting and we have enjoyed all the good work of our fellow debators on our forum. We have seen a number of interesting topics discussed on the "Lalo Kasia Forum". The topic titled - "Who has Tonga's missing Millions" caused an uproar among our debators. This debacle is still going on and the THSESWS would like to thank Malia for posting that topic on the "Lalo Kasia Forum".
Faka'apa'apa atu
Loseli M Hafoka and Miss 'Amelia Piutau
Dear Tonga High School Alumni,
It was nice hearing from a couple of you "old" Tonga High alumni after my letter was published in last month's newsletter. I even heard from Lucia Mateialona, who's uncle, Viliami Mateialona or as some of you may remember him, Pila Lafoe (much more French like). He worked for the Peace Corps office when I was there. Lucia lived in Ngele'ia as I did. Interesting to note that, so far it seems almost everyone who has responded to me from Tonga once lived in Ngele'ia…it seemed so small when I was there...where were you all hiding?
As many of you know, if you read the last newsletter I traveled back to Tonga, after twenty five years for a visit. It was a trip filled with memories both remembered and forgotten. It was a week that I enjoyed from the moment I arrived until the minute I left.
One thing I did when I was there was make sure I did a "make up" at the Nuku'alofa Rotary Club. Not only did I look forward to meeting Rotary members from Tonga (a world wide organization), but I also wanted to eat at a place I couldn't afford a quarter of a century earlier...The International Dateline Hotel...it was nice to see the terrazzo map of Tongatapu still there and that in general it looked the same as when I left. During the meeting I listened to the President of the company talk of a fire truck being donated to Tonga by Australia and more importantly, at least for me the need expressed for finding a way to afford or have donated a "breathing apparatus" needed by the fire fighters to enter burning, smoking building. I ended up donating 40 or so pa'anga to the cause at that meeting and then began over the next few days to think of other avenues I could explore to make this important necessity become reality. When I got back to the United States, I decided to ask my San Bruno Rotary Club to help assist me in working on this project. I didn't expect them to pay the full amount but I figured I could count on them for some help and then I could go out and find other donors including myself to make up the difference. I was wrong...but in a good way...I am pleased to say that our club, if all goes well will be donating the entire cost (approximately $2500) for the purchase of this brand new piece of equipment.
I felt it was important that I take the time off work to fly down to Tonga in January of 2002 to deliver this gift to the Nuku'alofa Rotary Club in person. Although I may not be looking forward to that long, tiny seat, coach flight down, I know it will be worth every mile to hand deliver this gear to the club for distribution to Tonga's fire fighters. I cannot express how pleased I am to be able to bring this important need to fruition.
I do hope to hear from many more of you in the next few months. I will also be posting many more pictures on the Coconut Wireless web site www.friendsoftonga.com or www.tongarpcvs.com in the very near future (my email address by the way is tpsc@pacbell.net ). I hope you recognize more of your friends and more of the island we all shared as you take time to take a peek. If any of you would like a copy of any of the pictures you see, particularly the old ones please email me and I will email you a copy of that particular picture.
If you have any old photos that show you with a Peace Corps volunteer(s) "back then" email them to me and I'll post them on the CW. I know, for a fact, that many old volunteers would love see a few pictures and for that matter love to hear from you.
If you're down in Tonga in January 2002 look me up...we can share a Stienlager or a gallon or two of kava or a fine class of Napa Valley white wine…no home brew, thank you.
One more important thought... I've worked on web sites and have written more then my share of newsletters…I speak from experience when I say that it's not an easy thing to keep interesting so be sure to help out your webmaster and editor. This is an outstanding site. Don't just read about Tonga and Tonga High, be part of the experience. Write a couple paragraphs about your days there, you'll be surprised at how much you've forgotten and how much you will remember once you sit down and think about it...it only will take you a few minutes to jot down a few thoughts (so what if you miss a few minutes of the Brady Bunch…you'll see it in reruns next week)…if you bring one smile to one old friend it will all be worth it.
Practicing what I preach, I have included a couple of pictures featuring a few old friends that at least a few of you will remember. Let me know if you recognize anyone.
