Lukluk Volunteer Service Abroad 2020

1 Lukluk is a celebration of our Volunteer Service Abroad amazing partners in the Pacific Te Tūao Tāwāhi Values and beyond.

Across the Pacific and beyond VSA volunteers work Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi with people whose passion and aspirations are making their communities better and stronger. These are a few of their stories. Respectful partnerships

Lukluk — it’s Tok Pisin for “Vista” Working and learning together

Cross-cultural understanding

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© VSA. All rights reserved. ISSN 1176-9904 Reproduction of content is allowed for usage in primary and secondary schools, Front cover image - Francis Bill showing his locally grown cowpeas (also known as black-eyed peas) and for tertiary studies. introduced to add to plant-based protein to the local diet. 2 3 Kia ora,

This year’s Lukluk comes at a very unusual time for VSA when we find ourselves with no volunteers in the wider Pacific (apart from one Our partners and stories on-going assignment in Cambodia). COVID-19 and its impact hasn’t meant we have stopped working however – VSA remains completely committed to our work across the wider Pacific, something we have been doing for almost 60 years, and we are actively planning Creating sustainable communities 6 and working to return to our partner communities and organisations by developing skills when we can. VSA and MFAT – working together in Timor-Leste 10 In this issue of Lukluk, which reflects the view from the Pacific, we have focused on some of our long-term partnerships, and we also The view from Trevor 12 feature Vicki Poole from MFAT (who is a previous Ambassador to Timor-Leste), as well as two of our own programme managers who have remained in their Pacific countries throughout the pandemic. Supporting the community during COVID-19 16

While we do not know when things will return to normal or when A beneficial association 20 we will be able to send volunteers out again, we are working hard to develop innovative, practical and positive ways of engaging Loto Taumafai Society for People with Disabilities 22 and working with Pacific communities for the next year or so, and beyond. We are looking at this time as an opportunity to do things differently where we can.

I would like to personally thank you all for your support which will help us and our partners in the Pacific to overcome the challenges we are currently facing.

Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tu-ao Ta-wa-hi Stephen Goodman, Patron: Her Excellency the Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM QSO DStJ President: Dr Simon Mark Council Chair: Hōne McGregor Chief Executive Council members: Kirikaiahi Mahutariki (Deputy Chair), John Bowis, Deidre Brookes, Kirsty Burnett, Peter Elmsly, Tarita Hutchinson, Evan Mayson, Jose Luis Sousa-Santos, Dana MacDiarmid, Hannah Stewart, Simon Trotter Chief Executive Officer: Stephen Goodman MNZM

4 5 “We don’t need solutions from outside and it’s not sustainable to rely on outside solutions. We need skills - people need life skills to learn to look after themselves and control their own lives and communities.”

“It’s a fundamental priority,” says Mr Bauk. “For example, teaching mothers basic hygiene, health and nutrition not only changes the life of the mother but in turn improves family livelihoods.”

This development is also more sustainable as it is a “bottom up” approach rather than top down. Mr Bauk in front of the newly constructed house for the Ward Officer. It’s driven by need and not supply – so it is more successful. Creating sustainable communities “The best approach is that by developing skills communities must tell us what they want and need (not others East New Britain Deputy Governor, “We have lots of resources in the telling them what they need).” Coconuts Nursery at Korai Ward, East New Britain. Mr Cosmas Bauk, is passionate about villages such as good soil, coconut improving the lives of the people in plantations, land, rivers, gardens, In Mr Bauk’s view, the only way “I first came in contact with VSA his Province by increasing their skills. sea – but the people do not always to achieve this successfully is to have the right skills to make the most come and work with directly with in my previous role as Minister for Mr Bauk, who first became involved of these resources and improve their the people in communities and Education in the Province (in the with VSA around five years ago, lives and livelihoods. provide them with training to previous government),” explains was elected Deputy Governor in increase their skills. Mr Bauk. the newly elected East New Britain “We want people, families and “VSA is one organisation that is Government. He is also the Local communities to be sustainable and “We don’t need solutions from serious about working in partnership Level Government President. self-sufficient and not have to rely outside and it’s not sustainable to on external forces and aid. We want rely on outside solutions. We need with communities and building Mr Bauk’s vision and focus is in them to be self-reliant and in control skills - people need life skills to learn capacity by sharing skills.” the villages in the provinces. of their own lives, destinies and to look after themselves and control Each VSA volunteer has had a resources.” “We want to improve the livelihoods their own lives and communities,” different impact. While VSA has he reiterates. of people at all levels. Unfortunately, Mr Bauk believes in grass roots worked extensively in education funding and financial resources often development – working in And this is where the VSA approach and vocational education with do not reach or have an impact on the partnership with communities to and volunteers can help. colleges and secondary schools, village level,” he explains. ensure people have the life skills to the VSA “footprint” is much wider, thrive by providing skills training. including health.

