During my internship in Tonga I saw and witnessed high
school rivalries taking it to the streets with physical fist fighting, bullying
and physical abuse. To make the matters worse this was actually caused by church
schools. Apparently every year during the rugby season these school fights had
challenged not only police officers, ministry of police, school administrations
but also the government. A lot of times students were hurt severely from this
causing death and hospitalization due to injuries.
I am so done with this so called Tongan culture and
Tongan family respect. The abuse and bully had gone far too long. Do you really
think that you can bully people and get away with it? The abuse whether
physical or verbal will no longer be tolerated. I am going to spearhead
advocating for change. Although it is going to be a very tough job campaigning
for this type of behavior to stop nevertheless my passion to make a difference
will supplant.
Do you really think that all your physical abuses in
the past didn’t leave a trace? Do you really think that though it happened in
the past that you are protected due to Tongan families’ forgiveness and also
due to cultural influence? Let me say this, these criminal acts of physical
cruelties don’t have that protection under the statute of limitations. Please
dig deep down and try to remember dates when children were admitted to the
hospital with physical injuries. Accessing medical records can be done if
ordered by the court. Think about it Mr. Bully/Bullies! Please stop picking on innocent
children in town because they attend a particular school, maybe it is time that
the law picks on you.
This is one of the extreme social issues in the
Kingdom right now, and it is very disturbing indeed that this happens year
after year. It should be stopped. Rugby sports shouldn’t be suspended or taken
away from high schools because some of the students who excel in rugby are
picked for international schools overseas under scholarships. A lot of people
are pointing their fingers at parents to whom they believe should start the
discipline. But then the corporal punishment still exists in Tonga from home
which is controversial. There is need for government intervention there. I know
advocating for change will be extremely difficult, but somehow I will find a
find a way.
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