Motivation Australia recently carried out a feasibility study in Tonga, following an invitation from Naunau ‘o e ‘Alamaite Tonga Association (NATA) – the National Disabled Person’s Organisation of Tonga; and with funding through the Planet Wheeler Foundation.
The study identified a significant un-met need for appropriate wheelchair and prosthetic provision in Tonga. An on-going reliance on irregular and in-appropriate donated wheelchairs has resulted in many people being unable to leave their homes and be a part of their local community or society as a whole.
There are however positive initiatives under-way in Tonga. The Tongan Government has signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability; and has recently appointed a Government focal point for Disability.
For more information regarding the outcome of the feasibility study, please contact kyliemines@motivation.org.au