Tonga

Tonga Guide/Ranger Law

1. A Guide is loyal and can be trusted.
   
2. A Guide is helpful.
   
3. A Guide is polite and considerate.
   
4. A Guide is friendly and a sister to all Guides.
   
5. A Guide is kind to animals and respects all living things.
   
6. A Guide is obedient.
   
7. A Guide has courage and is cheerful in all difficulties.
   
8. A Guide makes good use of her time.
   
9. Guide takes care of her own possessions and those of other people.
   
10. A Guide is self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does.
    

Tonga Brownie Law

A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself and does a good turn every day.

Development of the Movement

Guiding was started in Tonga at the instigation of Queen Salote in 1952, and the first companies were formed on the island of Tongatapu. In 1955 the consort of the present King became Commissioner of the Association. The first Brownie pack was started in 1957 and, during the next few years, Guiding spread to the islands of Ha’apai and Vava’u, and to the ‘Eua in 1971.

In 1986 the Guide Association (UK) signed a Deed of Transfer which gave Tonga, formerly a Branch Association, self-government in all areas of work.

The geography of the country and the lack of roads make communication between the islands difficult, which prevents regular visits and training events on the outlying islands. At present, Guiding is active only on the main island due to a lack of leaders. Teachers interested in Guiding are currently being encouraged to start units in their schools. Guiding started again in 1998 in one of the outer islands – Vava’u Island.