6 7 “VSA’s approach is based on practical needs in our communities and working together to boost communities. Volunteers can provide technical advice and demonstrate skills and ideas. It is a sustainable way to address issues village level issues and improve the practical livelihood of our people.”

It’s a simple, but powerful equation – life skills lead to empowering people and creating confidence, which in turn creates strong communities.

Cocoa Nursery at Korai Ward. Mr Bauk’s long term vision is that every individual and family is self-sustaining.

“We don’t need big roads, we need access to clean, safe water. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of hygiene and the need to be health conscious. Our approach in the Province for the next five years is to develop a policy framework to guide donors such as VSA.

“We will also draw up programmes in villages for life skills training, including improving literacy and hygiene. Our approach is to leave a visible footprint and guide people so they have a sense of worth and pride. In the end we want to create sustainable livelihoods in modern rural communities.”

Top - Mr Bauk inside the new community-built Community Hall and Learning Centre.

Bottom - Selected coconuts for coconut breeding. An outdoor kitchen at the Community Resource Centre. 8 9 that our programmes mirrored each a positive impact on the future lives other’s but we did try to identify of young children in Timor-Leste. potential synergies and build on these. VSA volunteers are highly valued because they come with their Many people in Timor-Leste saw manaakitanga, kotahitanga and us as one team, with all of us can-do approach. VSA tries representing New Zealand in our really hard to carefully identify day to day lives and work, as well as assignments that will make at large events. People sometimes a difference and be a good commented that we had a large and placement for a volunteer and very effective staff at the Embassy, this is usually successful.

Vicki being greeted by the chief of Suco Buibau – Mr Francisco Ximenes. but we were only nine in total. World Vision project in Buibau Village – Baucau. It was our New Zealand Defence One of VSA’s strengths is that it Force, Police colleagues and the keeps a close eye on how things VSA and MFAT – working together in Timor-Leste VSA team that helped us achieve a work out. Sometimes, despite Vicki Poole, former New Zealand Ambassador to Timor-Leste similar public profile to much larger efforts to put in additional support, embassies. I really appreciated this an assignment might have to end There is something special about activities were delivered and to New Zealand support at our events, early. Despite this, the assignments Timor-Leste and its relationship train staff. Others were intended which we often used to showcase were still usually of benefit to with New Zealand and VSA. While to build the capability of staff and VSA and other New Zealand projects. both the organisation and the Timorese people have real ambition improve the governance of the We simply couldn’t have done this volunteer. Another thing that sets to develop their country, many partner organisations. without our VSA friends. VSA volunteers apart is the way don’t have the formal education and they network over and above their By using these two approaches VSA entrepreneurial experience to There are many standout volunteer roles – helping out other was able to make a real difference support this goal. Many small assignments. I particularly liked community groups and small and help our Timorese partners on enterprises or organisations are set the hub and spoke approach where businesses, promoting tourism, the way to achieving at least some up to improve people’s livelihoods one volunteer supported several developing Tetun language children’s of their development outcomes. or standards of living, yet many face organisations. This was probably books, and running training courses - difficulties in growing and making a The partnership between the challenging for the volunteers but all on top of their formal VSA roles. real, sustainable difference. VSA team and the New Zealand meant we could spread the talents My time in Dili would not have been Embassy is based on manaakitanga of a single volunteer across several VSA’s commitment to building capacity as rich and as interesting if the VSA and shared values. We would get smaller organisations. in Timor-Leste and responding to the volunteers had not been there. My together regularly to chat about nation’s needs saw the number of VSA’s early childhood education husband, Rick, and I made some politics, the economy and social volunteers increase to over 30 during support has been critical, with good friends and they introduced us development challenges. Three or my time there. VSA educators working alongside to people we would not otherwise four times a year we would meet UNICEF, CARE, the Ministry of have connected with. We visited The individual VSA assignments were for formal planning sessions to Education and other small NGOs for more of Timor-Leste, met with very varied and seemed to fall into ensure that we were aligned in as the past 10 years or more. This has remote communities, and got to two main categories. Some were many areas as we could, including complemented our New Zealand see first-hand the difference VSA about bringing in people with specific tourism, education and sustainable government-funded education can make. technical skills to improve how development. This didn’t mean programme and helped us to have 10 11 Cyclone Harold damage in .

