Make a REAL difference!

PHOTO: A bright rainbow over GPS Matamaka.

We still have a long way to go to reach our goal to complete the GPS Matamaka School Infrastructure Upgrade. This is a joint partnership with the Peace Corps Partnership Program and people of Matamaka in Vava'u, Tonga. All donations are 100% tax-deductible to all US citizens/residents, but everyone from around the world can donate to the cause. The GPS Matamaka School Infrastructure Upgrade is an excellent way for you to help the children of Tonga. A detailed description of the project from the Peace Corps Partnership Program website is available below. On behalf of everyone in Peace Corps Tonga and Vava'u, thank you very much for your support. Donations are accepted online at: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=421-133

School Infrastructure Upgrade

The principle goals for this project are to repair and improve the physical infrastructure of the Government Primary School (GPS) of a small outer island in Tonga. This small island GPS received substantial damage after Cyclone Rene ravaged through Tonga in February 2010. The project comprises of three components: the repair of the fall school wall, the production of outdoor benches, and the construction of a reinforced concrete shed.

The island's Parent Teachers Association (PTA), teaching staff and current Peace Corps Volunteer are working cohesively to ensure the long term sustainability of the proposed construction. Factors such as inclement weather, natural disaster, and maintenance have been factored into the construction. For example, the shed will be
assembled with reinforced concrete, versus tin roof siding material in order to sustain heavy winds and rain throughout the year. The PTA will be providing all of the cement, gravel, labor and transportation of all materials to the island, valued at $1,652.97 USD. The PCPP funds will cover the cement blocks, timber and other construction
materials valued at $2,781.70 USD.

Upon completion of the fallen school wall, a special mural will be created to honor all those who helped make the School's Project a reality. Each donor will have a special cement block commemorated on their behalf with their home country flag. The Primary School has an active Postcard Project with participants in over 50 countries. Photos of the finished cement blocks, benches and shed shall be made available via the PCV's personal Blog.

Neiafu Fun Day 2011

PHOTO: Some of the kids (from Matamaka) playing one of the booths at the 2011 Fun Day.

It's that time of year again, Library Fun Day 2011! It was another successful year for the library committee for the annual Fun Day as we raised $780.00 TOP. All the proceeds go to support the financial costs to keep the library running and to have one full time librarian for the year. The library committee has two big fundraiser events every year, the Fun Day and the annual fundraiser dinner which usually takes place in August or September. Regardless, the Fun Day was an excellent opportunity for children and families to have a good time and win some prizes. Peace Corps Volunteers and other volunteers from the Vava'u community were present to help out at the event.

We were very lucky this year as a lot of local businesses sponsored the event . I would say that was were most of the money came in from this year. These businesses include: Mounu Island Resort, Sunset Grill, Pafilios, Adventure Backpackers, Aquarium Cafe, and more (sorry I can't remember all of them at the top of my head). These business sponsored individual game stalls or provided supplies that helped make the event a success.

PHOTOS: Various photos from the event

Some of the game stalls this year were: gold, bean bag toss, ring toss, sponge throw, face painting, and more. A nice fat PIG pinata was also made for the children with nice puppet show to host the entire event--(not going to lie the puppet freaked me out a bit). We also had a cake walk this year that we did not have last year. It took some explaining to the children with the rules, but it all worked out okay.

PHOTOS: Fun day 2011

Overall, I was very impressed with the number of Tongans who volunteered their time to help with the event. "Normally," mostly palangi-foreigners help out at the event, but I was very proud of the number of Tongans at the event. Most of them were teachers or students at the University of South Pacific campus in Neaifu. Lastly, I was so excited to see some of my students from Matamaka to show up at the event. Ma'asi and I have have been hounding them all week to come and four came! woohoo! The Fun Day is something I will truly miss once I am finish here very soon!

International Hour on 88.6 FM Radio Vava'u

Photo: PCV Sephora Wouldu and her Tongan co-host Mosese Ma'asi delivering international headline news in both English and Tongan.

