Tokelau | Nonprofits In Tokelau | PWI
About project world impact
Nonprofit Tools
Contact pwi
Help

DISCOVER AND LEARN ABOUT

Tokelau

Learn About Tokelau

Get Educated About Tokelau

Summary

Tokelau is a territory of New Zealand with a population of approximately 1,500 people that is completely solar-powered, making it one of the most sustainable countries in the world. The territory has faced challenges related to its remote location and limited economic opportunities. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable development and economic opportunities on the island.

Make a Donation

One Time
Monthly
$
Monthly gifts help nonprofits focus on their mission and longterm impact with helping people world wide.

Tokelau Demographics

Causes in Tokelau

Learn more about specific causes in Tokelau that you can get involved in.

Environment
Family
Human Rights
Education
Poverty
Religion
Clean Water
Economy
Government
Health
Children
Animals

Environment

Tokelau, a small Pacific island nation, faces various environmental challenges that impact its delicate ecosystems and livelihoods. One of the major concerns is climate change and rising sea levels, which pose a significant threat to the low-lying atolls. Coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and the loss of arable land are pressing issues affecting the environment and the availability of resources for the population. Tokelau also faces challenges related to waste management and pollution. Limited infrastructure and resources make waste disposal and recycling difficult, resulting in improper waste management practices and potential harm to the environment. Furthermore, overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices can deplete marine resources, affecting both the environment and the livelihoods of the local communities. Tokelau recognizes the importance of environmental conservation Read More and sustainable practices, and efforts are underway to address these issues through initiatives such as renewable energy development, conservation programs, and awareness campaigns to promote responsible resource management. Show Less

Family

Family is an integral part of Tokelauan society, and the community places great importance on kinship ties, respect for elders, and collective responsibility. However, there are certain challenges and issues that impact families in Tokelau. One of the primary concerns is the limited availability of resources and opportunities for families, including access to healthcare, education, and employment. The remote location of the islands and their small population contribute to these challenges, as they can restrict the range of services and support available to families. Additionally, the traditional Tokelauan way of life, which emphasizes communal living and collective decision-making, may sometimes clash with modern societal changes and individual aspirations, leading to tensions within families. Efforts are being made to address these issues by providing social support Read More programs, promoting community engagement, and ensuring access to essential services. By prioritizing family well-being and resilience, Tokelau aims to strengthen family bonds and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents. Show Less

Human Rights

As a non-self-governing territory under New Zealand administration, Tokelau generally benefits from the protection of human rights standards upheld by the New Zealand government. However, there are still some human rights concerns that arise in Tokelau. One of the key issues is the limited scope of civil and political rights. Due to its remote location and small population, the mechanisms for citizen participation and engagement in decision-making processes may be limited. This can hinder the exercise of rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Additionally, there may be challenges related to gender equality and women's rights, including issues of gender-based violence, limited economic opportunities, and unequal representation in decision-making bodies. Efforts are being made to address these concerns and ensure the protection and Read More promotion of human rights in Tokelau, including raising awareness, enhancing access to justice, and fostering inclusive and participatory governance structures. Show Less

Education

Tokelau faces several challenges in the realm of education due to its remote and geographically scattered atolls. The small population and limited resources make it difficult to establish and maintain a comprehensive educational system. Tokelau has a few primary schools, but access to secondary and tertiary education is limited. The lack of educational facilities, qualified teachers, and teaching materials hampers the quality of education. Additionally, the language barrier, as Tokelauan is the primary language spoken in the community, poses challenges in delivering education in a language familiar to students. Limited access to technology and internet connectivity further restricts educational opportunities, making it challenging for students to access online learning resources and participate in distance education programs. Efforts are underway to improve educational infrastructure, provide training Read More for teachers, and enhance curriculum development to address these issues and ensure equitable access to quality education for the children of Tokelau. Show Less

Poverty

Tokelau faces several challenges related to poverty due to its remote location, limited resources, and reliance on external support. The small population and geographic isolation make it difficult to develop a diversified and self-sufficient economy. As a result, many residents of Tokelau struggle with limited job opportunities and income-generation prospects. The absence of natural resources, coupled with the high costs of importing goods, contributes to the high cost of living. Limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and clean water further exacerbates the poverty situation. The reliance on external aid and grants to sustain basic needs and support development initiatives is a crucial aspect of addressing poverty in Tokelau. Efforts are being made to promote economic diversification, improve infrastructure, and enhance education and Read More training opportunities to uplift the standard of living and reduce poverty in the atolls. Show Less

Religion

Religion plays a significant role in the cultural and social fabric of Tokelau. The majority of the population in Tokelau follows Christianity, particularly the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa. While religion generally serves as a unifying force in the community, there can be some challenges related to religious practices and beliefs. One issue is the limited availability of religious facilities and resources, especially in the outer atolls where access to churches and religious services may be more limited. Additionally, the remote location of Tokelau can make it challenging for religious leaders to visit regularly, resulting in limited access to pastoral care and religious guidance. Another issue is the potential for conflicts or tensions arising from differing religious beliefs within the community. Tokelau is a small Read More and close-knit society, and differing interpretations or practices of Christianity can sometimes lead to disagreements or divisions. However, despite these challenges, religion continues to be a vital aspect of Tokelauan culture, providing spiritual guidance, support, and a sense of identity for its people. Show Less

