This deployment focused on engaging with village communities, civil society organisations, tertiary training providers, and government agencies, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in creating responsive and resilient health systems in Tonga.
Training sessions were delivered to community groups including the Teekiu Village Women Development Group, Fo’ui Village Leaders, Kolovai Community Clinic, Hihifo Council Leaders, Kanokupolu Village Leaders, and the ‘Atata Si’i Village Leaders. These sessions provided participants with practical tools to support mental health and wellbeing in their communities, and created opportunities for open discussions around the challenges faced by local families and leaders.
The team also met with key civil society partners such as the Tonga National Youth Congress, Caritas, Lavame’a Ta’e’iloa (People with Disability Organisation), the Women and Children Crisis Centre, Tonga Health Promotion, the Talitha Project, and Ma’a Fafine mo e Famili Tonga. These organisations play a vital role in advocating for vulnerable groups and were eager to explore potential opportunities for collaboration in mental health awareness and services.
Fusi Kaho, National Package of Essential Health Services (PEHS) Coordinator in Tonga, shared her reflections on the visit:
“Initiatives like Ngalu Fānifo provide a future that enables decent access to medication and resources in mental health support. We need specialists in mental health, so I was glad and willing to support the Ngalu Fānifo team when they were in country.
"We had been eager to get this service out to the community.”
In addition, engagements with tertiary training providers also took place, such as Tonga National University, Tupou Tertiary Institute, and Hala Ki ‘Emeasi Counselling Services. This underlines the importance of equipping the next generation of professionals with knowledge and skills to better serve their communities.
The deployment also included consultations with government agencies such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Police, and the Australia High Commission Post. These high-level engagements strengthened ties with national leadership and affirmed the role of mental health as a priority in Tonga’s broader health and social systems.
Through these engagements, the Ngalu Fānifo program has laid important groundwork for stronger, more connected mental health responses in Tonga, guided by cultural values, community leadership, and collaboration.