SPOT.ED -Vol.1, Issue 1

8/6/2019 SPOT.ED -Vol.1, Issue 1

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On behalf of ON THE SPOT,WELCOME

to the First Ever Issue of SPOT.Ed ,our quarterly community newsletter.We are so excited to finally be able to offer this.The process of creating SPOT.Edhas been a re-warding challenge;Where there wasNO TIME, we MADE TIME;NO FUNDING, we WORKED FOR FREE;NO EXPERIENCE, we LEARNT FROM OUR MISTAKES..

And the learning continues...

Our Vision is to EDUCATE, EMPOWER and ENGAGEthe Community through this dynamic creativeplatform.

SPOT.ed T H E O N T H E S P O T Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R

0 4 . M A R C H . 2 0 1 1V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

LETTER

FROM

ABROADInternational mem-

ber writes to OTSafter a year away

SPOT.Edhas 4 main Sections:THINK !T HE SPOT TO V O I C E Y O U R T H O U G H T S A N D R E A D

O T H E R S .

EXPRESS !T H E S P O T TO C E L E B R AT E A N D A P P R E C I AT E C R E A -T I V E W O R K S A N D A RT I S T I C E X P R E S S I O N .

BE !T H E S P O T TO L E A R N A B O U T P E O P L E I N O U RC O M M U N I T Y

DO !T H E S P O T TO F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T W H AT W E D O ,W H AT W E V E D O N E , W H AT W E W I L L D O & W H ATY O U C A N D O !

OTS LEADSINTERNATIONAL

AWARDIN TONGA

SPOTLIGHTON

OFA PRESCOTT

Tuionetoa......PLEASE !

INTRODUCING

TWO TALENTED

TONGAN POETS!And theres a whole

lot more where this

came from...

PAGE 2

BE !

DO !

EXPRESS !

THINK !

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

PAGE 4


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P A G E 2 S P O T . E D I S S U E 1 V O L U M E 1 M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Its a beautiful thing to be blessed with a lifelong friend, a person whose absence makes youmiss 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. Throughouther 3 year service in Tonga as an American Peace Corps Volunteer, Beth was a constantsource 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. Itwas weird to have people saying things like, "Wow! You've already been back a year?!can't believe it! It seems like you just got back a month or so ago!" To some degree itdoes feel like I left only a few weeks ago, and on the flip-side,it seems like it's been agessince I've basked in the "comforts" of what quickly became my (Tongan) home.

To say that this year was full of change might the biggest understatement of alltime! Not only did I leave the life I LOVED for more than three years, but I came homa place I didn't know and decided to create a whole new future for myself. I stepped oufor the first time, truly on my own. I was scared to death and fearless at the sametime.

I admit that I owe my fearlessness to ON THE SPOT.Are you all surprised?! Youshouldn't be! It was through my work with you that I came to fully understand myself(my talents and my short-comings) and how I want to relate to others. You all taughtme to have a little faith that things will work out alright; that good feelings betweenpeople are more important than any material possession; and that perfection isn't about

nailing all the details, but more about putting on a great performance. These three ide-als continue to help me have on a daily basis. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

I've also spent a large part of my year being forced to follow my own advice. Tellingmyself to"be a problem-solver and NOT a problem-admirer"became exhausting afteronly four months. Then, I realized, if I actually followed that advice I'd be able to makechanges in my life. And, believe it or not, that's exactly how it worked! Once I starteddoing, as opposed to observing and complaining, my life truly began to change for thebetter.

The other thing that I cannot deny is how much OTS has changed over this year as wellfor the individual members and for the group as a whole. I feel like I want to say thatyou've come a long way, but that feels, somehow, more condescending than complimen

tary; it's meant to be a compliment, trust me. Eitherway, what remains the same is thatyou all are themost-talented, fun, and wonderful people I have hadtheprivilegeto know!

Please, please, PLEASE continue to DO great work,for yourselves and for the youth of Tonga! You havemade a HUGE difference in my life, and I know I'mnot alone in this feeling!!!

'Ofa lahi atu!

Beth,a.k.a. Bef, Pepe, or Ta'ahine Pisikoa Fakahela 'Aupito

You all taughtme to have alittle faith thatthings willwork outalright; thatgood feelingsbetween peopleare moreimportant thanany material

possession; andthat perfectionisn't aboutnailing all thedetails, butmore aboutputting on agreat

performance.

T H I N K !


