SPOT.

ed
V O L U M E
THE ON THE SPOT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
1 , I S S U E 1 0 4 . M A R C H . 2 0 1 1

On behalf of
ON THE SPOT,
THINK ! LETTER
FROM
WELCOME ABROAD
International mem-
to the First Ever Issue of ‘SPOT.Ed’, ber writes to OTS
our quarterly community newsletter. after a year away
We are so excited to finally be able to offer this.
The process of creating SPOT.Ed’ has been a re- PAGE 2
warding challenge;
Where there was
NO TIME, we MADE TIME; EXPRESS ! TWO
INTRODUCING
TALENTED
NO FUNDING, we WORKED FOR FREE;
NO EXPERIENCE, we LEARNT FROM OUR MISTAKES.. TONGAN POETS!
And the learning continues... And there’s a whole
lot more where this
Our Vision is to EDUCATE, EMPOWER and ENGAGE came from...
the Community through this dynamic creative
platform.
PAGE 3

SPOT.Ed’ has 4 main Sections: BE ! SPOTLIGHT

ON
THINK ! ‘OFA
T H E S P OT T O V O I C E Y O U R T H O U G H T S A N D R E A D PRESCOTT
OTHERS’. Tuionetoa...
...PLEASE !
E X P R E SS !
THE SPOT TO CELEBRATE AND APPRECIATE CRE A-
TIVE WORKS AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION. PAGE 4

BE !
THE SPOT TO LEARN AB OUT PEOPLE IN OUR DO ! OTS LEADS
COMMUNITY INTERNATIONAL
DO ! AWARD
THE SPOT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO, IN TONGA
WHAT WE’VE DONE, WHAT WE WILL DO & WHAT
YOU CAN DO!
PAGE 5
PAGE 2 SPOT.ED ISSUE 1 VOLUME1 MARCH 2011

THINK !
It’s a beautiful thing to be blessed with a lifelong friend, a person whose absence makes you
miss them, whose opinion you will always value, and who, when they ask ‘How are You?’,
you can never just answer ‘fine, thanks, how are you?’.
Well, For the members Of OTS , Bethany Jacobs is definitely one of those people. Throughout
her 3 year service in Tonga as an American Peace Corps Volunteer, Beth was a constant
source of support and friendship to OTS and its members. Now, after a year of continued in-
volvement with ON THE SPOT as an international member living in America, Beth shares her
reflections and thoughts :

To my dear, dear friends at OTS:

I've been thinking a lot about my time in Tonga recently. This is probably because I
"celebrated" being back in the United States for 1 year at the beginning of February. It
“You all taught was weird to have people saying things like, "Wow! You've already been back a year?! I
can't believe it! It seems like you just got back a month or so ago!" To some degree it
me to have a does feel like I left only a few weeks ago, and on the flip-side, it seems like it's been ages
little faith that since I've basked in the "comforts" of what quickly became my (Tongan) home.
things will To say that this year was full of change might the biggest understatement of all
work out time! Not only did I leave the life I LOVED for more than three years, but I came home to
alright; that a place I didn't know and decided to create a whole new future for myself. I stepped out,
for the first time, truly on my own. I was scared to death and fearless at the same
good feelings time.
between people
I admit that I owe my fearlessness to ON THE SPOT. Are you all surprised?! You
are more shouldn't be! It was through my work with you that I came to fully understand myself
important than (my talents and my short-comings) and how I want to relate to others. You all taught
me to have a little faith that things will work out alright; that good feelings between
any material
people are more important than any material possession; and that perfection isn't about
possession; and nailing all the details, but more about putting on a great performance. These three ide-
that perfection als continue to help me have on a daily basis. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
isn't about I've also spent a large part of my year being forced to follow my own advice. Telling
nailing all the myself to "be a problem-solver and NOT a problem-admirer" became exhausting after
only four months. Then, I realized, if I actually followed that advice I'd be able to make
details, but changes in my life. And, believe it or not, that's exactly how it worked! Once I started
more about doing, as opposed to observing and complaining, my life truly began to change for the
putting on a better.

great The other thing that I cannot deny is how much OTS has changed over this year as well,
for the individual members and for the group as a whole. I feel like I want to say that
performance.”
you've come a long way, but that feels, somehow, more condescending than complimen-
tary; it's meant to be a compliment, trust me. Either
way, what remains the same is that you all are the
most-talented, fun, and wonderful people I have had
the privilege to know!