Here sustainable development is a moral duty of care towards its citizens. The deep cultural connection between communities, Cyclone Harold damage in Vanuatu. tribes, and islands galvanise the country into a devotion to care The view from Trevor for their people. Trevor Johnston, VSA Vanuatu Programme Manager efficiency were unbelievable. This is and even though domestic flights Since VSA’s decision to repatriate and the need to protect the the level of efficiency, that is usually resumed on 11 April, the logistics all volunteers in Vanuatu on the 14 environment. Yet, in Vanuatu, through attributed to a developed nation, yet of providing humanitarian aid March the events that have unfolded each crisis, it has been much Vanuatu proved to be equal to that would have been challenging for here have been a blur of chaos and more than that. Here sustainable and better prepared. any country. calm. Through the forced repatriation, development is a moral duty of care closing of international borders and towards its citizens. The deep cultural Being “stuck” in Port Vila, as flights The photos and stories of devastation the suspension of international flights connection between communities, were cancelled to New Zealand on 25 were heart-wrenching and the due to the global pandemic, an tribes, and islands galvanise the March, proved to be a blessing as the decision to stay and assist was an earthquake and a devastating cyclone, country into a devotion to care for rest of the world went into lockdown easy one. On my return to Luganville Vanuatu has proven to be a country their people. with restricted movement and in late April, I was stunned by the of remarkable resilience. This is not freedom. Yet in Vanuatu we were in a extent of damage and destruction. a value or quality that we can teach The leadership of early decision- glorious bubble of relative normality I volunteered my time for a local NiVan citizens but rather a virtue that making in stopping all cruise ships compared to the rest of the world. charity to deliver food and supplies we can learn from. in early March, the immediate Coupled with its unspeakable beauty, to remote villages and with Santo messaging around social distancing Vanuatu felt like a safe haven. Medical to do medical outreach in Being a programme manager on the and hand washing, and closing the the community and in remote ground as an observer and being borders, probably saved Vanuatu from Life seemed normal until Tropical villages. While there was physical engaged has proven eye-opening a COVID-19 outbreak. Handwashing Cyclone Harold hit Vanuatu on 7 damage, it was the remarkable and a huge learning opportunity. stations outside every store in Port and 8 April. All international and resilience of the people that I saw Sustainable development is seen as Vila were up and available in mid- domestic flights had been cancelled and met along the way that opened the balance between our financial March, as well as curfews, signs and so assistance to the most devastated my eyes to the deep sense of resources, our social responsibilities media notifications. The speed and areas was difficult. Some aid arrived community of the NiVan people. from New Zealand and Australia,

12 13 For most of us, losing our home Resilience is not only about enduring and possessions can be emotionally hardship; it’s about letting go and devastating. To the NiVan people it bouncing back. In Vanuatu bouncing is something they have lived with back is always with the community at for hundreds of years; it’s a part your side. It’s a beautiful country of of life. They help each other; share beautiful people. resources, offer a kind word or a beaming smile, plant some island The head of the Vanuatu Government, cabbage and manioc, and find time Prime Minister Bob Loughman, had to share in the joys of life over a bowl encouraged every business house of kava. They are used to disaster and and all Vanuatu citizens to take overcoming it. time under the conditions of the State Emergency to do whatever is A local told me that he lost his entire necessary to ensure that families are house in the cyclone, and then safer when a next cyclone strikes and he laughed. I asked why he was to plant and raise food. “During good laughing? He said, “Trevor my house times, we must work extra hard to is in Fiji, I hope someone finds it prepare for the next cyclone and uses it. It’s a good house!” And season”, he said. then he burst out laughing again. He then said, “Tomorrow, they (meaning As they prepare for 40 years of the community), will come help me Independence, Vanuatu has proven rebuild my new house.” through these current challenges that they can stand as a proud and independent nation, founded on resilience to any challenges yet galvanised in a deep sense of community. It’s a country that cares for its people and its future.

It is Vanuatu.

