AFL Tonga

The inaugural TAFA PTH Scholarship has been extremely successful in many ways. Our vision for the scholarship program is extremely ambitious and our standards are necessarily very high. TAFA fully acknowledges that this presents considerable challenges for the student and stakeholders.

The rewards for our persistence and determination throughout 2005 have been:

• The positive academic, sporting and social development of Semisi Takelo;

• Increased public awareness of TAFA’s commitment to “Community Development through Sport”;

• A focal point for the development of Australian Football within Tonga;

• A greater understanding of the challenges and benefits of the Scholarship Program;

The academic, football and host family reports for Semisi Takelo have been finalised and are summarised below. TAFA thanks all stakeholders and participants for their persistence and determination in supporting us towards this milestone.

ACADEMIC REPORT

Throughout 2005 Semisi has demonstrated considerable determination in overcoming the challenges of English Language, cultural immersion, social integration and a new sport. Despite early difficulties, which were eased considerably through the assistance of individuals within the Tongan expatriate community in Melbourne, Semisi has achieved satisfactory results. This is highly commendable and a fantastic result for TAFA’s first ever scholarship. The attachment outlines one of the highlights of Semisi's year - escorting Ms Sally Kelly to the Assumption College Debutante Ball. TAFA Scholarship Manager (Mark Korsten) witnessed this event and was extremely impressed (as was the local newspaper obviously) with Semisi's presentation.

A full academic report will be provided to official scholarship stakeholders.

FOOTBALL REPORT

Semisi was a member of the Assumption College Thirds team throughout the 2005 season. During this period his skills and understanding of the game have improved steadily to a point that will allow him to assist in future playing, coaching and umpire development roles in Tonga.

HOST FAMILY REPORT

Despite early cultural and religious complexities, Semisi has integrated well into the host family. Jo Cross, the host mother, reports that “the opportunity to host a Tongan student within our family has been an incredibly positive experience. Before Semisi’s arrival we knew nothing of Tonga. We have many wonderful memories that will stay with us forever. We will miss him dearly and wish him all the best with whatever 2006 brings”.

TAFA REPORT

Semisi’s efforts in pioneering the TAFA Scholarship Program have been extremely impressive. It is clear that the challenges of cultural immersion and the English Language have been considerable obstacles to overcome. Semisi’s determination in dealing with these issues is extremely commendable.

Unfortunately it is considered likely that TAFA will only be able to support one scholarship in 2006 due to financial constraints and the requirement for a partnership with a supporting Tongan expatriate community. This leaves TAFA with the important decision of supporting a second year at ACK for Semisi, or alternatively offering a first year scholarship to another student.

Under these circumstances TAFA's emphasis is to broaden the pool of candidates eligible for future second year scholarships by commencing another first year scholarship.

2006 – THE WAY AHEAD

In 2006 TAFA intends to:

• Develop a more comprehensive student selection and preparation process;

• Form partnerships with the Tongan expatriate community in Australia in order to share the risks, rewards, costs and benefits of the TAFA Scholarship Program;

• More clearly delineate the objectives of junior (first year) scholarships from senior scholarships (second year);

Further information on any aspect of this report can be obtained from the TAFA Scholarship Manager, Mark Korsten at any of these addresses - tafa@tafa.to, mark@pacificoperations.net or korsto@hotmail.com.