5 minute read
Royal Blessing
The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Centre (ADAC) in the Tonga Region has been running for 25 years and now has a new location—next to the Tongan Royal Palace. It’s one of many ways God’s love is alive in the Kingdom of Tonga. Ben Mack reports.
It was a warm, sunny day of blessings for Mele Prescott and The Salvation Army Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Centre team on March 4, in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga. Not only had they moved into a new space to provide lifechanging services for people battling addictions, but it was finally open.
Another blessing: the space is next to the Royal Palace in the centre of the city—meaning it’s easy for people to access and in a safe, clean location.
‘The location is superb, and we’re loving it,’ says Mele, ‘People come from all over Tonga by bus. Then it’s just a short walking distance to where we are now.’
The location is especially handy because more Tongans are struggling with drugs and alcohol—which Mele says is harming not only individuals and families today but leaving future generations and society at risk.
Open to all
‘Some of our clients are referred from various NGOs and government stakeholders,’ explains Mele. ‘But for those who seek help and volunteer to get treated or join our classes, they can come in whenever they want to. Everyone goes through the same process. Our staff will sit down with them and run a full assessment. We then allocate a counsellor to work with them once a week for their classes and their one-on-one sessions, which we call “Talatalanoa Sessions”.’
Mele also points out everyone is welcome at the ADAC, and help is available for all. ‘You don’t have to be a Christian to be part of the programme; everyone is welcome to join the programme if you feel you need our help.’
Addressing domestic violence
ADAC also offers programmes to help stop domestic violence. ‘Domestic violence is prevalent in Tonga, although often a hidden issue,’ Mele says. ‘There is a disturbing, historical problem of inter-school fights, and violent corporal punishment in schools is also well-documented.’
The Tongan Police Commissioner asked ADAC to run the programme, aimed at male offenders, to run alongside drug and alcohol programmes. Mele says: ‘Offenders of domestic violence ... need support in changing this normalised and deeply rooted behaviour, and that is where ADAC steps in. There are some good support structures in Tonga for victims, but almost no support for offenders.’
Spreading the word
ADAC is also promoting their services to the community in other ways; they’ve been sending out an SMS broadcast that discusses the work they’re doing. The broadcasts ran on Tuesdays between 11am and 3pm up until June.
They have also started hosting a radio programme. The talkback show is broadcast on the A3Z and FM 90 stations. It’s broadcast across Tongatapu—the most-populous island in Tonga, where Nuku’alofa is situated— and outer islands, too.
‘As the programme manager, I personally appreciate the importance of the community support,’ says Mele. ‘We’re so grateful. It makes a significant difference in the lives of those who seek help, and we’re blessed to have people who are willing to support the work that we do here in the centre. ‘We get phone calls and emails from people just thanking us for the work that the team are doing. We thank God for that, because together, we can do so much more. The support from the community will help the work of the ADAC to respond in a more connected way to the growing needs of those around us, and for us to live out the good news of Jesus as we care for people, transform lives and reform society by God’s power.’
Wholeness, help and healing
Mele says that, hopefully, the next 25 years will bring more healing throughout Tonga—and that the ADAC can help with that healing.
‘We praise God for what he’s doing for the centre and the team,’ she begins. ‘The team is so happy with all that is happening now at the centre, and we’re motivated by the love and the support we get from the corps officers, the corps members and the region. We wanted to say “malo ‘aupito” (thank you so much). We wouldn’t be where we are now if it wasn’t for their prayers and support. We are blessed to be a blessing to all those in need, and those who seek help at the centre and come to know Jesus through our services.’
The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Centre (ADAC) in Tonga is located at the Girl Guides Association Tonga building, Salote Rd, Nuku’alofa. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12:30pm.
The ADAC team can be reached at 23760 or mobile 7716043 and by email at adac@salvationarmy.to or mele.prescott@salvationarmy.to.
