MID JUNE NEWS

The Core group met JUNE 10th and again on the 15th. Below are brief updates from these meeting as well as news from the various project leaders and initiatives group members are involved with ( see ACTION specific Blogs for more info)

--------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICE - An Exciting new Service Activity is running every Tues & Thurs evenings. Group Volunteers Travel out to the western Village of 'Ahau to tutor30-50 students aged 11- 19 in English, Maths, Sciences & Arts. Transport and Dinner is provided by the Project coordinator Mr Manu and the students parents in exchange for 3-4 hours of fun and learning with our ON THE SPOT team. If you have any learning Materials /Resources--especially BOOKS!!!! please please please send !! or contact Ruha Fifita to join the service team on a TUEs or Thurs Evening. We can only take 6-10 people out each evening.

PULOTU - will be showcasing the best of the Groups artwork, Fashion, Music and Dance next month . To get involved in the Production call Ruha or Luisa. This annual event celebrates our culture through creative expression. Our theme this year- are the Legends of Maui and the ideas of leadership, warrior, explorer, magic, Ocean, Land, Family and Fire. its gonna be Awesome !! :-)

SUTO -our funky TV program ;-). is on hold till we secure ongoing sponsorship for the team . The Program has generated much community interest and there are already a line up of destinations to explore in future episodes.- including the Toloa Rainforest, Organic Farms, Tinopai Coconut Production Centre, schools etc. Also - our camera man has been employed so the team will be shooting the adventures themselves and editing it with Lani. :-) It's gonna be a whole new challenge for the Suto team.

PACIFIC PULSE- remember that Team from Austrailia that visited Tonga to do a story on ON THE SPOT- the show has finally been completed and will air on Pacific Pulse . you can check it out online at http://australianetwork.com/pacificpulse/


YEYA WORKSHOPS :

1. NEW CALEDONIAN THEATRE COMPANY -Pacifique et Compagnie gave up a week to spend it ON THE SPOT with us to share skills in IMPROVISATION THEATER. These workshops were offered to students of Ocean of light, the USP DRAMA CLUB, TONGA STREET BOYS, PARTICIPANTS OF CLIPPING PROJECT and ON THE SPOT MEMBERS .the week ended with an Impromptu STAGE FRIGHT on the 29th of MAY . The evening was a great success - being the first Stage fright in our New center - The JUDO hall and attracting audience members from as far away as Mu'a and 'Ahau!!The program included on the spot performances by audience members, an Improvisation Match, on the spot performance by AMy's team of Volunteers and a few trial performances on the spot choreographers
2. Taane Mete visits JULY 11th`-25th to work with a team of dancers . training will be in choreography , movement , and contemporary dance. selected team will work for 4 hours a day to produce a 20 minute performance for PULOTU. contact Yvane Fifita for more information , to join pre workshop trainning and sign up for Taane Metes workshops.For information about his work see-
   http://www.okareka.com/
3. CLOWNING- a visiting clown , performer and spiritual leader called Bubbles is visiting the kingdom and has offered to work with us- so there could be clowning workshops soon or at least discussions with her- watch this space!.

JUDO HALL – the skylights have been fixed!! yay . thank - you Lennie. Now we have to do the rest. A team of volunteers went in and sorted, scrubbed , swept and wiped the hall. Now, Yvane , mercy , Magnus, Sam and others are mapping out remaining holes in the roof- to fill in - then we'll be taking out the old mats to replace with the new, cleaning out tanks and looking at a renovation plan and budget for future work to transform the hall into an Arts Center. :-) Funds are also needed for this Action.

BRISBANE - Ruha & Luisa returned from their Queensland Tour with the Pacific Arts Alliance on the 15th June. The girls were on fire with inspiration, news and ideas. They made fantastic networks with other artist, represented outstandingly at the Pacific Arts Alliance meeting , displayed art at the Pacific Storms Exhibition and participated fantastically at the Dreaming festival . the girls encourage all artist to register with http://www.pacificartsalliance.com/ , and join the network for more exciting opportunities: ie..

1. aplpication to join SHANGHAI EXPO 2010.
2. OTS is commited to sending a team to WASAWASA festival in Fiji this DEC.
3. INTERNATIONAL ARTIST have committed to Collaborating and working with the OTS team to " to build secure and sustainable pathways for our people through the arts"

CLIPPING HIV/AIDS - SURVEYS ARE DONE & FILM CONCEPTS HAVE BEEN CREATED. The team starts work on filming imediately. Ideas the group came up with are educational , entertaining, and encouraging. 3 teams were fomed for concept design- ONE to specifically deal with the Science and current international status of HIV/AIDS, ONE to Address the Negative PERCEPTIONS and MYTHS surrounding the Issue and another to PROMOTE the PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS and USE of the Local Services relating to HIV/AIDS.

