“I’m so proud of myself,” says 19-year-old Fakaofo Tonga, one of four Tongans in a Fiji training program.
Happiness and pride filled 19-year-old Fakaofo Tonga’s voice as he graduated from the Fiji Corrections Academy last month.
Mr Tonga was one of four Tongan nationals among 64 recruits who completed the intensive training in Suva—marking the first time Tonga has sent trainees for correctional service training in Fiji.
“I’m feeling really happy at the moment, and I’m so proud of myself and my three fellow Tongans who took part in this training in Fiji, and all that we’ve learned we’ll take back to Tonga,” he said.
The program, forged through collaboration between the Fijian and Tongan governments, aims to build professional standards and regional cooperation in correctional services.
Mr Tonga reflected on the challenges of being away from home and the demanding daily routine.
“We got up at 4.30am every day… we didn’t have time to rest when we moved, we were only moving from point A to point B,” he said.
Despite homesickness, he found comfort in the support of fellow Tongans and new friendships with Fijian classmates.
“Fiji is quite similar to Tonga, so it’s like my second home now,” he said with a smile.
He urged other Tongan youth to consider professional training. “You need to change your mentality and your heart… this can benefit you in the long run.”
Mr Tonga left high school in 2023 to pursue this career and now returns home determined to serve.
