Lisa Kiutau, 20, says Mama Mia is the person many young people turn to. "She has been a great role model for us. We've got a really good bond with her and it's easy for us to talk to her," says Lisa.
She confesses to having given Mrs Motuliki her nickname.
"I was the first one to call her Mama Mia and the rest just followed. But now, they just call her Mama or Ma," she says.
Mrs Motuliki says many young Tongans suffer from a cultural and generational divide. Some Tongan parents bring their conservatism to New Zealand and expect their New Zealand-raised children to abide by it.
Having grown up in New Zealand herself, she admits clashing with her Tongan-raised husband on a number of issues related to raising their 14-year-old daughter.
"Parents just need to realise that we are in a different country and a different generation," she says. "For example, they insist teenagers can't have a boyfriend or even talk about having one until they are 21. The parents are not listening. I think that is what is bothering these kids. They just want someone to listen."
Mrs Motuliki says children face other battles such as asking their parents to take them to sports practice or an activity but the parents refuse.
"They will tell their kids, 'I told you not to join that group'. This just brings their self-esteem down. They don't want to ask and they'll just stay at home," she says.
So she picks up the youngsters and takes them to practice using her own car and petrol. A few other members do the same, but it is impractical and expensive.
"We need a train," she laughs. "But we'll settle for a mini-bus. I have this wish list for the group and we have ticked off a number from the list. We now have an office and a phone line. We'll be getting a computer soon. But transport is becoming an issue."
St Michael's Young People
St Michael's Lataki Eastern Zone Youth is endorsed by the Tongan Catholic Chaplaincy. Its members range from 14 to 27 and meet every weekend. Right now, they are preparing for performances in two talent quests. The group attends church and aims to encourage social responsibility, leadership and spiritual growth. It also strives to steer youth away from drug and alcohol addiction.
"We would also like to hold leadership workshops and spiritual formations once we have the funds to do so," Mrs Motuliki says. "We've already expanded even though we started only a few months ago. I think it's going to work."
Email: sangato.mikaele@hotmail.com or call 09 575 6867.
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