BEACH CLEAN UP Matamaka style…

PHOTO: Keep Matamaka Beautiful!

This year for environment week, Matamaka GPS did a huge beach cleanup. My kaumea from the states, Ashley, helped out to make the event a success. Fellow yachters who were in the area also assisted with the beach cleanup.

Before we began the cleanup, Ma’asi and Soane did an environmental lesson to all the children. They highlighted information on what is rubbish and items that are recyclable. I believe the kids got the basic concept of the lesson. Next Soane had split all the students into two groups. Each group was in charge of a beach in Matamaka. The goal was to collect as much rubbish as possible. In addition, we had a contest to see which team could collect as many batteries. My group collected a plastic bag full and we thought we won. When we met up with the other group, I was shocked to find out that they had collected a whole flour sack full of batteries!

PHOTO: Soane explaining the dangers of global warming (aka scaring the crap out of the kids) and the flour sack of batteries found on the beach.

Once all the rubbish was collected, we dug up a hole and buried it all. We did not burn all the rubbish like what all the other people in Tonga do. As for the batteries, I plan on recycling them all with Gio Recyling. They are supposedly building a Vava’u branch that can recycle batteries. As for now, the batteries sit at school. I have told the kids to continue collecting batteries if they see them around (especially on the beach). They have to understand the environmental impacts of corroded batteries. I am hoping to find a more sustainable solution of battery removal from the island before I leave. I just have to convince the people of Matamaka to why they should not dump them in the water.

PHOTO: Team Ma’asi/Ashley VS. Team Soane/Feleti

In the end, everyone had a blast with the beach cleanup. It was a great way for Ashley to meet most of the Matamaka residents and get to know all the children. The children hopefully will learn something from it and think twice before they throw rubbish on the beach. In total we collected over eight flour sacks of rubbish. We will do another beach cleanup in late September again and anyone is welcome to join us!

Radio Nuku’alofa and GPS Nuku’alofa

PHOTO: Radio interview at Radio Nuku'alofa 88.6 with Lala and a PCV from 'Eua.

The 50^th anniversary of Peace Corps is fast approaching next March 2011. As a result, Peace Corps Tonga has been busy promoting Peace Corps throughout the entire Kingdom. I am involved with the planning committee and we have been busy organizing different events for following year. One of the ways we have been promoting Peace Corps Tonga has been through the radio. I was privileged enough to be a part of a radio interview on Radio Nuku’alofa 88.6! The famous morning radio DJ “Lala,” had done the interview. We talked about my site in Matamaka and all the things volunteers do in Vava’u. In addition, I had an opportunity to advertise our Postcard Project through the radio waves. The entire interview was a lot of fun and I even did some of it in faka-tonga. As the anniversary comes closer, more volunteers will also take part with other interviews and promotional events to help celebrate.

If anyone would like to get involved or have ideas to help with the upcoming 50^th anniversary of Peace Corps, please do not hesitate on contacting me via email or message post. Any ideas would be much appreciated. MALO!

PHOTO: GPS Nuku'alofa library.

On another note, I had an opportunity to visit GPS Nuku’alofa and see all the great things PCV Kathy Beck has done to the school. She has done a superb job fixing up the library which was literally nonexistent before she arrived. The library was well-equipped with a computer and copy machines. Kathy created an effective teachers work room for all the staff to utilize. Overall, I was very impressed with all the work Kathy has done in such a short time. Keep up the good work Kathy. Malo ngaue!

I’m on a boat…what? what?

PHOTO: The interim ferry getting ready to leave for Tongatapu.

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to experience the new interim ferry from Vava’u to Tongatapu. It was a sixteen hour journey, but the Malaysian boat Ajang Subuh did not disappoint one bit. Surprisingly, I was flabbergasted by the cleanliness and efficiency of the entire transit. It left Neiafu harbor at 4:00 PM Tuesday and arrived at Nuku’alofa at 8:30 AM Wednesday exactly.

Why did I take the boat? Well, living in Tonga you have to learn how to be flexible. Originally, I was scheduled to fly out of Vava’u Monday afternoon but that did not happen. Due to the plane crash incident of Chatham’s Pacific (no one died), the entire airline was grounded as their license was suspended by the Tongan government. As a result, this caused quite a ruckus with inter-island travel for tourists and locals. Many people missed their connecting international flights out of TBU. Luckily, the interim ferry was scheduled Tuesday and I was determined to get down to Nuku’alofa one way or another.

