The outreach programme under the Career Awareness Campaign has officially begun its school visits as part of the first phase of the national campaign jointly led by the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development and the Ministry of Education and Training.

The campaign aims to visit ten secondary schools, beginning with St. Andrew’s High School on Tuesday 10 March, and continuing with outreach visits last week to Tonga High School and Tonga College. The programme will continue this week at Tailulu College as efforts progress to reach more students across Tonga.

The campaign was established in response to growing evidence of a mismatch between workforce skills and labour market needs, particularly in certain sectors of the domestic economy. Through these outreach visits, students are encouraged to think carefully about their subject choices, explore future pathways, and better align their education with meaningful employment and career opportunities.

The campaign was officially launched on Monday through a television and radio programme featuring the Chief Executive Officers of the two ministries, together with representatives from the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tonga TVET Association. Campaign activities will continue through to May under the theme #KoHokuKahaʻu (#MYTOMORROW).

As part of the school outreach programme, representatives from the employment and business sectors, who share their experiences and insights with students. Participants in the recent visits included Selu Kauvaka from Tonga Women in ICT, Chef Sitiveni Taukava from Bula Chef Restaurant, Fatuimoana Pahulu from Fokololo Technical School, and Dr. Semisi Latu from the Ministry of Health.

The Career Awareness Campaign is funded by Australia in Tonga.