26/10/2022
When the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano erupted in Tonga in January 2022, Malia Alisi Tatafu Vea was the only qualified Clinical Psychologist working in Tonga. After the eruption, Alisi came to New Zealand to continue working on her PhD at Victoria University of Wellington. She knew that once she was settled she would write storybooks in the Tongan language for parents, children and teachers in Tonga.
Alisi accomplished her goal by completing a storybook dedicated to the children who witnessed the volcanic eruption in Tonga earlier this year. The children’s book, titled "POTE NEEDS YOU TO KNOW" - "'OKU FU'U FIEMA'U 'E POTE KE KE 'ILO,” is about a girl named Pote, who witnessed a traumatic event equivalent to the volcanic eruption that happened in Tonga. The story incorporates some of the common signs of PTSD/anxiety that Tongan children experienced, as well as some evidence-based approaches to address children’s anxiety. Pote, the main character of the story, is named after Alisi's eldest daughter. The cover of the book is Pote's very first painting after the volcanic eruption.
After discovering the value of this story and the impact it can have on providing mental health support to Tongan children, Twinnies Publishing in Australia chose this story as their last book to publish this year. They have agreed to translate the book into English as well, so that the story can be read in both Tongan and English, all in one book!
Along with celebrating the accomplishments of Alisi’s hard work, we would like to encourage others to jump in and support the families in Tonga. Pre-ordering is now open for this book, which will be launched at the end of November. All purchases during the pre-ordering period will receive a stack of Pote Emotions cards, extra material to help children. The book will be a great Christmas present for families and children in Tonga, and we are aiming to get the donated books shipped to Tonga at the end of November or sooner.
Below are the links for purchasing the book. One link is for those who would like to purchase a book for them (Twinnies will post the book to the buyer), and the second link is for those who might want to purchase the book to donate to Tonga (Buyer will not be sent a copy but Twinnies will keep it for the Tonga donation collection). There is also an option for those who might want to bulk-purchase the book which will come with discounts if the buyer will purchase more than 10 books!
Thank you for supporting mental health awareness for Tonga and beyond.
https://www.twinniesbooksandgoods.com/Store/POTE-DONATIONS-COPY-p503086279
https://www.twinniesbooksandgoods.com/Store/POTE-NEEDS-YOU-TO-KNOW-p502036756
