Introducing Kelsey and Alec

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