After receiving my refund from Chatham’s, I bought a ticket for the boat for $93 TOP. Travel on the boat was so much cheaper than a one way flight ($283 TOP). In addition, the new boat also offers eight beds for those who prefer to travel in style. Ironically, the planes resumed service that same evening. Oh, well.

PHOTO: The main cabin, the captain's deck, and people sleeping on the top deck.

The main cabin offers seating for about forty people. All the seats reclined, but are situated in awkward locations. There simply was not enough room to get in and out of your seat if you are not next to the isle. On the contrary, the main cabin was well ventilated with a plasma TV that showed different programs throughout the voyage. My only negative comment was the people were throwing up everywhere. Often times after passengers threw up; they placed their vomit infested plastic bags on the floor which ultimately overpowered the ventilation system. As a result, I slept on the top deck where it was much more comfortable. Furthermore, the toilet facilities were amazing. There was no shortage of toilet paper and it was very clean.

Throughout the entire journey I ran into a lot of friendly people and crew of the ship. It was quite an experience to travel via ferry boat from Vava’u. The waters between Vava’u and Ha’apai were pretty rough. I was feeling a bit sick, but watching the horizon and some Dramamine pills helped. In the end, I would rate the entire experience 8.5/10. I recommend it for budget travelers with strong stomachs. The waters from Ha’apai to Tongatapu were not bad. It was only between Vava’u and Ha’apai that made me question why I rode the boat. Bon voyage!

Children’s Fun Day at the Neiafu Public Library

PHOTO: The kids having a good time at the Fun day. The piñata just broke and everyone was rushing in for all the candies.

On May 29th, 2010, the Neiafu Public Library hosted its annual Children’s Fun Day. It is one of the fundraisers the library pursues to maintain its operation. Furthermore, it is an excellent opportunity for children and families from around Vava’u to come out and have a good time. This year was exceptionally successful due to all the volunteers and business sponsorships we had helped out for the event. The entire event raised $873.00 TOP!

A fellow Peace Corps volunteer and I are involved with the library committee. The group has been extraordinarily busy coordinating and planning all the logistics for the Fun day for weeks. We were grateful that most of the other Peace Corps and AYAD (Australian) volunteers in Vava’u were eager to help out at the event. Other Tongan volunteers and a bunch of local businesses also helped out or sponsored the event. Teamwork was really what made the event a huge success. We even had a DJ that attracted people’s attention towards the library Fun Day.

PHOTOS: Highlights from Fun Day.

The Fun day consisted of a flea market table, which consisted of random clothing and things all for sale. There was a food stand with cakes, cookies, and hotdogs for .50 cents! The staff of AQUARIUM CAFE did a superb job grilling and serving all the food. It was such a hit that all the hot dogs ran out almost instantly. VEPA, the Vava’u Environmental Protection Association, also had a booth that allowed children to color an advertisement for the TALANOA VEVE national competition of “keeping Tonga waste free.” Furthermore, we had various game booths. The games included: ring toss, clown bean bags, golf, fishing for fish, and a Spongebob Square Pants “throw off.” Basically, the last game was similar to a pie throwing contest, but we used wet sponges instead. Pies are hard to come by in Tonga and I would’ve probably eaten it instead of throwing it. Lastly, there was a face painting booth which was very popular. The children had pretty interesting works of art on their faces by the time the event was over.

There was also a pig piñata made by the folks over at CAFÉ TROPICANA. It was such a huge hit! The children all had three swings to try and hit the pig. Some of the children were a bit shy to take swing at it, but there were a handful that couldn’t get enough of it. By the time it finally broke, everyone just jumped in to grab as many candy and treats. The ladies running the event were almost swept down by the super excited children.

PHOTO: Children coloring at the VEPA table for the TALANOA VEVE competition.

In the end, the event was a tremendous success. I was exhausted from playing “golf” with the kids all morning. There will be another fundraiser hosted by the public library later this year. We hope it will have similar results. I look forward to Fun Day next year. I am positive Peace Corps volunteers, as well as other members of the Vava’u community, would be more than happy to help out again. It’s all for the kids and library!

