National Pre-School Day
24 April 2005

The national Pre School Day was held on 24 April 2005 at St. Andrews College in Fanga. 'Ofa Tui 'Amanaki Centre student, Vai, performed at this years celebrations.

Inclusive Sports Workshops begin
21 April 2005

From the 20th to 21st April 2005 in Nukunuku, TASANOC Disability Sports Development Officer Netina Latu conducted the first of many inclusive sports workshops planned for local communities in Tonga. More workshops are currently being organised so make sure you check the "Activities" page for dates and locations. Please contact Netina on 24661 if you have any queries.

National Disability Survey Commences
12 March 2005

After a large amount of preliminary planning and organisation by NATA members and Red Cross staff, the National Disability Survey has commenced. Surveyors have concluded work in 'Eua where over 650 surveys were collected by Town Officers, Nurses and local youth group members.

The National Survey will continue to Ha'apai, Vava'u, the Niuas and Tongatapu later in the year.

The survey is aimed at identifying the needs of people living with disability in Tonga so that government and non-government organisations can work together to try and address and fulfill these needs.

To find out more about the National Disability Survey please contact Co-ordinator Dimity Taylor on telephone: 14552 or email: dimitytaylor@hotmail.com

NATA Treasurer returns from Disability Training Course in India
25th February 2005

NATA Treasurer Talafaiva Lotolua has returned from a 3 month training course held at the India National Resource Centre for Inclusion where she studied for a Certificate in Community Initiatives for Inclusion.

The course had a strong focus on Inclusive Education and Talafaiva has been driven to make changes in this area for Tonga after learning that Tonga was only one of two of the 10 developing countries represented at the course that did not use a model of Inclusive Education. She will work together with NATA members to support the Ministry of Education with it’s commitment to this very important aspect of the Tonga's education system.

It is hoped than another woman with a disability from NATA will be able to attend the course at the end of this year to further strengthen the NATA's capacity to push for positive change for people with disability in Tonga .

Talafaiva would like to acknowlwdge the generous support of the Women’s Council, UK. Without their support these studies would not have been possible.

To download a copy of Talafaiva's report on "Inclusive Education for Tonga" click here.

NATA Treasurer Talafaiva Lotolua (2nd from left) at theCertificate in Community Initiatives for Inclusion in India

Siaosi Lynch wins Tongan Body Building Championship
24 December 2004

Muscleman Siaosi Lynch has won his first Body Building Competition at the Tongan National Body Building Championship, held at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall on the 24th December 2004.

Prior to entering the competition, Siaosi who was a newcomer to the bodybuilding scene, received competition technique training from a number of well known Tongan bodybuilders.

Siaosi now plans to represent Tonga in his class at future international body building competitions.

Any person with a disability wanting to train for or compete in future body building competitions can contact Disability Sports Officer Netina LATU at the TASANOC Office on 24661 or nlatu@yahoo.com.

Siaosi Lynch and his winning muscles