Clean Water

Tokelau faces significant challenges in ensuring access to clean water for its population. The islands have limited freshwater resources, relying primarily on rainwater harvesting and groundwater as their main sources of drinking water. However, the availability and quality of freshwater are affected by factors such as changing rainfall patterns, droughts, and contamination risks. Tokelau's vulnerability to climate change exacerbates these issues, as rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion into freshwater lenses can contaminate the limited freshwater sources. The storage and distribution of clean water are also problematic, particularly during extended dry periods or emergencies. Additionally, the lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure poses health risks, as it can lead to the contamination of water sources and the spread of waterborne diseases. Ensuring access to clean and Read More safe water in Tokelau requires sustainable water management strategies, infrastructure development, and improved sanitation practices to mitigate health risks and ensure the well-being of the population. Show Less

Economy

The economy of Tokelau faces several challenges due to its remote location, limited resources, and dependence on external aid. Tokelau relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and remittances from Tokelauans living abroad. However, the small population and limited arable land make it difficult to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and generate sustainable economic growth. Tokelau's isolation and lack of infrastructure also hinder economic development and trade opportunities. Limited access to markets, high transportation costs, and the absence of a formal banking system further impede economic activities. Additionally, the vulnerability of Tokelau's economy to climate change and natural disasters, such as cyclones and rising sea levels, poses additional risks to livelihoods and economic stability. Efforts are being made to explore alternative sources of income, such as Read More tourism and renewable energy, but these sectors are still in their early stages. Addressing these economic challenges requires concerted efforts to enhance infrastructure, promote economic diversification, and strengthen partnerships for sustainable development in Tokelau. Show Less

Government

As a dependent territory of New Zealand, Tokelau has a unique governance structure. The primary issue concerning the government of Tokelau is its limited self-governance and autonomy. While Tokelau has its own government institutions, decision-making power ultimately resides with New Zealand. This can result in challenges in local decision-making and implementation of policies that specifically address the needs and aspirations of the Tokelauan people. The distance between Tokelau and New Zealand also presents logistical challenges, making it difficult for the government to effectively address the immediate concerns of its population. Limited financial resources and the dependence on external aid further constrain the government's ability to invest in infrastructure development, social services, and other areas of public interest. Efforts are being made to enhance Tokelau's self-governance Read More and strengthen the partnership with New Zealand, but these issues continue to pose challenges to effective governance and decision-making in Tokelau. Show Less

Health

Tokelau, a small Pacific island territory, faces various health challenges. One of the primary concerns is limited access to healthcare services and resources. The remote location and small population of the islands make it difficult to provide comprehensive healthcare infrastructure and specialized medical care. The absence of a hospital on the islands requires residents to rely on medical clinics and periodic visits from healthcare professionals. The limited availability of healthcare facilities and personnel can result in delayed or inadequate medical attention for certain conditions and emergencies. Additionally, the isolation and limited resources of Tokelau can affect the availability and affordability of essential medications and medical supplies. Efforts are being made to address these health issues, including improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing telehealth services, and strengthening public Read More health programs to promote preventive care and health education. Show Less

Children

Tokelau, a small territory in the South Pacific, faces several challenges regarding children's well-being. One significant concern is limited access to quality education and educational resources. The small population and remote location of the islands make it difficult to provide a comprehensive educational infrastructure, including qualified teachers, adequate school facilities, and up-to-date learning materials. Furthermore, Tokelau has relatively high rates of child poverty, which can lead to limited access to essential healthcare, proper nutrition, and recreational opportunities. The isolation of the islands also poses challenges in terms of children's access to specialized medical care and support services. Efforts are being made to address these issues, including improving educational facilities, strengthening healthcare services, and promoting community-based programs to support the holistic development and well-being of children Read More in Tokelau. Show Less

Animals

Tokelau, a territory of New Zealand in the South Pacific, faces several challenges concerning its animal populations. One significant concern is the preservation of marine ecosystems. Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and coral reef degradation pose threats to the biodiversity and health of the surrounding waters. This affects species such as fish, marine mammals, and sea turtles. Additionally, the introduction of invasive species, such as rats and cats, can disrupt the native ecosystems and pose a threat to endemic wildlife. On land, habitat loss due to deforestation, urbanization, and climate change can have detrimental effects on terrestrial animals, including bird species and reptiles. Conservation efforts, sustainable fishing practices, habitat restoration, and public education are crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring the protection and preservation of Read More animal populations in Tokelau. Show Less
Tokelau

Tokelau News

Check out the latest news and articles about Tokelau.

Loading...

Capture.
Share.
Impact.

Share about your experience with Tokelau for the world to see.

PWI STORYTELLER

SHARE YOUR STORY NOW

PWI SWIPE

Give your spare change automatically to help Tokelau.

Create a SWIPE ACCOUNT

Swipe.
Give.
Impact.

Connect your card today to start giving your spare change.

Start.
Search.
Give.

The easiest way to make a real difference for Tokelau.

PWI SEARCH

Download our browser extension and make every tab you open and ever web search you make will raise money for Tokelau.

DOWNLOAD NOW

PWI GROUPGIVE

Create your very own campaign to help raise money for Tokelau.

Create a GroupGive Campaign

Create.
Promote.
Grow.

What will you do for Tokelau? Start your fundraiser today and make an impact.

PWI
Help