Goucher Alum Meets Tongan Prime Minister and Ambassador to the UN

Goucher alumnae/i truly make an impact globally. Chiara Collette '12 was recently invited to meet with the Prime Minister and Ambassador of Tonga on behalf of the nonprofit she co-founded and is currently the program manager of: Friends of Tonga Inc.

In 2018 when FoT was established, they sought to support local disaster relief efforts, drive greater awareness of Tonga, and cultivate an engaged community to support the country. Over the past four years, FoT has expanded its mission to promote educational and human development. Their mission statement reads “Friends of Tonga is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that seeks to connect all people with a vested interest in the welfare of the Tongan people and to partner with local Tongan organizations to support, enhance, and amplify educational initiatives, and opportunities in the Kingdom of Tonga.” Their projects and programs reach all ages, with a strong focus on educational efforts and partnering with the local communities, ministries, professionals, and even the United States Peace Corps. When reflecting on her accomplishments, Chiara said “being a part of the Education program at Goucher, and getting to study abroad, definitely inspired me to teach in the Peace Corps and has provided the foundation for much of the work we do for Friends of Tonga.”

Check out friendsoftonga.org to read more about this amazing organization.