Vanutau volunteer departure groups Top image: left to right: Michelle Knappstein, Nicole Colmar, Beatrice Pearce, David Hart, Julie Peake, Andrea Carr,Gerard van de Ven, Jessie Gartner, Frith Walker, Elly Govers, Alison Tu’i’onetoa.

Bottom image: left to right: (back row) – Chris Hartnett, Michelle Johnston (PM partner), Josh Mitikulena, Trevor Johnston (Vanuatu PM). (front row) – Natasha Thanwalla, Thomas Gillman, Helena Ireland, Brigitte Olul (In Country Officer). Josh and Brigitte lose it at Santo airport!! 14 15 VSA was at the forefront of supporting the Province in its pandemic response by working with the ENB Provincial State of Emergency Committee and Department of Education to create resources for educational institutes and partner organisations. to improve nutrition, food security, “We wanted to help our partner and livelihoods. Unfortunately, as in organisations be better prepared many other countries, there has been in their pandemic prevention, an increase in domestic violence preparedness, response, and over the lockdown period, so in the recovery plan, so we worked on absence of volunteers, Johannes creating different resources including has also supported the work of flyers, posters and a website. We the FMI Sisters who operate the also used these resources to support Meri Seif Haus (women’s safe the provincial government before house) in Kokopo. and during the lockdown,” explains Johannes. Francis Bill - Farm Owner. Johannes says that enforcement of domestic violence laws is vital Although COVID-19 has fortunately Supporting the community during COVID-19 to curbing domestic violence and not yet spread widely through the piercing through the shell of community (despite many people not Johannes Gambo, VSA’s Programme “I have been meeting and working impunity. It is well known that having easy access to running water Manager in (PNG), with our partners to, firstly, gender-based violence laws are for hygiene) there have been serious was on holiday when VSA decided to understand their challenges; ‘paper tigers’ without enforcement. impacts. “The eight-week state of repatriate all its in-country volunteers secondly, co-design solutions to help emergency had a severe impact on due to COVID-19. He immediately address their needs and emerging But this hasn’t been the only people’s livelihoods.” returned to East New Britain (ENB), issues; and thirdly, strengthen their work that has kept Johannes busy the province where VSA is based, capacity to deal with similar issues over this time. In fact, VSA was to manage the departure of all in the future. However, this is no at the forefront of supporting the volunteers back to New Zealand. substitute to having volunteers in the Province in its pandemic response country and our partner organisations by working with the ENB Provincial “I had to get back to PNG to ensure are desperate to have VSA volunteers State of Emergency Committee all our volunteers were able to return return. This highlights the importance and Department of Education to safely,” he said. After the safe return of our volunteers and the high create resources for educational of all the volunteers, Johannes regard our partner organisations and institutes and partner organisations. remained in PNG where he continues communities have for their skills, These resources included pandemic to support VSA’s partner organisations knowledge, and experience.” planning checklists for universities and communities. With no volunteers and colleges which were developed in the country, Johannes is now It has been a busy time for to ensure they could play an integral directly supporting different partner Johannes as he deals with multiple role in protecting the health and organisations in the health, education, issues including helping partner safety of students, employees and and agriculture sectors. organisations implement e-learning their families during a pandemic. Michael Pineri displaying freshly picked Aibika systems and enabling communities (Island Cabbage) from Francis’s farm.

