Read the latest news and updates from volunteers, partners, and staff across the moana working collectively towards a world with thriving communities.
Through a volunteer's eyes: Three and a half months in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Current volunteer Beryl Riley has been working in Arawa, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, as a Youth Counsellor Mentor since July. Here, she shares some of her experiences in her own words.
Money grows on trees
The first women’s refuge in East New Britain is thriving with their first cocoa harvest.
Bringing people together for years to come
Current VSA volunteer Lyndsey Bartlett tells us about two recent serendipitous encounters – and what they taught her about life on assignment.
Building the foundations of tomorrow
Two volunteers’ journey with early childhood education in Timor-Leste. This article was written by fellow Timor-Leste volunteer, Cheryl Tyler.
Developing deaf education in Tonga
Rebecca Anderson-Griffith worked as a Sign Language Teacher both in-country in Tonga and as an e-volunteer. She shares an insight into her ‘very meaningful’ year volunteering.
Revolutionising the gym space in Honiara
Gerard O’Brien tells us about developing capacity in the Solomon Islands’ health and fitness sector.
Exploring sustainable energy in the Pacific
A Q&A with returned volunteer Chris Williamson
Gaining a new perspective
Michaela Powell tells us about developing speech language therapy capacity in Samoa.
‘It’s such a special place’
Returned volunteer Sarah Togher tells us what’s been unique about volunteering in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Giving back in Timor-Leste
What do Samsung, Toyota, and pig farmers in Timor-Leste have in common?
Empowering women for stronger sustainable communities
Partner organisation spotlight: Teitoiningaina
VSA receives Margaret Neave Endowment Fund grant
How the Margaret Neave Endowment Fund is supporting optimal health outcomes in Tonga.
Language revitalisation in the Cooks
James Uri-Puati is writing a thesis about revitalising Cook Islands Māori. He explains the passion behind this project.
Empowering youth in Vanuatu
UniVol Morgan Kelly has been volunteering as a Youth Development Assistant in Santo, Vanuatu, since February. Here, she shares a bit about finding her feet and building capacity at a local youth centre.
‘It’s hard to put into words’
VSA volunteer Jackie Cronin has volunteered multiple times. She tells us about her most recent assignment in Tonga, and why she keeps coming back for more.
Double the impact
UniVol Roi Burnett tells us about enjoying her first volunteering stint so much, she went back for a second.
The Mauri Way
eVolunteer Anna Stevens tells us about building tourism capacity in Kiribati in a critical post-Covid time.
‘Incredible, in a word’
Jonty Crane is currently volunteering in Timor-Leste. He tells us about increasing organisational capacity, boosting tourism, and spreading the word about the wonders Timor-Leste has to offer.
Celebrating the volunteers who keep on giving
Celebrating a recently appointed Life Member and inviting nominations for 2024.
Sharing the joy of sport
UniVol Eileen Dixon volunteered in Samoa in 2023 as a Sports Development Assistant at National Rugby League Samoa. She tells us about sharing her skills, forging new connections, and enjoying herself so much she extended her assignment for a further seven months.
