The Talitha Project, in partnership with the Australian Government and Australian organisations, is helping adolescent girls build economic skills to contribute to a stronger economy and society. The Tonga Young Women’s Economic Resilience (TYWER) project is part of this initiative, supported by the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
TYWER is being piloted in three locations: two communities on the main island of Tongatapu and St Joseph’s Community College in Ha’apai. Launched by Bishop Soane Patita Paini Cardinal Mafi, each school will have a Sewing Hub.
Fifteen students (13 girls and 2 boys) are learning financial literacy, including how to set up savings and use loans to boost income.
Siutiti Faka’osifoalu, a 16-year-old participant from St Joseph’s Community College, shared, “I am thankful to be part of TYWER. I enjoy learning about financial literacy, how to budget and save. This program helps us young girls to set goals and manage finances responsibly.”