16 17 In PNG, subsistence agriculture did highlight some positive things and the informal economy support such as community spirit. the livelihoods of over 80 per cent of the population. While the “People worked together to lockdown measures played a vital support affected communities role in mitigating and containing the with food, masks, and financial spread of the coronavirus, they also ,” says Johannes. created major difficulties for the most VSA has always been involved with vulnerable people. For some people, nutrition and food security challenges the lockdown was an existential but the high cost of living caused by threat and the sudden loss of income COVID-19 reinforces the importance combined with hikes in transport and of locally produced food in connection food costs created serious economic with healthy eating and food security. and social problems. “So, in addition to providing 1000 Communities from Gaulim Ward learning how to establish a mat nursery for rice seedlings. “Many people do not have bars of soap to ensure communities refrigerators, so rely on going to are protected during this time, I also market every day – not just to buy assisted by donating beans and rice food for themselves but also to seeds to communities who are now sell food for their livelihoods,” says growing, selling, and consuming their Johannes. As the main markets were own produce,” says Johannes. closed, farmers were unable to bring Nutrition, food security and cooking their fresh fruits and vegetables to skills have a major impact on family the market. The perishability of fresh well-being. “If a family can eat fruits and vegetables resulted in well, this can minimise or eliminate post-harvest losses and significant diet-related diseases, which in turn, loss of income. reduces disease burden. Taking Communities from Gaulim Ward present their Communities from Gaulim Ward learning how to establish The market women were also an holistic approach is important – constructed mat nursery for rice seedlings. a mat nursery for rice seedlings. deprived of income-generating recently I was involved in organising opportunities. The loss of income cooking lessons in various villages, combined with the absence of and it was great to see both men and social protection continues to have women coming together to learn how major consequences, especially for to cook.” women-headed households. With The leaders of some of the the existing high levels of poverty, communities recently wrote there are concerns that the pandemic thanking VSA and the New countermeasures such as the Zealand government for support lockdown will vulnerable poor in “changing and developing the people into deeper poverty. living standard of the indigenous However, the pandemic response people of ENB”. Locally grown cowpeas (also known as black-eyed peas) Johannes with women farmers at Ramale Ward preparing 18 introduced to add to plant-based protein to local diet. the land for planting. Senghorng says working with VSA has helped the association make real improvements for growers both on the farm and in the market.

Senghorng has now been promoted Phase two involves establishing a to team leader for the production formal business structure for MASC team and Clint continues to support which includes formally registering the Association. Clint’s new with the Ministry of Interior and colleague, Miss Vann Chanthan, is then the Ministry of Commerce. an experienced field agronomist and Registration will give the Association Clint is mentoring her in the role. a voice and representation at a national level and the ability to “The first phase of my work involved advocate on issues that affect its Clint Smyth with Cambodian farmers. stabilising and strengthening the farmer members. business so that it could become A beneficial association profitable, creating more confidence Senghorng speaks warmly of the from the farmer suppliers and being relationship with VSA. “I’ve noticed Senghorng Tout was the Enterprise VSA volunteer Clint Smythe. Clint’s able to access more retail markets. the VSA volunteers are openminded Development and Marketing a horticulturalist and exporter with This work enabled MASC and friendly people and willing to Facilitator of iDE’s Cambodia immense experience with produce to survive the impacts of COVID-19 provide as much support as they Agribusiness Development Facility marketing and exports as well as on when sales dropped by about 50%,” can. Moreover, VSA sends good and was tasked with strengthening the ground agricultural skills. says Clint. candidates that we like and have the the Melon Association of Siem Reap right background for what we want.” Meanchey (MASC). Senghorng says working with VSA has helped the association make real That involved everything from improvements for growers both on improving market access, to helping the farm and in the market. “[We’ve develop growers’ business, finance been] reaching our target sale of and marketing skills, to personal 30 tons a month. Our farmers feel coaching of farmers to become happier with our melon association more sustainable. His background since we got so much good advice is in animal science and veterinary and recommendations from Clint medicine and he holds a Masters regarding the proper way to run degree in animal production, hygiene, the association business as well as quality and environment from individual farm management matters. François Rabelais, France. “He brought good solutions to the Before his involvement with the melon association to deal with the Melon Association, Senghorng shortage of working capital which worked with crop and livestock has been a barrier for the association farmers to grow their businesses. getting more supply and members In his iDE role he was working with for nearly two years.” Cambodian market. 20 21 actively engage the children through “I can honestly say that interactive and visual learning, both without VSA’s assistance we at school and in their own homes,” he wouldn’t have been able says. “I can honestly say that without to raise the standard of our VSA’s assistance we wouldn’t have been able to raise the standard of our teaching and our community teaching and our community disability disability support service. support service.

“All of our VSA volunteers have been a LTS’ doors are open to all children success story– it’s hard to single any with disabilities, from physical to one out. One would leave, and then sensory and intellectual - all are another would arrive and build on welcomed. Its mission is to provide the legacy of their predecessor. LTS access to inclusive, equitable and has benefitted from the wonderful quality education and support capacity building support by all services, enabling all people the volunteers over the years who with disabilities to function as provided such extensive training independently as possible and to realise their hopes and full potential. Vocation Unit Class with some of the products for sale inside the Display Room. programmes and mentoring sessions for our staff – directly meeting a real But the challenge has been to need which is not available in .” wrangle the right expertise to achieve Loto Taumafai Society for People with Disabilities this.

