Our Organization

Our Organization

'Amanaki Fo'ou is a volunteer diabetes education group dedicated to aggressively address the ravages of diabetes among the Tongan population. Our educational efforts are manifest both in the hospital system and in the community. Working side by side with their Tongan counterparts, our talented doctors and nurses focus on the treatment aspects of this widespread disease. In our prevention and education efforts, our volunteers work throughout the community in health fairs, diabetes screening and education in high schools, community classes on healthy eating, implementation of family home gardens and exercise activities.

In 2018 alone, ‘Amanaki Fo’ou

  • Rolled out 90-minute Diabetes Education DVD to church and government leaders; Princess was guest of honor
  • Shared DVD with over 3,500 people in town halls, churches and schools in outlying islands
  • Developed 9-week Diabetes Education Program manual in Tongan and English; launched program with Health Promotions Unit and the Council of Churches
  • Met with the King and Queen and presented Diabetes Education Manual
  • Held first ever multi-faith health forum.
    • Speakers included Catholic Cardinal, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Area Authority, President of Church of Tonga, CEO of Ministry of Health;
    • 600 in attendance; program recorded for rebroadcasting on TV and radio
    • Developed exercise certification program; certified first 15 health instructors
    • Led 255 people in exercise, among them the Princess and her congregation
  • Planted more than 60 raised-bed gardens
  • Taught healthy cooking classes to 20 teachers
  • Screened and provided diabetes consultation to 142 adults

In February 2017, the Ministry of Health and Tonga Health made 'Amanaki Fo'ou an official implementation partner in the National Strategic Plan for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. 'Amanaki Fo'ou works closely with the government, churches, schools and local communities in a culturally sensitive way to restore the Tongan people to the strong people they have been historically.