"Emili" Hons
Tonga High '75-'76To anybody who was in Mr. Hons' classes, you are welcome to contact Mr. Hons using this E-mail address.
The Health Research Council (HRC) is the major government-funded agency responsible for purchasing and co-ordinating health research and fostering the health research workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Council purchases a range of health research, including biomedical, clinical, public health, health services, Maori and Pacific research. The HRC is committed to advancing and developing Pacific health research. As Pacific people in New Zealand we have specific health issues within our own communities that we must address. For example Pacific people have the highest rates of meningicoccal disease, measles, rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease and obesity in New Zealand. Because of our socio-economic status and a number of other variables and factors we are over-represented in the 'negative' statistics and unfortunately there are many disparities that we must seek to overcome. Through research we attempt to increase the knowledge base we are currently working from in order to guide our decisions about health, disease and wellbeing. One of the HRC's goals is to increase Pacific capacity. That means actively supporting Pacific people to be in a position to do our own research 'by Pacific for Pacific' and strengthen the Pacific health research workforce. We have a number of excellent scholarships and health research career development awards for Pacific students with an annual closing date of 1 September. These range from undergraduate level through to post-doctoral awards.
My role at the HRC is as Pacific Health Research Administrator. My general aim is to support and develop Pacific health research and Pacific people in any way that I possibly can. This has historically been done in a variety of different ways. One program I am currently looking at is a 'mentor' system to bring through students and link them up to the expertise and experience that will help them develop their own skills in health research.
If you are interested at all in actively trying to benefit Pacific people in some way through the skills you have learned at university then health is an exciting and challenging place to do it. No matter what background you have, whether it be social science, 'pure/hard' science or medical, there is a way to transfer your skills into health research. Health is not just about the diseases I mentioned earlier either. It is a huge field that includes mental health and well-being, drugs and alcohol, nutrition, diabetes, Pacific ways of caring for people, cellular biology… The more appropriate question is what are you passionate about, good at and interested in? There are resources available to support Pacific people wanting to pursue a career in health research.
Please visit our website to find out more about the organization and the scholarships and awards that are available. www.hrc.govt.nz Please contact me if you have any questions, queries, ideas or want some support or advice… My name is Karlo ('Ulu'ave) Mila and I can be contacted at kmila@hrc.govt.nz I was at Tonga Highschool in 1989 (fourth form). I am very proud to be ex-Tonga High even though I was only there briefly. A special greeting to all my old classmates and my ex-students from when I was teaching at National Form 7!
Malo 'aupito,
KarloLast month, "The Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement" ran an essay competition. Tonga Secondary Schools were invited to participate. The winner of this competition is of course a Tonga High School student by the name of Silivia 'Atiola. The competition was supported by the Commonwealth Foundation.
We are proud to publish the winning Essay here for you to read:
Ever since Tonga was opened to the outside world critical changes have crept into the country, thus influencing the cultural, political and social aspects of the Tongan society. Some of these changes can be seen to have contributed to the society while some changes have adopted negative results. However, I believe that Tonga can become the ideal society through democratic rule. With regards to government, Tonga should develop strategies to create good leadership. It should explore viable economic developments and improve the carrying out of its educational goals and objectives. I believe in allowing the people to participate more in the political, social and economic affairs of the government this would bring about fairness and dignity and will lead Tonga to become a good society. The standard of living of the people should be improved to suit the so-called developments that have reached our country. I also believe in respecting our surroundings, which are the thresholds of the past, our link to the future and our means of survival today. If all these can be done Tonga can become the ideal model for the outside world, where all people live in a life of peace and harmony.
At present, Tonga is a constitutional monarchy with king as head of state. However, I believe in having a government by the people, for the people of the people. My ideal government is a democratic system, with king as head of state, still holding onto all his majestic dignities while the people run the government such as that of the British Government. With all due respect, to the monarchy, I believe that it is only the common people that can understand their daily situations. So, therefore, if the people are given the right to run the government they can elect proper people to ministerial posts and vote them out when they are ineffective. Everyone should have equal rights to vote and participate in government affairs. Democratic rule also encourages human rights, fairness and justice, which is a very important characteristic of a good society.
