Pre-Service Training for Tonga Group 64 was held principally in Tongatapu and the Island Group of Ha'apai for ten weeks, beginning on October 5th when the Trainees arrived in the Kingdom and ending today, the 12 of December with 16 Trainees. The project was managed and executed by a training staff consisting of a Training Manager, two coordinators, one technical trainer, four Language Cultural Technical Facilitators, known as LCTFs, a training secretary, and one support staff.

The content was divided among four major subject areas: Language, Cross-Cultural, Technical and Health/Safety/Security. These components were developed throughout different phases of training with each phase designed to articulate specific content and focus areas.

PHASE ONE: Bridge to Training
Beginning on October 5th and ending on October 15th, the primary focus of this ten-day period was general orientation to the Peace Corps Tonga Post, its projects and operations, the Kingdom of Tonga with regards to Language and Culture, and to the goals, objectives and expectations of this Pre-Service Training.

PHASE TWO: Homestay, Center and School Observations
This phase of training was held in Ha'apai for five and a half weeks from October 16th to November 22nd . The main purpose was to provide the Trainees with general community experiences by living and interacting with Tongan families. In these families, the Trainees were exposed to Tongan family life in the villages of Pangai, Ha'ato'u, and Hihifo. The Homestay families helped the trainees in many ways: from sharing traditions, legends, and culturally appropriate behaviors for a variety of settings to blending them into daily routines and preparing local food for them.
During this time the four subject areas of this training were highlighted. Language classes were held at least once a day to provide a sound basis for understanding not only Tongan Language, but also the culture. Technical Education, Cross-Cultural and Health/Safety/Security sessions were held at the Ha'apai Youth Center once a week after an initial two-week half-day schedule. The Trainees designed, organized and facilitated a Community day in Pangai as an exercise in community involvement and activity. Trainees also participated in six-day school observation periods at primary and secondary schools throughout Ha'apai. At the conclusion of the Homestay Phase of Training, the Trainees demonstrated and presented aspects of Tongan Culture they had learned from their Homestay families for a celebration called 'Aho Faka Tonga ("Day of Tongan Way").

PHASE THREE: Attachment
From November 22nd until December 5th the Trainees were matched with Volunteers currently serving at sites in 'Eua, Tongatapu, Nomkua, Vava'u, Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou. The main purpose for this phase was to provide Trainees with an opportunity to experience Volunteer life firsthand. LCTFs traveled to each Island group and continued to provide language instruction.

PHASE FOUR: Bridge to service
After Attachment, the Trainees moved back to Nuku'alofa for the final phase of Pre-Service Training from December 6th to December 11th. These days were designed to prepare the Trainees for the transition from training to service. During this time, Trainees completed all training, administrative and medical requirements. On the final day of Bridge to Service, Trainees met with and facilitated a workshop with supervisors and counterparts from their sites. This workshop provided a valuable first connection for Volunteers and their supervisors or counterparts. Finally, they have made the decision and commitment to take the Peace Corps Oath to serve as volunteers in Tonga.

The overall goal of this training was TO PREPARE THE TRAINEES TO BECOME SAFE, CULTURALLY-SENSITIVE, SELF-RELIANT AND PRODUCTIVE VOLUNTEERS.

The objectives that were set for the Trainees to be able to do by today are:
1) attain a comfortable level using survival and basic Tongan language skills, technical and cross cultural skills, and health and safety maintenance skills necessary to allow them to serve effectively,
2) model the following skills of proficient development workers-critical thinking, creative problem solving, information gathering and analysis, flexibility, patience and self-reliance,
3) describe Peace Corps/Tonga' development strategy,
4) acquire the skills and information to function effectively as a facilitator assisting organizations and communities in defining problems, identifying assets and finding solutions.
5) Establish a support network across borders and at all levels of Tongan society-individual, professional, organizational, community, district, and national.
6) identify strategies to build counterpart relationships,
7) effectively manage the communication process utilizing listening and questioning skills, giving/receiving feedback, and interpreting non-verbal communication,
8) manage loneliness, isolation and stress, utilizing an understanding of basic nutrition, hygiene, and personal health and safety skills in the context of the Tongan community,
9) familiarize themselves with their assignments and acquire the necessary skills to complete assignments successfully,
10) clarify their understanding of what is expected of them as a Volunteer in order to set professional and personal goals and to measure their progress,
11) incorporate their understanding of the PC's mission and the Post's specific mission into activities and projects.

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