International Hour is a brand new radio show in 88.6 FM Vava'u hosted by PCV Sephora Wouldu and my Tongan counterpart Mosese Ma'asi. Every Friday from 5 PM to 6 PM, they deliver the atleast one international headline news from each of the continent in both Tongan and English. In addition, Sephora plays various international music to compliment with the news. Throughout the program, they talk about various world issues that could influence the lives of the local people in Vava'u. The program has received great reviews from both native Tongan and English speakers with its great inclusiveness of Tonga within the international community.

I have had the privileged to sit in a couple of live radio shows to see the two in actions and I have been very impressed! Sephora and Ma'asi work very well with one another and they both do an excellent job in providing very informative news to all of its listeners. This year, Vava'u now has three radio stations! As a result, it has become a "competitive" new industry here to see who can attract the most radio listeners. The International Hour is an excellent radio show that makes 88.6 FM stand out differently from its radio competitors.

PHOTO: Ma'asi and Sephora chatting it up before the show.

Ma'asi has gained "rockstar" status since he first aired in the radio about a month ago. The children of Matamaka have looked up to him even more and find it very cool when their names are being said in the radio when Ma'asi dedicates songs to the children. In addition, his dedication to volunteering and community service has turned him into a popular counterpart to work with. Other PCVs and groups have been trying take advantage of him to help them with their projects, because it is SO hard to find people like Ma'asi in Tonga who is dedicated and willing to go that extra mile to help make a difference in Vava'u! I often have to remind people, "hey hey hey, his priority number one is me then when I'm gone he's all yours." LOL.

PHOTOS: Ma'asi reading the international headline news at the 88.6 FM radio station.

The Principal of Matamaka and I often listen to the radio show at the school library and we have been impressed with the number of kids who show up to listen. PCV Sephora will be heading out to New Zealand for a short holiday in June and I will participate in the radio program as a guest DJ with Ma'asi taking control of the entire operation. This is a perfect example of skill transfer/traiining of local stakeholders which is somethine Peace Corps is suppose to do! Awesome job Sephora and Ma'asi, keep up the good work!

No More MERMAID BAR!!!

PHOTO: What is left of the Mermaid Bar and Restaurant.

The famous Mermaid Bar and Restaurant located along the water front of Neiafu burned down a couple of weeks ago. The cause of the fire is still not exactly known, but as you can see from the photo above everything is gone. The Mermaid is home to the Vava'u Yacht Club and has a reputation to have one of the best nightlife in Vava'u. I believe, it burned down Tuesday, the 10th of May. I was at Matamaka at the time and couldn't believe how the news spread. What does this mean now? The only place to "really go out" is left to Tonga Bob's. Good thing I was able to visit the Mermaid the weekend before! We will miss it very much and I hope they rebuild the place very soon before the tourist season hits. Best of luck to them.

CPR workshop

PHOTO: CPR workshop at the GPS Matamaka Library.

Ma'asi and I hosted a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or CPR workshop to the children and staff of GPS Matamaka. A young high school girl drowned in Matamaka last year after an overloaded ship sunk off the Matamaka coast. She was only 17! I first had a session with my Tongan counterparts then they spearheaded the Tongan version of the CPR lesson to the class 3-6 students. We used a Peace Corps dummy (thank you PC medical team) to practice on before each student were broken into pairs to "practice" the entire procedure from start to finish.

When Ma'asi first asked the kids what they think they should do if they see someone who is drowning, one of the students said to "put their feet up in the air to let the water drain out." Yes, this is the reason why it was critical to teach these life savings skills to the students. I don't expect to have them be professional, but as long as we help raise awareness/"plant the seed" then we were successful.

PHOTO: More CPR photos.

This blog is dedicated to JOHN of Ha'apai who is very busy with his health initiatives in Tonga. Check out his website and blog. It is pretty good (YES-John, if you are reading this I am officially endorsing you).

Blog: www.johnoutsidethelines.blogspot.com

Ha'apai Health Website: http://sites.google.com/site/haapaihealth/fe-au-aki-sex

Computers and SOLAR PANELS!

PHOTO: The principal (Pitisi Langa'oi) with Allan Bowe for the official hand off of the net books in the GPS Matamaka library.