Today people are keen to have information regarding what is happening in the country, especially in government although it is quite difficult to get. People are becoming more eager to participate in discussing the laws of the country and other major issues. Therefore, I believe an ideal society for Tonga is one, which has an open form of government that would enable individuals to have their say on an issue of their concern. In developing this type of government the people can have access to the information they want, especially about government and how it performs. Such information is important for the well being of the people. In a democratic government it will guarantee fairness, equity and accountability in government. Such concepts can help encourage individual self-reliance and sustainability. In a democratic government people of different backgrounds, occupations, qualifications, skills and experience can have the opportunity to represent the majority of Tonga in government. Such experiences would help create ways in which development can be uplifted in the different fields of society.
Efficient and equitable economic development is important for Tonga. It will help narrow the gap between the poor and the rich. It will also help solve some major problems that are now creeping up in our country. Although poverty, in Tonga, still has not become a serious issue, yet it must be taken into close consideration. In poor countries many people do not have access to or have a fair share of the resource of the country. In some places government is not able to provide the important services for the public in which it is responsible for. This sometimes led to situations where people live in unhealthy and poor conditions.
Economically, government should always try to improve the economy of the country. More resources and job opportunities should be made available for the people to develop their own initiatives. It is the responsibility of the government to encourage reliable foreign investors to help in our economic development. Such developments will also provide jobs available for the employment of the many unproductive youth of the country. Trade deficit of the country is increasing each year so therefore government should think of alternatives that will help decrease this trade deficit. Tourism is also another field that should be considered carefully as it can help bring down the trade deficits.
To have a good society, Tonga must have good leaders. Leaders who are capable of performing their duties with love, honesty, dedication and genuine judgement. Leaders that are concerned with the overall interest of the country and not their individual interests. The Tongan society has been blessed with knowledgeable people who have excellent management and administrative skills. At present, it the king who has the power to choose those who lead the country and usually they are from the nobles and his own royal relatives. In my idea there are many other capable people with high qualifications and experience whom, I believe, they deserve these positions and can do the jobs very well.
The education system in Tonga is far from perfect. My ideal education institution is one that has an objective, to teach students to learn and think for themselves. Most schools throughout Tonga experience different difficulties. At present my school barely has any resources. We study in tents, which has conditions that make it difficult to properly concentrate. We students wish the government could provide more money for emergency purposes that can help with our situation. My ideal education system is one that could allow a more comfortable, efficient and enjoyable atmosphere for learning. Schools must set mission objectives and goals then work towards achieving them. Teachers should take more effort and time to help pupils with poor academic performances. Education should continue be the top priority to the government, because present students would be the thresholds of the future. More resource that includes technology and science should be improved. Through education our chances to achieve better employment and higher standard of living can be guaranteed. Education is our link to the future.
The first year of the new millennium has dawned and still our standard of living remains stagnant. I believe we should upgrade the standard of how we behave and act towards our environments. I believe people should learn to live hygienically, as it will help prevent them from diseases. My ideal society presents a clean, hygienic, disease free, safe and presentable environment. We should learn how to safeguard our health and protect ourselves from natural disasters and unpredictable hazards. A healthy environment possesses healthy and happy people who always seek to create a harmonious environment.
The majority of people nowadays tend to show great disrespect for their surroundings. Resources are being overexploited and vandalised. Natural resources are carelessly being taken and not replaced. My ideal environment is that where people care about the world and the generations to come. Imagine what could happen when species are becoming extinct and scarce resources being over-exploited. Forests and jungles are cut down for space, building or simply carelessness. If we can try to solve these problems through research and inform people of the little things they can do it will make a difference.
To conclude my discussion of an ideal society, I firmly believe we can enjoy a more democratic society, where equality and human dignity are respected, observed and practised. Furthermore, we can also enjoy better social, economic and political stability if we allow Tonga to develop in a more democratic way where people can have a fair share of the wealth of the country. A better education system for the youth of our country should be made necessary, for it is the venue where knowledge and academic excellence can be acquired; an education system where students are taught to be able to think for themselves. Moreover, a good society is that where the people of the country understands the significance of respecting the environment. Better standard of living can be achieved through building more health institutions and by teaching people to develop attitudes of keeping their bodies fit and healthy. Lastly, I believe Tonga is capable of becoming the ideal model of society to the outside world if love and respect for God is seen done at every stage of life. It is only through God that can make Tonga remain a peaceful and joyous country in this part of the world.