WEBSITE - Although AMy has Left to France and ALfred was recently away in Korea!!! This initiative is still in development. to complete it we need ideas for Page Structure, Content for each section, Photos and videos, and background graphics ( digital or hand drawn in pale colors) to make our page FLASH!! . :-) :-) SO SHARE YOUR IDEAS :-)

NEW STUFF- Peace Corps has donated 3 Computers for the group . They are sitting in our living room till we find 3 monitors. Look around everyone. Computers will be used by the group members for Admin and Management, Music editing, photo editing, designing publications etc and maybe online stuff if we can get them hooked up - and have some support for the huge Electricity and internet bills they will create.

MEDIASNACKERS -DK - wants to visit !! in OCT. remember www.mediasnackers.com ? will he's in NZ this year and hopes we can organize something for him to do here with youth and online media and invite him over. share your thoughts everyone.

MEMBER REQUEST -CHRIS CLARK - just found out he needs to fundraise $1000 with his class at St Andrews by August!!. .. for their yearly donations to school developments. Any donations, volunteers to help him out ,or ideas on creative fund raising methods will be much , much much much appreciated.


And that's it . MALO EVERYONE. -------------------------------------------------------------------- FAVORITE QUOTES- from SAM HAFOKA "The worst sin is not doing what you have to do when you have to do it" "It is better to die living than to die never having lived"

MAY 12th UPDATE

ALOHA EVERYONE.

Updates for THURS 7th MAY (follow topic specific blogs 4 more recent & detailed news to be uploaded soon)

NOTE - there’s a CORE GROUP meeting on the 14th of MAY @ 7pm. email any comments, recommendations, updates etc for discussion.

YEYA project- NZAID has finally deposited the final payment.TOP$5000 . With an extension till JULY 31st to complete activities and report.

SERVICE - SAT 25th/04/09 - volunteers went face painting at the fund Management building to help raise awareness & funds for the Child Cancer Foundation. We were there from early morning till mid afternoon. The Gang painted close to 100 masterpieces and raised $50 for the cause. Robina Nakau was so pleased with the public attention our service attracted that the team was shouted free burger and chips from ESCAPE. Mmmm

OMAI MEI PULOTU - PRODUCTION!!!- To help FUNDRAISING. Post a comment on Discussion Board to give Give Luisa Fonua or Ruha Fifita any unwanted stuff- or volunteer to help sell stuff and Face paint at the Fair – SAT mornings. Production scheduled for end of JULY . waiting for info from Heilala Committee to confirm Dates. discussions are really exciting . Will need involvement of about 40 young people as models and performers, back stage, etc.

SUTO -our funky TV program ;-). Chris, mercy and Harri did an awesome job finishing episode 5- about the Tongan Eagles Band and Life line Art workshop in Kolomotua. Episode 6 is yet to to be shot .
Isi now working at TMN TV2 so the program is part of his employment there, but though it should be easier to co-odinate time with him - its actually become harder as he is always called on to do other jobs. Also Team needs Sponsorship ideas!!!!!


STAGE FRIGHT #7 – Thanks for all the suggestions for taglines and themes. The Tagline is- Feel it, Face it, Use it

JUDO HALL – needs attention. We’re researching expensive renovations - ie roof. Discussing long term rental options with the Landlord. In the meantime we need to start using this spot as soon as possible.

CLEAN UP days being organised to strip and clean the damp mats, waterblast the walls, clean out changing rooms and storage space... etc. EVERYONES HELP is needed.

BRISBANE - Pacific Storms Exhibition, DREAMING festival, and Byers Night - Tour with Pacific Arts Alliance . http://www.pacificartsalliance.com/ travel tentatively booked for 1st-16th June. Ruha and Luisa org Sponsorship request. Participants confirmed are Yvane, Ebonie and Tapa workshop facillitator Kilisitina Fehoko.

BLACK GRACE DANCER visits JULY 11th`-25th to run Workshops with the group.

YEYA WORKSHOP-1 week improvisation & acting workshops with New Caledonian team ‘Pacifique et Companique’- 25th May-30th May. 30 places open for participants.