LIST OF SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED OUT:

• Café Tropicana
• Tropical Tease
• IkaLahi Lodge
• Wind Pony
• Aquarium Café
• Vavau Adventures
• Megapode
• Sunset Grill
• Tonga Earth
• VEPA
• Adventure Backpackers
• Hansen Family sound

LIBRARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS: Henk and Sandra Gros, Don Blanks, Carolyn, Saskia, Norie, Robert, Christy, Lisa, Likivai, Judy, Le'o, Kelly, Dominica, Miriam, Jason, and Jenny.

(I’m sorry if I missed anyone. Please let me know and I will make a correction).

These supporters gave cash contributions as well as their help on the day, and some fantastic PRIZES for the chikdren’s games. Parents brought cakes to sell, and items for the second hand table.

Swallow’s Cave

PHOTO: Swallow’s Cave from the outside.

What is it you may ask? Swallow’s cave is well a cave. There are two famous caves in Vava’u, Swallow’s and Mariner’s cave. Every time I take a boat to or from town, I pass Swallow’s cave. I finally had the opportunity to see what is inside a few weeks ago. I was on an eva-pe with the Pentecost boat when they asked me if I have ever been inside. “Nope.”

At high tide, smaller boats are able to go in and explore the ‘ana or cave. You can shout as loud as you can and hear the echoes bouncing around walls. Inside is very green and full of graffiti. Apparently, it is a cool thing to mark the wall with spray paint of your name. Way to kill the mystery and mood eh? Different types of birds and bats live inside. My school and I actually plan on retrieving some natural fertilizer from this place (aka bird poop) in the near future for our garden.

PHOTOS: Hitting the “church bell” with a piece of wood, some graffiti “art,” and my neighbor Louie standing on a little platform in the cave.

Near the center of the cave lies a rock that sticks out a bit. They told me it is known as the church bell, because when you hit it with something it sounds like bells. Well, we tried it and indeed it sounded like any Sunday morning in Tonga. We took some photos with everyone before heading out of cave. It wasn’t bad honestly. Inside felt like a canoe ride from Disneyland. I asked the Tongan if they swim inside the cave and they said mostly the palangi people do it. Apparently, they don’t find it to exciting to swim inside this cave.

I have yet to visit Mariner’s Cave. It is actually on my island of Nuapapu, but all the way on the other side. The locals have told me there is a bush route, but it has not been cleared for years. I bet it’s probably almost impossible to get to without a guide (just like the route to the “secret” beach). With this cave, you are supposed to dive underwater for a few meters to enter the cave. Inside, there is a phenomenal mist that is caused by the waves. I bet it is beautiful as they say. I hope to check it out in May when my family comes and visit. As for now, I can check off Swallow’s Cave off of my “things to do before I leave Tonga” list.

PHOTO: Swallow’s cave from the inside looking out. Cool eh?

Feleti’s Island Bungalow Weekend Retreat and CORAL PROJECT Take TWO

PHOTO: One of my guest with the children who were all so eager to swim with us.

A few weekends ago, some PCVs visited Matamaka for a little palangi weekend retreat at my island bungalow. Everyone has been a bit stressed out about work and Tongan culture for awhile now, so some relaxing time with friends has been long overdue. Feleti’s Island Bungalow Resort is open for anyone who wants some malolo time in Vava’u.

The entire weekend started when I went back into town Friday afternoon to meet all the volunteers. I picked up some food and essentials for the weekend. There are always boats that leave Neiafu late Friday afternoon to bring the high school students back to the island. Everyone enjoyed the boat ride over to Matamaka. We watched the beautiful sunset across the horizon. Dinner was vegetarian calzones which we had extra and had given to the men at kava. It turned out that they did not really like it and ate kumala instead. LOL. One of the PCVs served the kava too, which was a big hit with the men.

PHOTO: Feleti's "secret" beach.

Saturday was day full of adventures. We hiked to the neighboring village through the jungles of Nuapapu. Believe it or not, there are still some areas that have not been “touched” yet. It is pristine Tongan wilderness at its best. Afterwards, we made it to the “secret” beach. There is a name for the beach, but I can never remember the name. No one goes to this beach as the path has not been cleared for years. As a result, it was the ideal place for a little palangi time since we had it all to ourselves.