GPS Matamaka officially received two net books donated from Mounu Island Resort. We now have a total of three computers at the school. You may wonder how we run the machines? We actually have a diesel generator that we use to run night school which is also when we charge up the net books. HOWEVER, we just found out that NZAID will be funding the missing wires and inverters for our solar panels!!!!!!!! What awesome news, eh? They should be arriving in hopefully a month to Tonga from Fiji. Upon its arrival, Mounu Island Resort will assist to hook up all the solar panels, LED lights, and power switches for all of the rooms at GPS Matamaka. Furthermore, Digicel will hook us up with internet. GPS Matamaka will truly become the most modern school in all of Tonga!

PHOTO: Me teaching computer lessons to the kids with all of the computers.

Currently, I am having computer classes with my two Tongan counterparts and introducing basic computer skills to the class six students. They are learning how to work the mouse and type on the keyboard. Robert, a PCV from Vava'u High School, has assisted us with installing various educational programs on the net books to help the students--THANK YOU. As you can imagine, we are very excited with all of the recent activities at our school. Things are starting to really pick up and happening!

Upon completion of all the installation, we will have a special ceremony to officially "turn on" the lights. Tongan government officials, foreign delegates, Peace Corps volunteers/staff, and the local community members will be invited to the event. Until then, I will keep you all informed as more progress unfolds.

Peace and love from Vava'u!

PHOTOS: Ma'asi and the class six students at the library working with the new net books.

Toothbrushes from JAPAN!

PHOTO: Liu and Paea brushing their teeth for the camera.

The government of Japan generously donated new toothbrushes, toothpaste, pencils, colored pencils, and fluoride to GPS Matamaka and other outer-island schools. On behalf of everyone in the school, I want to give a big MALO 'AUPITO. In return, here are some photos of the children brushing their teeth after lunch. They do this everyday before the afternoon session starts at 13:30. They are always very eager to brush their teeth! Again, a big thank you to the government of Japan for helping out the outer-island schools. As a result, these kids will have brighter and healthier smiles!

PHOTOS: The kids all lined in front of the school brushing their teeth everyday and a couple of the class one students smiling after brushing their teeth.

PLEASE HELP OUR SCHOOL!

HELLO to the world! GPS Matamaka is working with the Peace Corps Partnership Program to upgrade and repair our school compound. I am asking everyone out there who have become friends with GPS Matamaka to help spread the word and HELP US OUT. You may donate any amount to the Peace Corps Partnership Website at: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=421-133 It is tax-deductible for all US residents/citizens. For all of those who contribute any amount to the school,we will dedicate your home country and name on a special mural on the newly built school wall. A laminated photo-postcard will be sent to you from Tonga upon completion of the project. WE WOULD VERY MUCH LOVE YOUR HELP! Please read the following information which is published on the Peace Corps Website:

MATAMAKA SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE

The principle goals for this project are to repair and improve the physical infrastructure of the Government Primary School (GPS) of a small outer island in Tonga. This small island GPS received substantial damage after Cyclone Rene ravaged through Tonga in February 2010. The project comprises of three components: the repair of the fall school wall, the production of outdoor benches, and the construction of a reinforced concrete shed.

The island's Parent Teachers Association (PTA), teaching staff and current Peace Corps Volunteer are working cohesively to ensure the long term sustainability of the proposed construction. Factors such as inclement weather, natural disaster, and maintenance have been factored into the construction. For example, the shed will be assembled with reinforced concrete, versus tin roof siding material in order to sustain heavy winds and rain throughout the year. The PTA will be providing all of the cement, gravel, labor and transportation of all materials to the island, valued at $1,652.97 USD. The PCPP funds will cover the cement blocks, timber and other construction materials valued at $2,781.70 USD.

Upon completion of the fallen school wall, a special mural will be created to honor all those who helped make the School's Project a reality. Each donor will have a special cement block commemorated on their behalf with their home country flag. The Primary School has an active Postcard Project with participants in over 50 countries. Photos of the finished cement blocks, benches and shed shall be made available via the PCV's personal Blog.

Again the link is: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=421-133

MALO 'AUPITO--THANK YOU--MERCI--GRACIAS--DANKE!