TONGAN KING FIGHTS FOR LIFE:
AUCKLAND: Sunday, October 14:
Tonga's King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV was said last night to be seriously ill at his New Zealand home. The 82-year old monarch failed to return to his kingdom as expected on Thursday. Tonga is facing a power struggle after revelations the kingdom has lost millions of dollars through what appears to be a major fraud in the US.
The above news was reported by the New Zealand Herald and according to the news released by the Prime Minister's Offfice in Tonga, the king is now in excellent health and he was never in danger of loosing his life as speculated by the above news. The THSESWS and its team hereby apologise for reporting the news about the king's health which turned out to be a hoax (as stipulated by the authorities in Tonga) but we were only relaying the news as they became available. Long live the King!
During the last week of September , the Melbourne Chapter conducted their first family "get-together" social night and it was a very successful night in terms of the number of members and guests who turned up (view photos from our get-together). Our chapter managed to make a bit of profit from this social function and the feedback from all was that it a great night and everyone(kids and adults) enjoyed themselves. At the end of the night, the committee ran a short meeting to orgnise our next meeting and it was then that the Heimoanas offered to host our next meeting at their place in Delahey, Sydenham.
On October, 13 a reasonable turnout to our meeting resulted in a few ideas which would decide some of our future projects and events. After the meeting, we were all treated to a magnificent reception prepared by Latu, Meleane, Ma'ata and Loketi plus a few helpers. The food was excellent and everyone dined until they could not eat anymore. The committee of the Melbourne Chapter must take this opportunity to thank our host for their hosipitality and their expertise in cooking some of the most delicious dishes we have ever had for a long, long time! A big "Thank you" to the Heimoanas and also to Meleane and her husband in allowing us to use their beautiful home. We would like another meeting at your place again(smile). We don't mind driving all that way just to enjoy the meal! Well done ladies and gentlemen! Those who did not make it to the meeting definitely missed out!
Our next event is of course a family BBQ at Bundoora Park on the Melbourne Cup day. This venue has been specifically picked for it is central to most of our ex-students except for the Hafoka family who would take 1.5 hours to drive but nevermind; they will be there.
Business arising from our last meeting will be sent out to all members and a Christmas Party will be arranged soon. A special task force had been assigned to work on it and every member of the Melbourne Chapter will be informed accordingly as soon as the time and venue are confirmed.
NEWS FROM SAN FRANCISCO:
Kou toloi foki 'emau koniseti hulohula feinga pa'anga kihe kumi 'oe tohi laipeli. Hange koia ne pulusi atu 'i he tohi 'a Ma'ata he "Lalo Kasia Forum" kuo loto e komiti ke toloi 'a 'emau koniseti tupu mei he 'ikai ke ma'u ha fale ke fai kiai. (See Below)
San Francisco Chapter Announcement! - Ne toloi mai moe teu folau mai 'ae Kau Komiti moe kau Ako tutuku 'a Tonga na'e 'amanaki ke fakahoko mai 'ihe mahina ni. Na'a mau ma'u 'ae fetu'utaki email meia Siaosi Moengangongo 'o pehee 'oku 'uhinga hono toloi 'oe teu folau mai ko eni kihe ngaahi Siteiti 'o 'Amelika ni koe me'a koia na'e hoko ki hono 'ohofi ko 'eni 'ehe kau tau toitoi(terrorist) 'a 'Amelika ni he 'aho 11 'o Sepitema. Koe toloi ko eni hange hange 'e tuku 'aupito ai pe 'ae toe teu folau mai...pea 'oku te'eki ke toe mahino ha teu folau mai. Na'e talamai pe te nau toki toe fetu'utaki mai kiha ngaahi liliu 'oka fiema'u ke fai pehee!