PHOTOS: Our coral gardens made out of giant clam shells and Ma'asi smiling for the camera underwater.

One of the PCVs also had an underwater camera, which we used to photograph our Matamaka GPS Coral Gardens. I had invited the students to go swimming around the gardens. We all had a good time taking our photo opportunities with the corals. Later that evening, we made pepperoni/pineapple pizza and vegetable pesto pizza with eggplants, peppers, onions and more. Let’s just say it was beyond delicious. Another volunteer also made seafood soup which was a huge hit; even the dogs wouldn’t eat it. LOL. We ended the evening with a bonfire by the beach and listened to songs with a guitar. One of the local boys played the ukulele and sang songs to the girls. They were very much flattered by this.

We ended the weekend with some people getting some work done at the school library while a fellow volunteer went to all of my Sunday church routine. All six hours of it to be exact. They all went with me to the Pentecost service and enjoyed a delicious ‘umu/picnic prepared by the church members. The food of course was amazing. The entire weekend ended shortly afterwards. I waited with all the peeps at the wharf where a boat awaited them heading back to town. We took one last group photo, before Feleti’s Island Bungalow weekend retreat was over. Until next time…

PHOTO: My first guests to my village. Good times good times.

Coral Project Take ONE

PHOTO: One of the clam circles with the students placing corals within and around the circle.

The Matamaka Coral Gardens have officially started! We have had several talks about this trial project for awhile now, but we have stopped talking about it and just did it. Matamaka GPS has been blessed with a location that is surrounded by water on three sides. The views are amazing and the sunsets are beautiful, but the truth is hidden underneath the water. The corals around Matamaka have mostly been damaged due to years of overfishing. As a result, we are attempting to regenerate and protect the corals surrounding the school.

We have placed giant clam shells in various shapes within the open gaps of the existing corals in our protected zone. The shells were generously donated from various families of Matamaka who wanted to help contribute to our project. As a result, the entire project cost ZERO dollars, but the benefits will be unimaginable. The students, staff, and members of Matamaka gathered the clam shells one afternoon and made a stock pile in our school. During high tide the next day, we pushed all the clams onto the water. Later that same afternoon, we placed all the clams in their “designated” areas. We started where the corals are the most abundant. Our plan is to strengthen the existing corals and expand towards the “dead” zones.

PHOTO: The students collecting the giant clam shells.

The kids were all very helpful with placing the clams carefully on the sea floor. My co-teacher Ma’asi and I coordinated the design of the clams. Next, we searched for little baby corals from the area and strategically placed them within and around the clam circles. We had to explain to the children to not just pull out any corals they find. At first they were so proud of collecting random corals and then I had to explain to them to NOT destroy the corals and to be very careful around them. Tongan children have all grown up living from the sea, so educating them all to not walk on the corals has been a headache.

PHOTO: Students and Ma’asi strategically placing the clams within the no-fish zone and children walking with the clams to the school.

At the time of writing, we have completed three areas of clam circles. In addition to the preservation of corals, we want to protect all living things within the protection zone. Since sea cucumber season has just started here in Tonga (which is a whole other environmental problem on its own) we tried to gather as much sea cucumbers from outside the protection zone and placed them with the protected area. The purpose is guarantee that they do not get collected from people who harvest them. Sea cucumbers are essential for healthy reefs as they keep reefs clean. Recently, Pacific Island nations have been overfishing sea cucumbers for exports to China who pay big bucks for them. One night of sea cucumber fishing can be worth up to $2000 pa’anga! As a result, we need to protect as many sea cucumbers to ensure the success of our coral gardens.

The Matamaka Coral gardens have been fully supported by important figures of Matamaka. We have held workshops to members of the community about the importance of coral reefs and the benefits of ECO-TOURISM. I am pushing for an initiative to make Matamaka one of the first eco-tourism projects on the outer-island villages of Vava’u. There are so many benefits if eco-tourism becomes successful in the outer-islands. The town officer has announced that the area surrounding the school and another reef just outside of Matamaka to become a no fish zone. This is a HUGE progress in our attempt to preserve and regenerate the damaged corals. My goal before my Peace Corps service ends is to register the protected area with the Ministry of Fisheries of Tonga and turn it into an official marine reserve.

