Tonga National Council of Churches - TNCC Project Division

27/11/2024

A Kau-He-Lau Drama Group, led by TNCC Secretary General Rev. ‘Ikani Taliai Tolu performed for the communities of Fonoi (26th Nov, 2024) and Nomuka in Ha’apai on the 27th November, 2024. These performances focused on the importance of disaster preparedness, community-based protection, disability inclusion and community-based disaster risk management.

17/11/2024

A Kau-He-Lau Drama Group, led by TNCC Steering Committee Chairperson Rev. Tevita Haukinima, performed for the communities of Ta’anga and Mango in ‘Eua on the 15th November, 2024. These performances focused on the importance of disaster preparedness, community-based protection, disability inclusion and community-based disaster risk management.

10/11/2024

Kau He Lau project implementation team recently conducted a Proposal Writing Training in Ha’afeva, aiming to strengthen the capacity of Village Disaster Risk Management Committee (VDRMC) members and their communities to access potential funding for community development and to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in remote areas facing disasters. This training program served the following communities:

1. Ha’afeva
2. Matuku
3. Kotu
4. ‘O’ua
5. Tungua
6. Fotuha’a

Kau He Lau program also offers a small grant initiative, providing an allocation of up to 17,000 TOP available for each disaster committee (VDRMC). The goal is for the committee members to apply their newly acquired proposal writing skills by submitting a project proposal to Kau He Lau Project. This pilot project encourages communities to implement one of their priority needs from their disaster plan (VDRMP) in preparation for the 2024–2025 Tropical Cyclone season.

10/11/2024

A Drama Group, led by TNCC Steering Committee Chairperson Rev. Tevita Haukinima, performed for the communities of Lofanga, Mo’unga’one, and Lotofoa. These performances focused on disaster preparedness, community-based protection, and disability inclusion. Through short skits, the Drama Group shared essential information for the general public on preparedness, response, and recovery in times of disaster.

01/11/2024

TNCC Project Division had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Paul Grove from the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, along with his delegation, during their visit to Tonga.

On behalf of the Tonga National Council of Churches, we extend our sincere thanks for this meaningful opportunity to connect.

Malo

31/10/2024

In preparation for the Tropical Cyclone Season, the Tonga National Council of Churches, in partnership with Act for Peace Australia and funded by USAID, conducted capacity-building training for the following communities in Ha'apai on October 10th - 15th:
1. Tungua
2. Kotu
3. Mautuku
4. Nomuka
5. Fonoi
This training aims to strengthen the capacity of each Village Disaster Risk and Emergency Management Committee (VDRMC) by covering key areas, including Disability Inclusion, Psychosocial support, Community-based Protection, Search and Rescue, and a review of Tungua’s Village Disaster Risk Management Plan to ensure alignment with the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2021.

18/10/2024

📣📣📣🌧🌧🌧⚠️⚠️⚠️

Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Warning!

Tune in to Tonga Meteorological Services, Government of Tonga and National Emergency Management Office - NEMO Tonga for more information.

Be safe Tonga!

Ko e 'imisi eni 'o e Radar 'i he taimi 10:05am 'o e pongipongi ni, 'oku ne 'omai e 'ata 'o e ngaahi feitu'u 'oku 'uho'uha mo 'uha lahi. Ko e ngaahi 'elia koia 'oku lanu mata ('uho'uha) ki he lanu engeenga mo kulokula('uha lahi). Ko e 'elia koia 'oku siakale'i atu ko e 'elia 'oku 'uha lahi pea 'oku ne lolotonga nga'unu mai ki Tongatapau mo 'Eua mo e konga lahi 'o Ha'apai malava ke uesia ai. Ko e lolotonga ni 'oku ki'i tu'u fakataimi 'a e 'uha pea holo fakataimi mo e havili. Fakatokanga'i ange, fakafuofua ko e vaha'a taimi ho'ataa ki he efiafi ni mo e poo ni 'e toe hoko atu ai e malohi e havili pea mo e 'uho'uha.
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Here is the Radar imagery at 10:05am this morning, image displays the area that rain and heavy rain. Green area is rain and yellow to red is moderate to heavy rain. The area with red circle indicated the parts of the active trough is expected to drift towards Tongatapu, 'Eua and Ha'apai approximately by noon to this evening. Therefore, expect a heavy rain, thunderstorm and strong to gale wind to continue around noon to this evening and tonight.

