TYT HISTORY
Brief description of the development of Tongan Youth Trust
Tongan
Youth Trust (To’utupu Tonga Trust) deliberately means ‘passion for young people’.
The concepts firstly hatched in 1994 when I was at Auckland University and
Trinity Theological College. The drive is to develop independently innovative
models on assisting young people conferring to their needs and struggles. It
was importantly associated with theological values of practicality and
non-judgemental of young people no matter what contexts. I then shared this
vision with friends and fortunately I received great support and inspiration.
In 1995, I began to prepare and deliver plans and
practised small community works. In a small room at Epsom Methodist Church, it
all began from scratch with no financial resources. I considered that little
room as the very first office of the To’utupu Tonga Trust/Tongan Youth Trust. In
1996, my colleague; Seneti Fiusati graduated from University of Auckland and
Trinity Theological College and joined me in developing programmes for the
Trust.
Tongan Youth Trust becomes a Charitable
Trust
In 1997, the group was registered as a Charitable
Trust in the name To’utupu Tonga Trust. It is also known now as the Tongan
Youth Trust. The solicitor/lawyer who supported me in developing the deed and legal
registration was Mataitini Fotu. The signatories and acting as the very first Board
members were Jennifer Schaaf, Yvette Guttenbeil and myself; Ikilifi Pope.
Conceptions behind the establishment of Tongan Youth Trust
During
these years I employed determination to assist young people in modes that
truthly mobilise issues and struggles in their own context. My soul and mind
baffled with the lack of support and the addressing of the needs of Tongan and
Pasifika youth. From my perspective, there was little to none support available
to Pasifika youth from the community. Tongan churches offered programmes aiming
to support young people in their youth groups. In my capacity, those programmes
have its own values however, they were not independently addressing critical
issues that young people were facing. Moreover, those approaches were not aligned
with what I believe in creatively reinforcing young people.
Alternatively, I was longing to do things differently
and independently to realistically address critical issues that young people
were facing in an New Zealand context. I was confident that I would have the capability
to develop creative spaces for young people to express themselves freely with real
issues impacting their lives.
The feasible development of Tongan
Youth Trust
The services of Tongan Youth Trust have developed and
excelled over the twenty-seven years of its establishment. It has been a
difficult and long journey however, it is all worth it as the vision and goals
that have been implemented are currently in the process of being attainable and
proficient. The continuation is for consolidating existing programmes and
paddling for the long-term goal of building a Pasifika youth centre in South
Auckland.
Acknowledgements
I would like to personally thank Mataitini Fotu,
Jennifer Schaaf and Yvette Guttenbeil, for their vital expertise in navigating
the Trust from the beginning. I asked Yvette and Jennifer while we were at
Auckland University to sign the deed and to become acting Board members. There
were other strong supporters who joined later in the Board such as Kristina
Sofele, Setita Miller and Iani Nemani.
Also, I would like to specially acknowledge the financial
advisor and accountant of the group, Peter Baran. Peter, has been a backbone of
the Trust as his work has significantly impacted the Trust and our reputation
towards funders.
For this long journey, I salute and acknowledge the past
and present stakeholders that have been solacing and supporting the Trust like Ministry
of Pacific Peoples, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development,
Ministry for Primary Industries, Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment, Auckland City Council, Accident Compensation Corporation, McKenzie
Trust, ASB Trust, Tindal Foundation, Methodist Church of New Zealand (PAC
funds), New Zealand Police and many more. The support of these significant
individuals have provided the Trust with impeccable provision which does not go
unnoticed.
In
the time being, the Trust are in the process of focusing and building the
future of Tongan and Pasifika youth, in order for them to settle effectively in
their adopted nation of Aotearoa.
Sincere regards,
Rev. Ikilifi Pope
