Meet our new volunteer

Malo e lelei! 

I'm VEPA's new volunteer from Canada. I am studying for a Bachelor of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Leadership at Renaissance College, a part of the University of New Brunswick. A truly wonderful and unique program that has helped me to be able to volunteer here in Vava'u. Aside from this, I am studying environmental science and plan on focusing my future studies on marine conservation, so I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to volunteer with VEPA and their amazing island preservation initiatives!

Growing up, I have always been involved with environmental programs in my community and school. The summer prior to this I had the opportunity to intern with the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, a non-profit land trust organization that focuses on education, stewardship, and conservation of significant land in New Brunswick. A truly amazing organization that inspired me to focus my studies on conservation, specifically marine conservation from working on the coastal preserves, which fit perfectly with the work that VEPA is currently undertaking. 

Left to right: Lisa, Meredith, Courtney and Seini

So far, my time in Tonga has brought me nothing but pleasure. I've experienced a feast, church, VEPA events, and have met so many incredible people. The kindness and hospitality that has been shown towards me so far has Tonga living up to its reputation of being the "Friendly Islands"! I'm looking forward to getting to know more about Tonga's people, culture, and ways of life in the next 11 weeks that I have with VEPA. 

Malo,

Courtney

Introducing Meredith...

Meredith on the right with Lisa.

My name is Meredith Tufunga.

I’m 19 years old.

My parent is Suvenia and ‘Amusia Tufunga.

My favourite subject is Biology and Computer. 

My favourite colour is green.

I come from Olo’ua Island and I stay at Kameli.

I have ten members in my family. There are three boys and seven girls.

I was study at Mailefihi Siu’ilikutapu College for 5 years at end up at Vava’u High School for 3 years.

I’m very glad to take this time so I can share how happy I are when I became VEPA members. When I get the job I’m very happy because it can help me by increase my knowledge not only that but I know that I can fulfil my dream. Most of the time I always dream that one day I can do something so I can help to make our environment clean and not only the clean and green but also to stop the pollution that occur in our environment. So now I join VEPA so i can work together with the VEPA to protect our environment because I know that today problem in our environment can produce a huge concern for us in the future. 

So I think it’s time for us TONGA to stand up and work together for a BETTER ENVIRONMENT in the future. So the REEF OF TODAY IS THE ISLAND FOR TOMORROW. 

Meredith joins in the awareness program with Lisa, Moala and Ofa.

Welcome volunteers

we had a little official welcome party for both Elana and Damian last night, few nibbles provided by both members and Lisa from Tropicana. Here are some pics -  thanks to everyone for coming and for their efforts to help and support VEPA.

More pictures are on our Facebook page - so go ahead and tag yourselves if I have not done so.

Big thanks as always to Lisa from Tropicana for hosting our get together.