Loto Taumafai Society for People with Disabilities (LTS), one of VSA’s “Even the Bachelor of Education longest standing partner organisations, has come a very long way since course at the National University of it was first set up in Samoa in 1981. Samoa just touches the tip of the iceberg when it comes to disability,” “In those days all we could offer was Leta’a himself joined LTS in 2003 as Leta’a says. “The lectures are very essentially a day care centre and treasurer before taking up the role general, and there’s no instruction on basic education services, helping out of CEO. He says the professionalism specific disabilities and how to deal families caring for the disabled by of the volunteers provided by VSA with them educationally. So we don’t allowing them some free time,” says since 1998 has been pivotal in guiding produce trained teachers who can LTS CEO and Principal, Leta’a Devoe. the organisation from its humble deliver the curriculum at three levels: beginnings to where it is today. “Today we run a school and a catering to those who are hard to community disability service “When I came along I wanted to teach, those who struggle and those combined with an early intervention have specialist advisers to help us who can learn more easily.” programme and a vocational unit. differentiate and adapt the curriculum The LTS school currently caters for 90 We’re known as the face of disability to try and meet the diverse learning students up to Year 11, or around the in Samoa because of our long needs of children with disabilities, age of 18. Not long ago they catered history.” as well as give us advice and Some of the products for sale inside the Display for up to 140 pupils, but under training on teaching strategies that Room created by the Vocation Unit Class. Samoa’s inclusive education policy

22 23 introduced in 2016 LTS has been able “We haven’t been able to achieve the to place some of its students into level of education to enable our pupils mainstream schools. VSA advisers to go beyond Year 11,” Leta’a says have also helped set up therapeutic regretfully. “But after consultation support and educational programmes with the Assistant Principals and for children with disabilities in their teachers we have selected some homes and LTS Community Disability students who have the potential to Services currently visit 186 clients in assist in the classrooms as trainee the islands of Savai’i and Upolu. teacher aides. I am a great believer in that. After their Year 11 many older students transfer to the LTS “For the first time we now have a vocational unit, where they learn to trainee teacher aide who is close make handicrafts like carving or to completing his internationally screen printing based on traditional recognised, accredited Australian Samoan “elei” designs. The sale qualification through the courses of these items helps the school to offered by the Australia Pacific purchase resources. Technical College. And we have three

Secondary class at Loto Taumafai Society for People with Disabilities.

more in the pipeline ready to start,” “I just want to expand and improve Leta’a says proudly. “That is a real on what we have now,” he says. “We success story, and it is all thanks to need to document what we have the help of VSA volunteers in adapting done so we can achieve best practice. the curriculum so our students can We need to finalise our curriculum understand it.” work, and it would be helpful to have an adviser for when one of our Despite all the impressive progress, assistant principals takes over from there is still much work to be done to me as principal. bring the school to the point where it no longer needs to rely on the help “It’s a long process that can’t of organisations like VSA. Leta’a says be achieved overnight. But I am Samoa is in desperate need of a hopeful that VSA can continue speech therapist who could work with to help us to upskill and upgrade the school for perhaps three days a so we can improve our services. week and share their expertise with As long as I am here it will be my other Disability Service Providers for mission to do things better.”

Primary class at Loto Taumafai Society for People with Disabilities. the remaining time.

24 25 Some volunteer memories

Mary Tuhaika, Lewis Johnson (VSA), Eddien Delay and Di Paki at the Honiara City Council Youth Desk with Childfund New Zealand explaining their role in Honiara during Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand The Hon. Winston Peters’ official Donate: delegation to the . Go to vsa.org.nz/donate or email @vsa.org.nz

The village cats often joined our classes, Smiley was a regular! Shaun Bowler, Solomon Islands.

Volunteer: k Go to vsa.org.nz/volunteer or email [email protected]

Discover: VSA volunteer Rolf Huber at a business coaching Roi Burnett and Julia O’Connor cutting up oranges at the VSA meeting in ‘Eua, , with a local wood carver. stall in Bairiki Square on International Volunteer Day, . Go to vsa.org.nz/news or email [email protected]

Lauren Griffin becoming an Island girl in her lavalava in Falealupo, Samoa. 26 27 VSA sends skilled Kiwis overseas to share their experience and knowledge directly with local people and communities.

Working alongside our amazing partner organisations, together we create new opportunities for people that will continue to ripple across communities and generations to come.

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