Please, please, PLEASE continue to DO great work,

for yourselves and for the youth of Tonga! You have
made a HUGE difference in my life, and I know I'm
not alone in this feeling!!!

'Ofa lahi atu!

Beth,
a.k.a. Bef, Pepe, or Ta'ahine Pisikoa Fakahela 'Aupito
 PAGE 3 SPOT.ED ISSUE 1 VOLUME1 MARCH 2011

R ES S ! Precious POETRY:
EXP ON THE SPOT’s Recent STAGE FRIGHT Poetry Challenge
featured an impressive array of Original Poetry . Initiated to
celebrate creativity, connect communities and complete chal-
lenges, STAGE FRIGHT is constantly discovering new talent.
Here are a couple of our most recent finds:
Brain Scan Receipt
We spend subconscious time searching for something to find
When we don't find it it's a forgiven indecision
I spent most of my life tryin not to go blind
But all I was doin was restricting my vision
This thing we call life is it supposed to be safe?!
It's grace
is ever fleeting this place
Soldier of Change Such a waste
to live life to save face
But if you throw me a rope
March forward I might be able to cope
A friendly face flashes a glimmer of hope
On that rope we can bullishly pull......
Turn right, turn left After all, the glass isn't half empty.....it's definitely half full
Pen and paper flow with a rhythm that is broken
Be Alert! Of the Theft Inadequate it seems these words that can be spoken
A simple token that is trivial for a man is hush hush
Though it's cause and effect feel like an adrenaline rush
Time is a virtue I take a step forward but faith is when we leap
Waiting anxiously It's hard to forget what I see when I sleep
The soul craves for dreams
Observing silently Just floatin on seas and trees
And those smiles still bring me to my knees
Its such a priceless gift
Love dangerous red Maybe one that will uplift
And sure to keep us from ever floating adrift
Black sophisticated If it weren't for the tears
sad Those long and short-lived fears
Will these words survive the distance between my mouth and your ears?
Crammed with This thing we call life is it supposed to be safe?!
From tragedy to discovery of beginnings, not endings so refreshing
opportunity Renew faith in humanity, humanizing those surrounding
Cuddle with infidelity It feels so organic, or can it
just flow like a stream from our mothers and fathers
Let's take a little bit further, and gaze at this space.....
Salute to failure How did we arrive at this time and place?
You see if time doesn't exist then why don't we just vacate?
Gun down success Wait.......I think I lost you there, or maybe you can relate
Self serving and maintained or is it preordained?
Decisions, Destiny Our journey to understand the decisions already made
You must address It's zest can best be expressed
By the thrill that comes through the struggle
CHANGE Of this we can attest
The path is clear and ours to be perceived
The idea for these words weren't immaculately conceived
By TEVITA VAHA’I You see in us are two dogs of very different breeds
(2/3/11) A good one and bad, now which are we gonna feed
Which ever one is bigger will control all of our deeds
Sometimes a lie is what needs to be believed
Like there's no prejudice in the world no matter your race or creed
Poetry is thoughts that breathe, That good always triumphs over evil, and love is all we need
and words that burn.” This thing we call life is it supposed to be safe?!
Thomas Gray
By NAUDER BOLOURI
PAGE 4 SPOT.ED ISSUE 1 VOLUME1 MARCH 2011

BE ! SPOTlightin’ the ‘O’some

‘OFA PRESCOTT TUIONETOA
Ofa Prescott Tuionetoa has an infectious passion for dance, music
and creativity. She has dedicated her life to supporting her family,
serving others and pursuing her dreams, ever-ready to take on new
challenges and make the most of life. Since joining ON THE SPOT in
2009 with her younger sister, Aiona, as a dancer, choreographer,
singer, and an enthusiastic young leader, she has contributed
greatly to the groups development. Presently, Ofa also serves as
one of OTS’s 12 Core Members.

