Strengthening Community Resilience in Tonga
Project Duration: 1st July2025 – 30th May 2028
Funded by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand) – Manaaki
Implementing Partners: Christian World Service (CWS), Tonga Community Development Trust (TCDT)
This project supports the resilience of communities in Tonga, especially women and vulnerable families, by strengthening mental health awareness, food security, and income generation. Women’s groups in ‘Eua, Ha’apai, and Vava’u are empowered through enterprise training and psychosocial support networks to help their families and communities thrive despite ongoing economic and climate-related challenges.
Project Components
1. Women’s Empowerment & Livelihoods
- Support for 36 Amatakiloa women’s groups
- Training in tapa-making, handicrafts, baking, chicken-rearing, and plant propagation
- Start-up materials and enterprise coaching
2. Financial Literacy & Business Skills
- Workshops on budgeting and group governance
- Marketing and product development guidance
- Business registration and bank setup support
3. Mental Health Awareness & PFA Network
- Mental health workshops for communities
- Psychological First Aid training and referral networks
- Local leadership development and confidence-building
4. Inclusive Development & Gender Equality
- Engagement of people with disabilities via LATA
- Focus on women’s leadership and social inclusion
- Adapting activities for physical accessibility
Expected Outcomes
- Stronger social cohesion and support networks
- Diversified family income and increased food production
- Reduced stigma and better access to mental health services
- Women’s voices amplified in family and community decision-making
Donors / Partners
