The orientation for the Tonga Youth Parliament (TYP) 2024 begins today at the Legislative Assembly Chamber in Nuku’alofa. This program precedes the two-day TYP sessions set for Thursday and Friday, September 5-6. During these sessions, participants will engage in debates on national issues within a parliamentary framework.
The Tonga Youth Parliament aims to:
1. Promote and support youth involvement in political processes.
2. Enhance understanding of parliamentary roles, functions, rules, and procedures.
3. Foster interest in civic activities, particularly parliamentary engagement.
4. Raise public awareness of youth perspectives on national issues and challenges.
5. Inspire and empower youth in leadership and decision-making.
6. Cultivate respect and tolerance for diverse viewpoints and emphasize the importance of adhering to rules for effective discussions.
In today’s orientation, Hon. Dulcie Tei, MP for Tongatapu 6, welcomed the 29 selected TYP MPs, praising their courage and enthusiasm. She extended her best wishes for a productive and successful week.
The agenda for the TYP sessions will be determined by the participants. Proposed topics include Drugs, Education and Climate Change
Over the next three days, the orientation will immerse participants in the legislative experience and prepare them for the TYP sessions. The program includes sessions on parliamentary roles and functions, bills and election processes, and parliamentary procedures such as motions, petitions, and question time.
Targeting youth aged 14-34, the Tonga Youth Parliament has been held five times since its inception in 2002, with the last session in 2021. This year’s event is supported by the Government of Tonga, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Chinese Embassy in Nuku’alofa, in partnership with the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.
The successful Tonga Youth Parliament Members of Parliament are as follows:
| SEAT IN PARLIAMENT | NAME | VILLAGE | |
| 1 | Tongatapu 1 People’s Representative | Maria Goretti Mafi | Sopu ó Taufaáhau |
| 2 | Tongatapu 2 People’s Representative | Kioa Matahau | Kolofoóu |
| 3 | Tongatapu 3 People’s Representative | Christy Langilangi | Maúfanga |
| 4 | Tongatapu 4 People’s Representative | Angelic Pale | Houmakelikao |
| 5 | Tongatapu 5 People’s Representative | Adi Mitimiti Pasikala | Áhau |
| 6 | Tongatapu 6 People’s Representative | Viliami Penitani | Houma |
| 7 | Tongatapu 7 People’s Representative | Sosefina Hafoka | Pea |
| 8 | Tongatapu 8 People’s Representative | Ána Latu | Tokomololo |
| 9 | Tongatapu 9 People’s Representative | Maryanne Saafi | Haásini |
| 10 | Tongatapu 10 People’s Representative | Petelo Lelea | Lapaha |
| 11 | ‘Eua 11 People’s Representative | Folau Maáke | Pangai – Éua |
| 12 | Ha’apai 12 People’s Representative | Lesieli Áholelei | Pangai – Haápai |
| 13 | Ha’apai 13 People’s Representative | Temaleti Fangufangu | Foa |
| 14 | Vava’u 14 People’s Representative | Halamehi Asitamani | Kapa |
| 15 | Vava’u 15 People’s Representative | Clarisse Paea | Fungamisi |
| 16 | Vava’u 16 People’s Representative | Fakaánaua Tonga | Leimatuá |
| 17 | Niuas 17 People’s Representative | Viliami Kaufononga | Niutoua |
| 18 | Tongatapu No. 1 Noble Representative | Joseph Áho | Kolofoóu |
| 19 | Tongatapu No. 2 Noble Representative | Nehusita Halatanu | Haveluloto |
| 20 | Tongatapu No. 3 Noble Representative | Mckenly Fine | Haveluloto |
| 21 | ‘Eua Noble Representative | Linita Helu | Sapaáta |
| 22 | Ha’apai No. 1 Noble Representative | Kafo’atu Tuítavuki | Haveluloto |
| 23 | Ha’apai No. 2 Noble Representative | Milika Úlupano | Kolofo'ou |
| 24 | Vava’u No. 1 Noble Representative | Filimone Íloa | Makave |
| 25 | Vava’u No. 2 Noble Representative | Sabrina Taéhia | Tuánekivale |
| 26 | Niuas Noble Representative | Tomasi Palu | Haveluloto |
| 27 | Minister of MEIDECC | Racheal Guttenbeil | Haveluloto |
| 28 | Minister of Finance | Tuílautala Maú | Fangaloto |
| 29 | Minister of Health | Patelisio Patelisio | Kolonga |