When asked about her involvement with OTS, ‘Ofa had lots to say:
“... this group is like real brothers and real sisters. They love each other &
little things that are happening in the group, everybody comes together and
help, you know, they make each other feel better.”
“...being a part of the group I‟ve learnt many things like virtues and Working
together and helping each other. Many teenagers are not doing that now,
They just see that person and are like “oh Nah, I‟m better than her,” You
know, like they don‟t get to hold hands, sit and be friends and help him/her
and love each other.”
Do you have a “I wasn‟t confident to stand in front of people or talking to people... I‟m a
favourite shy person I‟ll say... I‟m not Anymore... when I came in to the group you
Quote/ meet new people, make them feel welcome... put that smile on your face
Inspirational which is like “Ok You‟re In! Welcome...like definitely in to whatever you‟re
saying...?? going to.”
What we are One of ‘Ofa’s favourite memories with OTS is when she had to complete
a choreography challenge for Stage Fright . The dance had to be per-
is God’s gift to formed and filmed right in town on the roadside in broad day
light...distracting the drivers and almost causing an accident. “...it was
us. What we sooo embarrassing ( giggle) I‟ll never forget...Wow, I‟ve been having a lot of
become is our fun with OTS”.

gift to God.” What inspires you as an artist?

“...My Family...I have one real brother and he is disabled and it really en-
Eleanor Powell courages me... he could‟ve done something else but because he is disabled.
I‟m working for him as well... and another thing that really inspires me is
God... I‟m doing everything for Him, and be strong in Him, cos he‟s the only
one who will lead you that way and who will get you
through what you wanted to be in the future.”

How do you feel about having your sister in the

group?
“It‟s really awesome!!...you know, it‟s good to work
together in something...you feel like your sister is
always there for you.”

Finish this Sentence: I Could Not live without.....

“GOD.”
PAGE 5 SPOT.ED ISSUE 1 VOLUME1 MARCH 2011

DO ! OTS LEADS INTERNATIONAL

AWARD!
On February 19th, 2011, 6 members of ON THE SPOT (Ana Longo Kolokihakaufisi, Alfred
Soakai, Ruha Fifita, Tevita Vaha‟i, Yvane Fifita, Pesi Fonua and ‟Aiona Prescott) signed up
as participants to pilot The International Award for Young People - an exciting internation-
ally recognised self-development program available worldwide for young people aged 14-
25. This will be the first time for youth here in Tonga to participate in the Award Pro-
gram.. The Award concept is one of individual challenge. It presents to young people
a balanced, non-competitive program of voluntary activities which encourages
personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to
themselves and service to their community.

“ When the The Award Program was first introduced in 1956 in the United Kingdom as The Duke of
Edinburgh's Award. It was designed with great care by a small team including Dr. Kurt
mind is stretched Hahn, German educationalist and founder of Outward Bound and the United World Col-
leges; Sir John (later Lord) Hunt, the leader of the first team to conquer Mount Everest;
by new and led by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1956, the Program has developed and
grown internationally, now reaching young people in over 130 countries around the world.
experiences it can
never return to It is hoped that this Program will encourage young people here in Tonga to be able to
look beyond barriers, and to set goals, not limits. The challenge is for young people to
its former make things happen rather than waiting for things to happen for them.
dimensions.” For further enquiries please contact Ms. „Ana Kolokihakaufisi, Award Unit
Dr Kurt Hahn Leader/ Youth Development Director, ON THE SPOT (Inc), Tonga.
(German email : akolokihakaufisi@gmail.com mobile:(676) 7708353. Please also ref-
Educationalist) erence the Award Program website at www.intaward.org

ON THE SPOT IS ALWAYS DOING SOMETHING. We Currently have 9 programmes.