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Precious POETRY:ON THE SPOTs Recent STAGE FRIGHT Poetry Challenge

featured an impressive array of Original Poetry . Initiated tocelebrate creativity, connect communities and complete chal-lenges, STAGE FRIGHT is constantly discovering new talent.Here are a couple of our most recent finds:

E X P R E S S !

Soldier of Change

March forward

Turn right, turn leftBe Alert! Of the Theft

Time is a virtue Waiting anxiouslyObserving silently

Love dangerous redBlack sophisticatedsadCrammed withopportunityCuddle with infidelity

Salute to failureGun down successDecisions, Destiny You must addressCHANGE

By TEVITA VAHAI (2/3/11)

P oetry is thoughts that breathe,and words that burn.

Thomas Gray

Brain Scan Receipt We spend subconscious time searching for something to find

When we don't find it it's a forgiven indecisionI spent most of my life tryin not to go blindBut 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 placeSuch a waste

to live life to save faceBut if you throw me a rope

I might be able to cope A friendly face flashes a glimmer of hope

On that rope we can bullishly pull...... After all, the glass isn't half empty.....it's definitely half full

Pen and paper flow with a rhythm that is brokenInadequate it seems these words that can be spoken

A simple token that is trivial for a man is hush hushThough it's cause and effect feel like an adrenaline rush

I take a step forward but faith is when we leapIt's hard to forget what I see when I sleep

The soul craves for dreams Just floatin on seas and trees

And those smiles still bring me to my kneesIts such a priceless gift

Maybe one that will uplift And sure to keep us from ever floating adrift

If it weren't for the tearsThose long and short-lived fears

Will these words survive the distance between my mouth and your ears?This thing we call life is it supposed to be safe?!

From tragedy to discovery of beginnings, not endings so refreshingRenew faith in humanity, humanizing those surrounding

It feels so organic, or can it just flow like a stream from our mothers and fathersLet's take a little bit further, and gaze at this space.....

How did we arrive at this time and place? You see if time doesn't exist then why don't we just vacate?

Wait.......I think I lost you there, or maybe you can relateSelf serving and maintained or is it preordained?

Our journey to understand the decisions already madeIt's zest can best be expressed

By the thrill that comes through the struggleOf this we can attest

The path is clear and ours to be perceivedThe idea for these words weren't immaculately conceived

You see in us are two dogs of very different breeds 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 believedLike there's no prejudice in the world no matter your race or creedThat good always triumphs over evil, and love is all we need

This thing we call life is it supposed to be safe?!

By NAUDER BOLOURI


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Ofa Prescott Tuionetoa has an infectious passion for dance, musicand creativity. She has dedicated her life to supporting her family,serving others and pursuing her dreams, ever-ready to take on newchallenges and make the most of life. Since joining ON THE SPOT in2009 with her younger sister, Aiona, as a dancer, choreographer,singer, and an enthusiastic young leader, she has contributedgreatly to the groups development. Presently, Ofa also serves asone of OTSs 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 Ive learnt many things like virtues and Workingtogether and helping each other. Many teenagers are not doing that now,They just see that person and are like oh Nah, Im better than her, Youknow, like they dont get to hold hands, sit and be friends and help him/herand love each other.

I wasnt confident to stand in front of people or talking to people... Im ashy person Ill say... Im not Anymore... when I came in to the group youmeet new people, make them feel welcome... put that smile on your facewhich is like Ok Youre In! Welcome ...like definitely in to whatever youregoing to.

One of Ofas favourite memories with OTS is when she had to completea choreography challenge for Stage Fright . The dance had to be per-formed and filmed right in town on the roadside in broad daylight...distracting the drivers and almost causing an accident. ... it wassooo embarrassing ( giggle) Ill never forget... Wow, Ive been having a lot of fun with OTS .

What inspires you as an artist? ...My Family...I have one real brother and he is disabled and it really en-courages me... he couldve done something else but because he is disabled.Im working for him as well... and another thing that really inspires me isGod... Im doing everything for Him, and be strong in Him, cos hes the only

one who will lead you that way and who will get youthrough what you wanted to be in the future.

How do you feel about having your sister in thegroup?

Its really awesome!!...you know, its 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.

SPOTlightin the O some OFA PRESCOTT TUIONETOA B E !

Do you have afavouriteQuote/Inspirational

saying...??What we are

is Gods gift tous. What we

become is our

gift to God.Eleanor Powell


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OTS LEADS INTERNATIONAL AWARD!

