Tongan authorities are hoping a week-long camp for students will help address increasing cases of youth fighting in the country.
The Ministry of Education and police have joined forces to run a character-building camp with students from four colleges attending.
There have been a number of public brawls between students of different schools, the most recent stopped traffic in the middle of Nuku'alofa's CBD this month.
Programme coordinator Feleti Fonua said principals selected 28 young men to attend the pilot program where they take part in religious, physical and team building exercises.
Fighting brought traffic to a standstill in Nuku'alofa earlier this month Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
Mr Fonua said the programme was designed to teach students that fighting is not good behavior and could ruin their future.
"The programme is working well now," he said.
"They are become to knowing each other and be friends with them, working well and good relationships.
"Then they share their experiences. They want to pass it on to other students who are not involved in the camp."
Mr Fonua said they are hoping to run the course on an annual basis.