Each is lead by a Core member and has a specific Focus and Annual Plan. Below is a brief description of
four of our programmes and activities available to the community over the next 3 months:

ON THE SPOT Programme EVENT/ACTIVITIES UNDER PROGRAMME

ACTIV8
Developing Healthy Habits ULTIMATE FRISBEE
to recharge your lifestyle. When: Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, 5pm.
Where: Tailulu College Rugby Field (Havelu)

Rediscovering cultural SHIFTING SANDS ART EXHIBITION

values, knowledge & wisdom When: April.
through creative Where: Reef Cafe.
expressions.

CREATE. ORIGINAL LOCAL ART 4 SALE

When: Ongoing
INSPIRE. Where: Reef Cafe
EXPLORE.
FEEL IT. FACE IT. USE STAGE FRIGHT THEATRE CHALLENGE- June
IT....Celebrating commu- DARE TO DANCE– Some Saturdays, Judo Hall
nity performing arts DANCE CLASSES– Fridays 4-6pm, Judo Hall

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR PROGRAMME, EVENT OR ACTIVITY, PLEASE VISIT OUR
FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/ONTHESP.T
OR EMAIL US: onthespot.tonga@gmail.com
PAGE 6 SPOT.ED ISSUE 1 VOLUME1 MARCH 2011

ABOUT OTS :
NAME: ON THE SPOT (Incorporated) or OTS
FOUNDED: In 2006 by a group of friends doing a Youth Radio Pro-
ject . Today OTS is a local youth led , Arts focused NGO based in the tiny is-
land nation of TONGA in the South Pacific.

VISION: To engage young people in activities which promote

"Never doubt creative thinking, artistic expression, social responsibility,
global awareness, and local action.
that a small
MISSION: To realise our vision we will work together in order to
group of develop creative initiatives for community service and artistic
expression. Initiatives will engage, educate and empower young
thoughtful, people as dynamic social agents of positive
change by, creating opportunities and a space for development of
committed the arts, as a dynamic means to explore,
understand and shape our environment.
people can
PRINCIPLES: Selflessness & Service. Initiative & Integrity. Respect &
change the Responsibility. Culture & Creativity. Love & Leadership.

world. TO SUBSCRIBE to SPOT.Ed, Share a story/article, make a suggestion, ask a question,

Indeed, it is request more information, and/or voice a concern...

the only E-mail: onthespot.tonga@gmail.com

CONTACT US:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ONTHESP.T
thing that Mobile: (+676) 773-6888 or (+676) 773-1196
ever has." -
Margaret Mead. COMMONWEALTH YOUTH
OTS WOULD LIKE TO PROGRAMME (CYP)
CREATIVITY THANK THE CAROLINE HUDSON
ROB OLIPHANT
IS AN FOLLOWING PEOPLE LOKETI NIUA LATU
LOLA UEDA
ATTITUDE, FOR THEIR SUPPORT: ELAINE HOWARD TOKOLAHI
LENNIE NIIT & FAMILY SHASHEEN JAYAWEERA
AN REEF CAFE (ROSE & TAVAKE FAN- JOSH MITIKULENA
GUPO) SAINT MARY‟S COLLEGE
ATTITUDE TANYA EDWARDS & FAMILY
And thank you to those
CHRIS & SHANE EGAN
THAT SAYS, ROBINA NAKAO who contributed to
ISABELLE DE HAAS
“ I CAN DO LEE MILLER this issue of SPOT.Ed:
LETILLA MITCHELL BETHANY JACOBS
THAT.” unknown NATALIA PEREIRA TEVITA VAHA‟I
GEORGE THEODORE STRATIGOS- NAUDER BOLOURI
KALAFI MOALA „OFA PRESCOTT TUIONETOA
MAUI „OFAMO‟ONI ANA LONGO KOLOKIHAKAUFISI

SPOT.Ed is an OTS Publication. SPOT.Ed:

CONCEPT CREATORS
EDITOR 1: TEVITA VAHA’I Sandy Phillips, Sam Hafoka,
EDITOR 2: RUHA FIFITA Tevita Vaha‟i, Ruha &
Ebonie Fifita.