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The Fuakava Ta’engata ‘o Kenani, Ōtāhuhu Tongan Methodist youth group.
 
Photo by image supplied.

Connecting & Empowering Tongan Youth

Kuovatisi Uasi —

The Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa organised a combined service for its parishes to start off the Lent season for 2025.

Promoting the theme “Lelei ke liliu kā ‘oku fungani hake ke liukava: Don’t Just Change, Transform.” This service was part of a recent programme dedicated to connecting and empowering Tongan youth.

On Sunday 9 March, the Fuakava Ta’engata ‘o Kenani, Ōtāhuhu Tongan Methodist Church, led by  presbyter Rev Lute Pole Tu’uhoko, visited Pulela’ā New Lynn Tongan Methodist Church. The service inspired and led by Otahuhu youth started with praise and worship followed by a sermon with songs and prayers.

The following Sunday, the second Sunday of Lent, the Pulela’ā New Lynn Tongan Methodist Church service was hosted by the Ōtāhuhu Tongan Methodist Church with the same theme of promoting transformation and empowering connections for our youth.

Rev. Iki Pope at the far right and the combined youth group with Pulela’ā youth in red and the rest and in blue are the Ōtāhuhu youth.

The service was led by Rev Ikilifi Pope, presbyter for the New Lynn Tongan Methodist congregation. Combined youth groups participated in a special programme focusing on youth leadership facilitated by Sonia Pope, a Tongan psychologist and member of the New Lynn Youth group.

Using scripture, groups delved into the transformative potential of a programme that is rooted in the core values of who they are as Tongans in Aotearoa and also as members of the Tongan Methodist Church.

Sonia reminded participants that transformation starts with God. “As human beings we face struggles and it’s normal but God hears our cries.  He brings us comfort, he brings us peace and takes away the fear that you have in your soul. He also brings us hope.”

Sonia Pope (far left) facilitated the special combined youth programme together with youth from both Pulela’ā, New Lynn and Fuakava Ta’engata ‘o Kenani, Ōtāhuhu.

The social impact of this initiative, particularly in the context of young Tongans living in West Auckland and South Auckland, is significant in empowering their faith and in promoting their culture through language and values.

Plans are in place for  more combined youth programmes. Given the challenges faced by our young people as they navigate bicultural identities and societal pressures, programmes like this can support them holistically for their overall wellbeing mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.