On February 19th, 2011, 6 members of ON THE SPOT (Ana Longo Kolokihakaufisi, AlfredSoakai, Ruha Fifita, Tevita Vahai, 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 peoplea balanced, non-competitive program of voluntary activities which encouragespersonal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility tothemselves and service to their community.

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. KurtHahn, 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;

and led by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1956, the Program has developed andgrown internationally, now reaching young people in over 130 countries around the world.

It is hoped that this Program will encourage young people here in Tonga to be able tolook beyond barriers, and to set goals, not limits . The challenge is for young people tomake things happen rather than waiting for things to happen for them.

For further enquiries please contact Ms. Ana Kolokihakaufisi, Award UnitLeader/ Youth Development Director, ON THE SPOT (Inc), Tonga.email : [email protected] mobile:(676) 7708353. Please also ref-erence the Award Program website at www.intaward.org

ON THE SPOT Programme EVENT/ACTIVITIES UNDER PROGRAMME

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR PROGRAMME, EVENT OR ACTIVITY, PLEASE VISIT OURFACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/ONTHESP.T

OR EMAIL US: [email protected]

When the

mind is stretched

by newexperiences it cannever return toits formerdimensions. Dr Kurt Hahn(GermanEducationalist)

D O !

ACTIV8 Developing Healthy Habitsto recharge your lifestyle.

Rediscovering culturalvalues, knowledge & wisdomthrough creativeexpressions.

FEEL IT. FACE IT. USEIT....Celebrating commu-

nity performing arts

STAGE FRIGHT THEATRE CHALLENGE- JuneDARE TO DANCE Some Saturdays, Judo Hall

DANCE CLASSES Fridays 4-6pm, Judo Hall

ORIGINAL LOCAL ART 4 SALEWhen: Ongoing Where: Reef Cafe

SHIFTING SANDS ART EXHIBITIONWhen: April.Where: Reef Cafe.

ULTIMATE FRISBEEWhen: Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, 5pm.Where: Tailulu College Rugby Field (Havelu)

CREATE.

INSPIRE.

EXPLORE.

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:
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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CREATIVITYIS ANATTITUDE,AN

ATTITUDETHAT SAYS, I CAN DO

THAT. unknown

E-mail: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/ONTHESP.TMobile: (+676) 773-6888 or (+676) 773-1196

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 promotecreative thinking, artistic expression, social responsibility,global awareness, and local action .

MISSION: To realise our vision we will work together in order todevelop creative initiatives for community service and artisticexpression. Initiatives will engage, educate and empower youngpeople as dynamic social agents of positivechange by, creating opportunities and a space for development of the arts, as a dynamic means to explore,

understand and shape our environment.PRINCIPLES: Selflessness & Service. Initiative & Integrity. Respect & Responsibility. Culture & Creativity. Love & Leadership.

" Never doubtthat a smallgroup ofthoughtful,committedpeople canchange theworld.Indeed, it isthe onlything thatever has."-Margaret Mead. OTS WOULD LIKE TO

THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOR THEIR SUPPORT:LENNIE NIIT & FAMILY REEF CAFE (ROSE & TAVAKE FAN-GUPO)TANYA EDWARDS & FAMILY CHRIS & SHANE EGANROBINA NAKAOISABELLE DE HAASLEE MILLER LETILLA MITCHELLNATALIA PEREIRA GEORGE THEODORE STRATIGOS-KALAFI MOALA MAUI OFAMOONI

COMMONWEALTH YOUTHPROGRAMME (CYP)CAROLINE HUDSONROB OLIPHANTLOKETI NIUA LATULOLA UEDA ELAINE HOWARD TOKOLAHISHASHEEN JAYAWEERA JOSH MITIKULENA

SAINT MARYS COLLEGE And thank you to those who contributed to

this issue of SPOT.Ed:BETHANY JACOBSTEVITA VAHAINAUDER BOLOURI

OFA PRESCOTT TUIONETOA ANA LONGO KOLOKIHAKAUFISI

Sandy Phillips, Sam Hafoka,Tevita Vahai, Ruha & Ebonie Fifita.

SPOT.Edis an OTS Publication.

EDITOR 1: TEVITA VAHAI

EDITOR 2: RUHA FIFITA

SPOT.Ed:CONCEPT CREATORS

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SPOT.ED -Vol.1, Issue 1