Gang trouble

in Tonga

A dangerous situation is developing in Nukualofa where young people leaving school and finding them selves unemployed are joining gangs and raiding houses for food, clothing and money. This is the view of former Tongan Director of Educa tion, Mr. Peter Chignall.

In a report published at the end of 1969 Mr. Chignall says: “During the next 10 years 1,400 employees will retire and during the same period over 11,000 will join the labour force.” Many of these young people had already left school and church and joined gangs.

His answer to the problem? “Punish ment alone will not improve these lads —only useful training and worth while employment. At the moment the community has no place for them. They feel rejected; they are forced to live like outcasts.”

A general youth club and gym nasium was needed to cater for the young generation. They should have workshops to learn carpentery, tech nical drawing, agriculture and so on.

“The soil is very fertile,” he added.

“Tonga needs her youth to work this fertile soil. But Tongan youths and their parents must turn away from the futile hunting for white-collar jobs.”