13/10/2024

After a week of meaningful discussions through TV and radio programs in commemoration of International Disaster Risk Reduction Day, we join the world today in officially celebrating by leading a special church service to bless the day and all those dedicated to disaster risk reduction.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Feohi'anga Mo'ui Fo'ou 'Ia Kalaisi for hosting and blessing the service.

Special thanks to Tonga Broadcasting Live Streaming for their exceptional coverage of our programs, ensuring that every household across Tonga was able to tune in and take part in this important week of awareness. Your support plays a crucial role in reaching our communities and strengthening our collective resilience. Malo ‘aupito!

Thank you High Commissioner for Australia in Tonga, First Secretary for New Zealand High Commission, Nuku'alofa, Tonga & Faifekau Haukinima - Chairman for TNCC Board of Director Tonga National Council of Churches - TNCC Project Division for supporting us today. We are grateful

Also not forgetting our Meidecc staff from different departments for your unwavering support 🙏

On behalf of the Minister for MEIDECC, the Chief Executive Officer for MEIDECC, the Director of NDRMO, and our entire team, we extend our sincerest thanks—malo ‘aupito—to all our communities, national government partners, NGOs, key donor partners, and the public for tuning in this week to the National Disaster Risk Management Office's events in honor of IDRR Day 🇹🇴.

As we prepare for cyclone season, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building resilience.

Reflecting this year’s IDRR 2024 theme, "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future," or as we say in Tongan, Fakaivia ‘a e to’utangata ‘o e kaha’u ki ha Tonga tu’uloa—we look ahead with strength and unity.

‘Ofa atu from the NDRMO Team.

02/10/2024

In partnership with Act for Peace Australia (AfP) and funded by USAID, a Protection Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop was held from October 24th to 26th at Toutaimana Conference Room. The workshop was led by Mr. James Thomson, AfP’s Senior Policy and Protection Advisor. This initiative underscores the importance of community-led protection, recognizing that people are the primary actor in addressing the protection risks communities face daily.

This training aims to enhance local protection efforts by equipping participants with practical, problem-solving skills. Given the involvement of multiple stakeholders—both government and non-government organizations—in community protection initiatives across Tonga, TNCC identified the need to upskill practitioners in effectively analyzing protection issues and delivering effective protection programs. The workshop also emphasized the integration of Tongan customs and culture as essential drivers for strengthening community-led protection efforts.

The training was attended by participants from both the government, NGO sectors and community members from 'Atata and Kanokupolu . TNCC expresses its gratitude to all stakeholders for their participation and looks forward to continued collaboration.

Malo ‘Aupito,
The KHL Project Team

19/09/2024

In partnership between Act for Peace (AfP) and the Tonga National Council of Churches (TNCC), and with funding from USAID, Kau-He-Lau (KHL) Project aims to enhance disaster resilience for vulnerable and displaced communities by addressing their evolving needs in Tonga.

KHL Project completed its Mid-term Review Workshop today with stakeholders and representatives from the participating communities of Kanokupolu and ‘Atata. This workshop provided a valuable opportunity for TNCC project staff, key stakeholders and community to reflect on the project's progress and assess its effectiveness at this mid-term stage of implementation.

TNCC extend our sincere appreciation to our stakeholders, including the National Emergency Management Office - NEMO Tonga, Lavame'a Ta'e'iloa Disabled People Association Inc, NATA, Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) Tonga, Tonga Red Cross, and the representatives from Kanokupolu and ‘Atata, for taking the time to join us. Your contributions are crucial in ensuring we deliver an inclusive program for our communities.

Malo 'Aupito
KHL Project team