Education
IKUNA Backpack Drive
This July, we organized and distributed 300 backpacks to Tongan American families across the Inland Empire and other territories. Our Southern California cities included Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Chino hills, Pomona, Wildomar, San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Riverside, and Loma Linda. From Long Beach to Moreno Valley, we sent several drivers across cities to drop off backpacks, school supplies, and care packages for families. We also shipped backpacks to families in New Zealand and Alaska. Our efforts represent the work of our community in supporting each other and sharing resources across geographical divides. Because of the current pandemic, our annual IKUNA goal setting workshop has shifted to a virtual meeting space to give support to the students during this difficult time. Please consider donating to help us continue this community building and host more of these events in the future.
IKUNA Goal-setting Workshops
Annually @ First United Methodist Church, Ontario CA
Starting from 2018, MALO has helped prepare Tongan students going back to school by equipping them with skills such as goal setting and responsible time management, in addition to necessary supplies like backpacks and notebooks. Rooted in inspiring ‘ikuna’ or success within our youth, these workshops cultivate supportive, encouraging, and motivating learning spaces through engaging exercises facilitated by Eleni Soakai.