FMT in partnership with The Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) brings you a Covid-19 “healer” from Tonga.

Cyclone Harold hit the island of Tonga early last April, at a time when locals were already bracing for the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Needless to say, the cyclone left many stranded.

However, the MORDI Tonga Trust was quick to mobilise to help locals, especially farmers who were severely affected.

Tevita Tukia, an Agricultural Officer at MORDI Tonga Trust, was among the many who helped to carry bags of breadfruit flour to a specialised food storage facility, to ensure a steady food supply.

Other team members also worked tirelessly to conduct soil management exercises, and develop new ways to use breadfruit flour to give local Tongans new and innovative efforts to use locally-produced food.

Taufa Ahome’e, a farmer, noted at the time that, “Cyclone Harold is coming towards us with lots of rain, so farmers are rushing to plant now.”

“The Covid-19 lockdown in Tonga is preventing farmers from preparing the land. We’re already doing our best to make sure there won’t be a gap in the food supply, but food prices are going up already,” he added.

In a matter of days from Ahome’e’s statement, the cyclone swept across the island relentlessly and many who had failed to prepare, were left stranded and helpless.

Even so, MORDI team members showed resilience in utilising all their resources to assess the damage.

Even Feni Pomana, MORDI’s financial officer, rolled up his sleeves and helped to assess the damage by drone. Together, the Togans overcame the cyclone and were ready for Covid-19.

Todd Henry is a documentary photographer, visual storyteller, and researcher whose work is defined by a unique perspective of the world and a sincere appreciation of culture. Todd places a priority on creating accurate visual representations of social and environmental issues in order to advocate for individuals, communities, and places that are often overlooked or taken for granted. Todd’s approach to photography is decidedly immersive, ethically considered, and academically informed. View his portfolio here.

‘The Other Hundred Healers’ is an initiative by the non-profit organisation GIFT. The 240-page, full-colour, hardcover book can be purchased here at US$40 per copy for a minimum order of 20 copies.

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