Careerbreaker Destinations - Tonga
A country of outstanding natural beauty with a relatively small number of visitors. Tonga, composed of over 170 islands, stretching over 800 miles from north to south is a fascinating destination. Nestled in the Western Pacific Ocean, close to Fiji and Samoa it is made up of four major island groups, Tongatapu, Ha’pai, Vava’u and the Nivas.
Tonga's geographical position means that it is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise every day and it is often referred to as the "land where time begins". The islands are either volcanic or coral based, and active volcanoes can still be found to the west of the more populated islands. With a sub-tropical climate the local flora and fauna is lush and exotic.
The majority of the population is of native Tongan descent (Polynesian); there are a few westerners and a small population of Chinese immigrants. Tongan is the main language but the majority also speak English. Tongans are conservative but friendly people who hold a deep respect for their constitutional King, despite some political rumblings, who has almost unlimited power.
Despite being a Christian country many Tongans continue to believe in superstition and the gods of pre-Christian Polynesia. Surprisingly for such a religious and conservative place
there is today the continuation of an ancient Polynesian tradition, of men who dress as women known as ‘Fakaleiti’ . Straight and gay (although to be so is illegal), and sometimes married, ‘Fakaleiti’ are well tolerated by society.
Polynesians have lived on Tonga for at least 3,000 years. The Dutch were the first to explore the islands, landing on Tafahi in 1616. The British explorer, James Cook, landed on the islands in 1773 and 1777 and dubbed them the Friendly Islands. Tonga has never been fully colonised, unlike other Pacific nations, and it possess a colorful culture with a rich heritage of music and dance and handicrafts. Wood carvings and Tapa, a cloth made from wood bark with design printed in black and rust are particularly fine.
Whilst more developed than some of our Careerbreaker destinations, Tongans will appreciate the skills and experience you can share with them. Tonga has an emigration problem and it is estimated that 50-100% more Tongans now live away from the homeland than in the kingdom itself. Many families, a large portion of whom are subsistence farmers, are dependant on the monies sent home by relatives overseas.
Careerbreaker project programmes are located on Tonga's main island, Tongatapu (or 'sacred south'), not far from the kingdom’s capital of Nuku’alofa. A small but interesting town, you will find most things that you need there: banks, supermarkets, historical buildings, a great market and a number of fine eating and drinking spots!
Whatever project programme you become part of you are guaranteed a warm welcome from the people of this fascinating country. Weekends and project breaks can provide opportunity for sight-seeing and there is the option to do some adventurous travel after your volunteer placement with our in house travel agent Gap Club. Why not finish your time as a volunteer by doing some island hopping, scuba diving or spotting dolphins and humpback whales in one of Tonga’s five national marine parks?
What Can I do In Tonga?
Work Placements - Teach/TEFL
Sports Placements - Rugby | Netball
Adventurous Travel
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Destinations Homepage
About Tonga Capital City
Nuku'alofa.
Population
101,000.
Language
English & Tongan.
Greeting
Malo e lei.
Religion
Catholic, Protestant, Morman.
Currency
Tonga Pa'anga
Price of a beer
70p
Climate
Mild tropical. Humid and Wet. Dry May-Oct.
Famous for
Rugby, Whale Watching & the first land in the world to see the sun rise! |
