Malo e lelei!
Introducing Kelsey and Alec! We are two Canadians studying
Interdisciplinary Leadership at the University of New Brunswick’s Renaissance College. For the next ten weeks we have the pleasure of volunteering with
VEPA!
Kelsey grew up surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the
natural beauty of the most Eastern island in Canada, Newfoundland, and is very excited to learn more about the environment and culture on an island on the other side of the globe. Hailing from Alberta and New Brunswick, Alec
is the president of an NGO in Canada and is thrilled to be learning about
VEPA’s methods for community engagement. We are both already in awe of the natural
beauty of the Vava’u landscape and are honoured to have the privilege of
working towards its preservation with such a dedicated team.
Our first week at VEPA has been fantastic, and has allowed
us to orient ourselves to the work that is being done here. Over the course of
the next ten weeks, we will be assisting with a number of VEPA’s initiatives, so
expect a few more updates from us! Some of the things we have already done
include going to schools with the education team for their presentations on
Oceans and Reefs, learning about the environmental legislation in Tonga, and
helping with the Integrated Water and Coastal Management Project, which aims to
create a better understanding of - and identify means to preserve - the Vava’u
coastal environment. It’s clear that VEPA is deeply respected and has built strong
working relationships since its formation in 2009.
An integral part of our time so far has also been experiencing
the Tongan culture. We are both staying in the village of Vaipua with Tongan
families who have welcomed us into their homes. We can attest to the renowned
friendliness of “The Friendly Islands,” having immediately felt right at home
in our new environment. Some things we have experienced in our first week
include eating copious amounts of “ifo” (delicious) Tongan food prepared by our
families, cooking pizza for a church conference feast (which we then attended),
learning to speak Tongan, and enjoying the island pace of life (commonly
referred to as Tonga Time). Kelsey had the opportunity to travel to the outer
island of Taunga for Mother’s Day celebrations where she learned to make kahoa
loles (candy necklaces). We have both enjoyed learning about the rich history
and traditions of the island and are looking forward to discovering more.
Expect to hear more from us in the next few weeks as we keep
you up to date with the goings on of VEPA.
Cheers,
Kelsey and Alec
