I have been staying with a new family in the village of Mataika, located just outside the main city of Neiafu. My immediate family consists of Lepolo (host mother), Pita (host brother), and Kato (host sister). Pita is 27 and works in the bush, he speaks very little English. He’s hilarious but I never know what we are talking about. Kato goes to Vava’u High School which I have heard has the most talented students in Vava’u. Her English is good and I have to use her to communicate with the others. Everything has been going very well...the family has been great to me and training is also going well.
We got our site assignments on Tuesday – I will be working at the Vava’u Youth Congress after swearing in next month. The VYC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “give youth the skills they need to succeed.” I will have a few primary responsibilities:
• The VYC Computer Lab, working to strengthen curriculum and pass on computer maintenance, hardware and software skills, as well as improving marketing and financial record-keeping,
• The Greenhouse, a 42 x 48 meter training center / income-generating project, instituting formal planning, record-keeping and maintaining a viable business plan,
• The Alonga Program, a weekly class for Tongans with disabilities, strengthening annual fundraising efforts and encouraging advanced annual planning.
I will be living in the village of Makave which is a short walk to the VYC. I am also free (and encouraged) to take on secondary projects in my community. There is an opportunity to work with the youth of Makave on business education and promotion as it relates to the video rental store there that was set up by another PCV.
I am also going to upload some new pictures so check that out.
2 comments:
Hi Stan, you don't know me, but I know the family that you stayed with in Mataika, we're really good friends, almost like family, kato is like my lil sister...I'm from Vava'u but moved to New Zealand 2 years ago...they're very lovely family, and Vava'u the best island in the Kingdom of Tonga...hehehe
but yeah, hope you enjoy your stay there and that you learn a lot of good things there...
catch ya later
I hope you enjoy your stay there as I did. I was born and raised in the U.S. but moved to Vava'u when I was 14--father's wishes. Makave is the village my father is from and I rarely ever went there, however, I did attend Vava'u High School (which is about a mile or less-i think-from Makave). I LOVED IT OUT THERE! I truly miss it. Once advice for you Stan.. learn the language and adapt as soon as possible. You don't wanna miss the "beauty" of Vava'u.
Good luck w/everything!!
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