PHOTO: Matamaka GPS Coral Garden. Pretty eh?

As tourist season kicks off here in Tonga, we hope to attract palangis and Tongans to help support our conservation movement so that other villages may consider starting similar projects. There is a dire need to preserve the fragile eco-systems of Tonga and throughout the South Pacific. The South Pacific is one of the last healthy oceans in the world. As a result of overfishing and limited environmental conservation, these islands of paradise may one day disappear. The time to act is now. I am proud Matamaka has taken some initiative. Only time will tell if our conservation efforts will regenerate the corals and the return of more fish.

Postcard Project Update and more SHOUT OUTS :D

PHOTO: Students checking out the new books from the States.

Hello Matamaka GPS blog readers. I just wanted to give a quick update on how our postcard project is doing. Well...it's going really GREAT! I have been getting a stack of postcards every week from the post office here in Neiafu. The ladies who work at the post office have been surprised at the amount of mail Matamaka GPS receives every week. In addition, we have been getting packages from awesome people from around the world who wants to help out with the school.

What do I do with the postcards? Every time I bring the new postcards to school, I usually have them all laid out by the blackboard in the library. All the students have an opportunity to view all of them. “Tika atu,” most of them would say which means “cool” in English. Some of the more interesting postcards, they would ask me, “Feleti, ko ia oku mo’oni?”--“Feleti, is this real?” Yep, it is real. Most of the children have only seen photos and some movies about cities and places around the world. As a result, when they see a postcard of the city of Seattle and Pittsburgh it seems surreal to see all the tall buildings.

After all the students walk through and see all the postcards, I then divide all the cards evenly to the students. Their next job is to walk over to the world map and US map in the library and identify where the postcard came from. To make it easier, I already marked all the location with sticky tabs. They just have to match their card to the “right” sticky tab. For the most part, they do a good job finding the place. It has been more of a race to see who can find their cards first. Tongan children are very competitive remember.

PHOTO: Where are all the cards come from? Our maps and postcards from around the world.

Once everyone finds their location, they all take turn presenting their postcards in front of all the students and pinpoint it on the map. Soon after, I place a little sticker on the sticky tabs that are current Peace Corps countries. I have been grateful that so many PCVs from around the world have participated with our little project. In the end, students can now identify which countries in the world map are places where Peace Corps volunteers work. In the future, as the 50^th anniversary of Peace Corps approaches, I will highlight different projects of PCVs on the map (especially those PCVs who have sent postcards). It will be a great way to present the wide array of projects volunteers pursues around the world to the students as well as the people of Matamaka and its visitors.

Lastly, the library at Matamaka GPS has been more beautiful than ever with all of the new books we have received from the States. I have been busy creating little arts and crafts for the children to decorate room. See for yourself how cool our library has become!

BEFOREAFTER

PHOTO: Earth Day and our library in January compared to May 2010.

SHOUT OUT TIME:

- A huge fakamalo to Brian and Jan Harvey of Iowa City, Iowa for donating a box of children’s books and goodies for the school.

- Mrs. DeCarlo’s second grade class of IKM-Manning Community School District, Iowa for donating over one hundred books and materials.

- Miraneta and the SPREP office out of Samoa for sending a box of environmental resources, posters, books, cards, and more for our library.

- Ann Blum of Harlan, Iowa for sending a variety of seeds for our school garden.

- To all of the others who have sent letters and cards of support as well as postcards from AROUND THE WORLD. Thank you for taking the time and helping us out here at Matamaka GPS. YOU have made an impact to the current success of my Peace Corps service as well as all as everyone in Matamaka and TONGA. THANK YOU and MALO ‘AUPITO.

Pen pals!

My class four to six students prepared postcards and pictures to their pen pals to Mrs. DeCarlo’s second grade class from the IKM-Manning Community Schools. We sent them our letters from Matamaka about a month ago and we just received their letters in return. The children were all very excited to see a photo of their pen pals and also to receive a letter from them. Although the school year is about to be over in the US, I just wanted to give an opportunity for the students of Mrs. DeCarlo to see my students in Tonga prepare their messages. We hope to stay in touch when the school year starts again in the Northern hemisphere. Ofa ‘atu :D

PHOTO: Matamaka students preparing their postcards and pictures about their life in Tonga and photos of our American pen pals in our library.