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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga – Members of the newly formed Tonga Change Makers (TCM), a youth-led non-governmental organization, met with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, this afternoon to formally introduce their initiative and discuss plans to empower Tongan youth. The group, composed entirely of alumni from the 2024 Tonga Youth Parliament (TYP), highlighted their commitment to transforming ideas into action for the nation’s future.
The meeting marked a significant step for TCM, which was born out of post-TYP discussions among participants eager to sustain the momentum of their parliamentary experience. Adi Mitimiti Pasikala, who served as Prime Minister during the 2024 Tonga Youth Parliament, explained the group’s origins: “After the Youth Parliament concluded, we continued meeting to explore how we could contribute to our communities. The result is Tonga Change Makers—a registered NGO focused on youth development, advocacy, and grassroots solutions.”
The organization aims to address pressing issues such as youth unemployment, climate resilience, and education access while fostering civic engagement among Tonga’s younger generation.
Speaker Lord Fakafanua Welcomes Initiative
Lord Fakafanua warmly received the delegation, praising their proactive approach to nation-building. “It is inspiring to see young people taking ownership of their roles as leaders and changemakers,” he said. The Speaker emphasized the importance of collaboration, advising TCM to work with government ministries, NGOs, and community stakeholders to amplify their impact. He also reaffirmed his continued support.
During the meeting, TCM members outlined preliminary projects, including mentorship programs, environmental campaigns, and skills-training workshops.
The TCM team asked the Speakers to return for a follow-up meeting after refining their strategies based on the Speaker’s recommendations.