Ana Malia Melanie Angeles Falemaka

Ana is an 18-year-old youth mentor and activist at Talitha Project in Tonga, an organisation that works towards empowering young women and girls. With the aid of funds from programmes such as Pacific Girl, they run empowering sessions for girls in Tonga on topics including Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, Violence, Self Esteem and Confidence. Outside of Talitha, Ana raises awareness on social media, and at workshops and forums on topics including Climate Change. In her community, Ana leads young people in looking after their elders by encouraging them to do chores as well as empowering them through prayer and other fun activities planned. Ana is also a first year Law student at the University of the South Pacific Tonga.

One action Ana would like everyone to take:

“For me it is simple - people can play their role in helping to implement the change we wish to see in our society and world. If we want to see a change, we have to take the first step and be that change. If love, hope and peace is in our hearts, then there are no barriers to creating a much safer, healthier Earth. Anything is possible through Christ alone.”

Follow Ana on Instagram and the Talitha Project on Facebook.