09-05-2025
'Everyone has a place to serve': Elizabeth Kite is empowering the next generation of leaders in Tonga
Tongan youth advocate and activist Elizabeth Kite is reshaping the leadership landscape in the nation.
As the founder and CEO of Take The Lead, Tonga's first youth-led organisation, Elizabeth empowers young Tongans, especially women, to step into spaces of leadership, education, and politics.
After years of volunteering and the loss of a close family member, the activist told Nesia Daily it all started with wanting to create "an NGO that would empower and educate the next generation of leaders".
"We can reshape how leaders would actually tackle issues, especially regarding the people that are most vulnerable in our country."
Now seven years strong, Take The Lead has reached hundreds through mentorship, scholarships, and its flagship program She Leads Fale Alea - a mock parliament for women aged 16–29.
She Leads Fale Alea 2025 is helping train young women in leadership, civic education, and politics. ( )
This year, 30 young women debated real issues like climate education and Tonga's energy policy, and the outcomes were submitted to MPs to present in Parliament.
"They did a phenomenal job in showing Tonga just what young women can do if they're given the opportunity."
As the Pacific Regional Representative for the Commonwealth Youth Council, Elizabeth's work has earned her global recognition, including a Queen's Young Leader Award.
Elizabeth's message to young people across the Pacific is clear: "Everyone has a place to serve, and I would encourage young leaders to focus on service, over focusing on leadership."
