Tonga Leitis Association - Capacity Building Programs
Tonga Leitis Association hosts capacity building workshops to strengthen members' understanding of SOGIESC, clarify their roles, support the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, and encourage active participation in national, regional, and international capacit

The Tonga Leitis Association started working in the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Field since the organisation started in 1992. This was only focus on Health & Wellbeing at that time. Later in 2017 the UNFPA and the Ministry of Health addressed the important of inclusiveness and to addressed the needs of Key Affected Population in Tonga. That's when TLA work close with the MOH Principle Planning Officer, Mr. Sioape Kupu and the Program Analysis Officer of the UNFPA in Tonga, Ms 'Elisi Tupou, recommended that TLA should also apply for UNFPA Grant 3 Years Cycle 2018 -2020 to support the TLA Peer Education. In 2018 TLA started with training 20 Peer Educator to prepared themselves for the long run of this organisations and providing services to the community. In 2019, TLA trained again 12 Peers to also carry on the work in Sexual Reproductive Health Rights. In 2020, TLA's indicators were increase up to train 110 peer educators for the year 2020. In 2020, TLA came up with a lot of Activities that under the SRHR, such as Camping, Consultation, Workshops and Retreat also the Fund were able to covered some of the staffs allowances and the admin costs. These activities were success and also UNFPA fund was able to support the developing the TLA Strategic Plan 2021 - 2025

TLA Activity in 2018

The TLA Activity in 2018 was for Peer Education and its indicator were 20 Peer Educator. This training took place at the Pasilica Conference Room, led by the TLA team - Peer Education TOT 2018

TLA Activity in 2019

The TLA Activity in 2019 were able to selected 12 members to carry on the work for TLA in the coming future. This was the developing of the SOGIE guideline and to be contexualised to Tonga Context. TLA hired Ms. Phylesha Acton Brown from the NZ Project and also a SOGIEs experts to led the training. This 4 Days training took place at the INternational Dateline Tanoa Hotel - TLA Retreat (SOGIEs Guideline)

TLA Activities in 2020

These are the success outcome of 2020;

TLA Activities in 2021

  • TLA Youth Camp
  • SRHR Training in Ha'apai
  • Elderly Reconnect Program
The Flower Arrangement Program, funded by Australian Aid, empowers Tongan women through hands-on training. Launched in June 2024, it reached all main islands and will expand to the Niuas, promoting income, creativity, and gender empowerment.
Scholarships available in Hospitality & Cookery/Fashion Design & Tourism (Currently on hold)
Tonga Leitis Association members in Tonga received water tanks and rubbish bins through Canadian Fund support, improving access to clean water, hygiene, and household cleanliness while promoting wellbeing, environmental protection, and resilience
The Tonga Leitis Association offers free HIV testing for members, MSM, and others, alongside awareness training for communities, sports teams, and workplaces. Condom dispensers are also provided in public venues like bars, hotels, and restaurants.
The Arii o e Hau Tournament, hosted by the Tonga Leitis Association with the Tonga Netball Association, is an annual, inclusive event funded by New Zealand Government and BSP Bank, featuring male, female, mixed, and under-14 teams.
Coming Soon in 2026
This awareness programs is to help raise this issue to eliminate violence against women, children and LGBTIQ+ communities in Tonga.