About the YMH Project
This programme addresses the inter-related issues of youth in relation to mental health at community, national and regional levels in the Pacific island nations of: Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Samoa and Tonga.
There is little data or research on the subject of mental health in Tonga. Counseling in school for youth is usually non existent. There is a major need to improve awareness of mental health problems in Tonga and to partner with other organizations that are also working to raise awareness and access to services as the Ministry of Education, which for the first time is beginning to train teachers to counsel youth in schools.
Youth unemployment, and school drop out rates are a major problem in Tonga. Building self-esteem among youth is therefore an important area of focus.
There is a need in Tonga to train young individuals to work within their communities to assist their peers to seek positive
opportunities for personal growth and skill development. Their projects will benefit not only the youth but also can enhance and strengthen whole communities.
Aim
To increase the coping capacity of youth and to promote better mental health within their families in Tonga in response to changing lifestyles by building supportive environments.
Expected Outcomes:
• Youth and Mental Health Training of Trainers at the community level
• Trainers tool kit produced tailored to Tongan culture and language
• Awareness and Education spots on Television and Radio
• Awareness and Education Workshops
• Funded Salvation Army Awareness and Education Workshop in 'Eua
• Radio talk-back show on mental health preventions and promotions
• Community Action Based Research being currently produced (Situational Analysis)
• Promotional Research Youth Forums
• Formed Lapaha First Youth Council Committee
• Formed Popua Youth and Mental Health Committee
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