About Us – TONGAN YOUTH TRUST

Our Story

Created in 1996 and established in 1997, To’utupu Tonga Trust/Tongan Youth Trust became a charitable trust with the provision of a group of practitioners who were eager and passionate about Tongan youth. This group’s focus here at Tongan Youth Trust was to accommodate Tongan youth and families who have difficulty with settling effectively in the context of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Today at Tongan Youth Trust, we live by this purpose of supporting our Tongan kainga in New Zealand by providing services which contribute greatly to their families.

The Trust moved onto wider community projects, extensive partnership, and strong networks and helping thoughts of young people. Today, To’utupu Tonga Trust/Tongan Youth Trust features projects and services which have been nurturing and delivering support for our Tongan youth and their families for over 20 years. These services are not limited to only Tongans but are open to all Pasifika.

Tongan Youth Trust aims to produce quality changes in the educational life of Pasifika youth. We believe that equipping youth and families with vital tools will benefit their journey in life and become good citizens of Aotearoa, New Zealand. The provision of foundation from Tongan Youth Trust is to restore hope and guide our kainga so that they may have a healthy, productive and rewarding life.

Our Mission

At Tongan Youth Trust, we believe that equipping our Tongan and Pasifika youth and their families with the knowledge, wisdom and courage will enable them to thrive within our communities and to seek their full potential within the world.

Our Values

The four core values in the Tongan culture are important to the Trust as it connects our values of who we are as New Zealanders with the values of being a Tongan.

Koe ngaahi faa’i kavei koula ‘oku taufau ki he ngaahi me’a mahu’inga ‘oku fakama’unga ki ai ‘a e Talasiti ‘a e Toutupu Tonga.

Ofa/Love

The foundation of which the To’utupu Tonga Trust stands by.

Fefaka’apa’apa’aki/Mutual Respect

Mutual respect between the Trust, to’utupu/youth, kainga/family and community.

Feveitokai’aki/Reciprocal Respect

Sharing, cooperating, and fulfilment of mutual obligations.

Tauhi Vā/Gratitude

Maintaining and nurturing the relationship between the Trust, youth and their Kainga.

Potoi’loto/Wisdom

Sharing knowledge and wisdom for and with youth.

Loto tō/Humility

Being humble and open to learning.

Our Team

Our team at Tongan Youth Trust originates from various backgrounds and ethnicities, however the work we do as a team is to prioritise the needs of our young generations and their kainga. To make an impact in enhancing the wellbeing of vulnerable Tongan youth and their famili, through building confidence, equity, leadership, and a viable education. We create support projects to ensure an understandable result for their future. We have staff who can assist in providing information for parents who struggle with meeting and understanding the needs of the young people in their homes.

Our Mentors

Tongan Youth Trust has Takaua Youth Mentors currently studying at university (ages 19-24). We also have mentors who are experienced in specific academic areas. These mentors offer support, skills in your study, help with you homework or if you need to talk with someone