Loto＇i Tongas＂the big heart＂-is a term describing all that is Tongan： the passion, joy, spirit, and the mind. This quality of being Tongan shapes the way in which Tongans work together to achieve successful outcom...Loto＇i Tongas＂the big heart＂-is a term describing all that is Tongan： the passion, joy, spirit, and the mind. This quality of being Tongan shapes the way in which Tongans work together to achieve successful outcomes. Loto＇i Tonga influences activities such as community development projects, social and health services initiatives, as well as the passion seen when Tongan engages in sporting activities. This case study describes a community development project in West Auckland, New Zealand, which brought together the Tongan community. The primary aim of the project was to improve the health and wellbeing of Tongans living in West Auckland. Conducted over several years, the project resulted in the establishment of vegetable gardens, a Tongan pre-school centre, and a woman＇s home-based development initiative resulting in the production of a variety of crafts as well as well-being activities. These successful outcomes provide a clear message to both Tongan and non-Tongan leaders that a way to success in Tongan community development is to empower Tongans to be able to lead and take control over determinants of their life and their well-being. Loto＇i Tonga is a key cultural value that determines such outcomes.展开更多
文摘Loto＇i Tongas＂the big heart＂-is a term describing all that is Tongan： the passion, joy, spirit, and the mind. This quality of being Tongan shapes the way in which Tongans work together to achieve successful outcomes. Loto＇i Tonga influences activities such as community development projects, social and health services initiatives, as well as the passion seen when Tongan engages in sporting activities. This case study describes a community development project in West Auckland, New Zealand, which brought together the Tongan community. The primary aim of the project was to improve the health and wellbeing of Tongans living in West Auckland. Conducted over several years, the project resulted in the establishment of vegetable gardens, a Tongan pre-school centre, and a woman＇s home-based development initiative resulting in the production of a variety of crafts as well as well-being activities. These successful outcomes provide a clear message to both Tongan and non-Tongan leaders that a way to success in Tongan community development is to empower Tongans to be able to lead and take control over determinants of their life and their well-being. Loto＇i Tonga is a key cultural value that determines such outcomes.