ART EXHIBITION - still need everyones ideas- time place.. etc.

CLIPPING HIV/AIDS - pre-film Surveys are almost completed. 100 to already analysed. 100 to go . http://www.unesco.org/csi/YV/index.htm next meeting SAT 9th -4:30pm with project leaders -6pm working team aka “ the 10” (lol but there aren’t even 10?? )

WEBSITEe -AMY & ALFRED doing great stuff- another meeting soon !! We need everyones funky ideas for content. basics are - YOUTH , ARTS, SERVICE http://sites.google.com/site/onthespottonga/Home

NEW STUFF- Peace Corps has donated a basket Ball , Soccer Ball and American Football to the Group . YAY!!!! SPORTS DAYS coming soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Malo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YEYA: To Feature in TAIMI TONGA for Young Readers

OTS youth display @MOTEYS microenterprise day for sports week . lol ?

News from Tonga in Brief. but not in order.

• NZAID Report for Project YEYA 08 almost done and ready to hand in - after many sleepless nights and a frustrating search for a missing 70 cents.

• Mercy , Hiva and Ruha showing great initiative and leadership in Havelu community - running a weekly program for over 40 junior youth. 5pm every Wednesday. They recently planted a vegetable garden and Mercy was especially pleased with the positive interaction from younger boys today in their discussions about school violence and village fights.

• OTS has been asked to provide entertainment for KINGS & QUEENS HIP HOP Competition Friday 5th at Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

Samiu 'Ofa will be singing his popular composition- LOUKULUKONA
and Sarah, Line, Emeline , Nisyola , Minaira and Heimani will be dancing.

• OTS was approached by MOTEYS- Ministry of Trainning , Employment , Youth and Sports to participate in recent Seminar and Micro enterprise exhibition. 1st and 2nd DEC . Our Volunteers went full out - preparing games and icebreakers, as well as artwork and T-shirts to display and sell .Although this years program did not attract much of the public or much youth participation - OTS did a fantastic job and the Ministry has agreed that more young people should be included in the planning and running of future National events by the Ministry.

• Isi Taufahema and Father Hanite- directed and shot the winning short film - titled DISOBEDIENT about fatal consequences of drunk driving - for Tongas recent Short Film Festival. there were 13 entries in total. unfortunately prizes were not presented- but both look forward to producing more short films -October

• OTS wins prizes at recent Aati 'oe Veve competition and goes on an early morning rubbish pickup around the lagoon shore in Havelu as part of the annual Clean Up The World program. October
  

• The group is invited to attend the first WASAWASA festival in Fiji this month by the Pacific Arts Alliance- but unfortunately cannot go because of inability to pay remaining 50% of airfares!!! :-(

• We perform a new piece honoring the women in our society - to an audience of leaders, students and community people- for the ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN DAY. NOV 25th. ( Mercy, Hiva, Stanley , Aiona also do an outstanding job at choreographing their schools dance for the day and performing with fellow peers)

• Domidilla has received a study scholarship. details Yet to be confirmed.

• Yi-Shen visits from NZ. Fun times . group is also encouraged to develop a constitution and registration forms for 2009 members.

• DK could be visiting next year - as well as the New Caledonian Theater group to run workshops and training with local youth.

• Workshops in Popping coming up next week with visiting dancer from NZ-Diana. email, call or post to participate and find out more info.

Shot Everyone. Great Stuff .

... CHris contributes a quote for the month-
" Its better to be yourself becoz everyone else is taken "
poupou.

( PICTURES WILL BE UPLOADED SOON )

----------------------------------------------------------------
Other PLANS FOR 2009