NEWS FROM NEW ZEALAND:
AUCKLAND CHAPTER NEWS – OCTOBER 2001
1. AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY END OF YEAR CEREMONY GRADUATES FOR 2001:
The Auckland Chapter is proud to congratulate the following THS Ex-students, whom have recently graduated at the Auckland University end of year graduation ceremony. This may not be an entirely exhaustive list of all ex-students whom graduated and we may have missed a few names to which we apologise, however, the Association wishes to congratulate you all anyway. Here are some of the names of recent graduates we were able to gather:
Linita Manu'atu :- Doctor of Education
Michelle Niu :- Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)
Esita PE Finau :- Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology)
Siata FLH Finau :- Bachelor of Commerce2. THS EX-STUDENT ON COMMUNITY BOARD:
The Association is proud to congratulate TEVITA MAKA an Ex-student of THS for his election to the Auckland City - Tamaki Ward Community Board.
3. SOUTH AUCKLAND FUND RAISING CONCERT ON 5TH OCTOBER:
The Association wishes to thank all the South Auckland THS Ex-students, your families, and all friends whom supported the fund raising concert of October 5th at the Lotofale'ia Tongan Methodist Church Hall. The valuable contributions from the THS Ex-students of the following years are also worth special mention:
1978: Maiala Tu'inukuafe, Filisi Savieti, 'Ana Pome'e, Tura Heidi, Eleni Koloi, Telusila Vea, Viena Peini Pole, Tu'ipulotu Finau
1986: Sione Vaka (single!), Bruce Lee Toetu'u, Sione Vikilani (single!), Siua, Folau Tutone, Toiata Talikivaha
1985: Lavoni Matoto, Mele Veikune, Lupe Sika
The Association also acknowledges the hard work done by the South Auckland Ex-students concert organising committee. Photos taken on the night of the concert have been forwarded to the Webmaster for posting on the THS web page. Please check the appropriate link.
4. AUCKLAND CHAPTER AKO HIVA FOR JUNE 2002:
Stay tuned, as soon as the "ako hiva" and "ako faiva" committees are ready you will be informed of when these two practices for next year commences.
5. CENTRAL AUCKLAND FUND RAISING CONCERT 2ND NOVEMBER:
The details for the THS Ex-students Central Auckland fund raising concert are as shown below:
Date: Friday 2nd November 2002
Time: 8 pm
Venue: Dominion Road Tongan Methodist Church Hall
Band: Dominion Road Tongan Methodist Church Youth GroupThe Central Auckland THS Ex-students concert organising committee invites all THS Ex-students living in the Auckland Central region, all THS Ex-students and all friends and family to the concert. For further details contact Eseta Finau on email:
e.finau@auckland.ac.nz. or phone (09) 3737599 Ext: 2365.6. REMINDER TO OTHER THS OVERSEAS CHAPTERS:
Please remember that learning of the (Handels Messiah) "Halleluiah" anthem must be a part of your preparations for next years get together in June 2002. All Chapters are expected to participate in the combined singing of this anthem during the commemoration service in June 2002.
7. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING REMINDER FOR NOVEMBER:
The Auckland chapter executive committees monthly meeting for November will be held on Tuesday 13 November at 2 Boyle Crescent at 6:30pm. Forward any items for the meeting to be included in Novembers meeting agenda to the Secretary: nzths@ihug.co.nz ASAP.
8. MORE PHOTOS FROM THE AUCKLAND CHAPTER ADDED TO WEB SITE!!!!
More photos have been forwarded of the South Auckland Concert and other activities to the Webmaster for addition to the web site. Please check out the appropriate link on this web site.
9. LABOUR WEEKEND BBQ:
The Auckland chapter will be having a BBQ at Cornwall Park, Greenlane, on Monday 22 October. The BBQ will start at 10am till late. BYO everything.
10. AUCKLAND & NZ CHAPTER CONTACT DETAILS:
The Auckland and NZ Chapter can be contacted on:
P. O. Box 109093
New Market
AUCKLAND
Email: nzths@ihug.co.nz (Secretary)
Phone: (09) 373 7599 Ext: 2365 (Assistant Secretary)Regards
'Etuate Saafi (Secretary)
Tonga High School Ex-students (NZ) AssociationUntil next time, please take care everyone!
T H E K I N G D O M O F T O N G A |
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| Copyright ©: 2001 Loseli Ma'ukie Hafoka. |