1. FIND A VENUE- youth Arts centre.-unfortunately the Judo hall will not be our to use next year for our workshops and rehearsal- owners will be renting it our as a wharehouse. We are therefor looking for a new place!! whoop whoop . need everyones help here. One that we can hopefully set up and develop on a long term basis- into a youth Arts/Development Centre .
2. OMAI MEI PULOTU Fashion Show - is scheduled for Jan or Feb to be an annual Fundraiser for group activities. Look out for Tickets- and Get in Touch if you would like to volunteer as a model or be part of the design team.
3. ON THE SPOT has been invited to attend Dreaming Festival in Brisbane - June 2009. Preparations to begin in Feb.
4. Stage Fright will Continue with lots of exciting changes to the usual format.
5. Film footage and photos of 2008 activities and performances are being collected to edit into a TV show for local Television- presenters will be Hiva, Line and Mercy. just hola if you would like to comment, support or give ideas for this project.
6. Chris has developed registration and profile forms and will be collecting data to from a database of group members, their talents , experience and interest.
7. ON THE SPOT - plans to do more outreach programs to schools and villages next year.
8. We are dreaming about having a group Bus -to help transport youth to evening events and support more participation of girls Thanks Dilla for the reminder.
9. Temily will be back next year to continue more exciting art projects.
10. We have our eyes on a few of the blank walls in town for potential murals. Start designing everyone.
11. There's talk about recording an ON THE SPOT album - Volume 1, with all the best tracks from this years youth voices - Courage, So good to be Young, Tongan Boy, Shinning Star, Save me , Loukulukona, Poverty, Ta'ahine Tonga.... just looking for funds or ways to make funds. Any ideas out there?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Search for the us on facebook groups - . As 2008 draws to a close ON THE SPOT would like to call all facebook members to share highlights of the year and goals for 2009- IN YOUR OWN CREATIVE WAY PEOPLE!!!!-
pictures, videos, slideshow, poems, check out http://animoto.com/ or use good ol paragraphs and bullet form
post it , paste it , send everyone a message.. whatever .
What empowering activities have you been part of and what do you hope for in 2009?
---------------------------------------------------------------

ONLINE MEDIA TRAINING ~ YUMmmmy

As a young Tongan and coordinator of ON THE SPOT I feel very fortunate to have participated in such a fantastic online media training course. The media snacks we were served and especially the creative ways they were presented were wonderful and extremely inspiring.

From Tongan Participants:

( Pictures: Media Training - Day 1 :reading the MediaSnackers Pacific Youth welcome Page - to quiz eachother on.(see ruha taking notes ;-) ) .. ."WHO IS DK?")

BIG Thank you to the team of facilitators - Mark , Chris , Antonio and DK - who really knew the knitty gritty of what they were sharing with us and were able to answer all our questions with wisdom and encouragement.

Slideshare especially was a very effective tool in communicating to us the objectives of each week. I really appreciated the extra links provided and the downloadable mission documents that outlined our task for the week and provided useful tips from the lesson.
Topics were presented in a logical order that ensured we were confidant at each stage of the journey and ready to snack on new tasty bits.

We are very grateful for the online chats each week which were made possible by YAC. These gave us the dynamic platform to communicate personally with facilitators and our peers in PNG and to share any achievements or concerns as the course developed.

(Picture: From front- Yvane, Mercy,

Thomas, & Sevi completing assignments)

Thanks also to Tau’olunga Computers for use of their excellent facilities and guidance as we familiarized ourselves with using Apple Macs and to NZAID for granting us funding for our YEYA project of which this media training was a part.

Lastly , a special thank you to the YSF team for their continued support of ON THE SPOT and for their hard work to find and develop exciting , capacity building opportunities for Young People in the Pacific The skills that I and my team have learned will help us to enhance our activities for youth empowerment and community development.


I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the training, even the murderously slow video uploading time and connection failures!!! Somehow we still manged to get one video on to You Tube ... and we are working on more !! :-)

Other snacks that i am excited to keep tasting and using are ANIMOTO ( of course!!! - this was a team favourite- we loved being surprised by the end product of each Animoto ) , blogspot (this thing :-) , WetPaint , flicker, slideshare, Delicious and Social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook, plus any other online tools that I have forgotten to mention in my excitement!

(Picture: Domidilla having fun creating her blogspot)

As well as the blogs we each created, members have also been able to translate the basics we learnt in effective communication, networking, creative presentations into our day to day activities, youth workshops, and workplaces.

The main challenges we had with completing the course were because of our limited resources, slow Internet connection, the weather, and just getting to the training spot on time from each of our villages.

( PICTURE : (from Back) Sevi, George, and Mercy
sharing the only set of speakers & watching Slideshare )

I hope more opportunities develop for pacific youth

to actively and responsibly use

ONLINE MEDIA .

Our Islands may be small but our potential and creative ideas, like the ocean are full of life, power, strength and beauty that can send ripples around the world.

Such participation by Pacific Youth is crucial to collective efforts for a Peaceful, Sustainable, Beautiful * ;-) and Just world.

From ON THE SPOT and myself ~ MALO 'AUPITO (Big THanks) to everyone who was a part of this much needed and very Satisfying, Tasty, Pot luck Meal. ;-P EBONIE

(Picture: The boys on the road to class)

Tongan Youth .OTS!!!