Volunteering in Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga is a Polynesian country with magnificent natural beauty rarely matched elsewhere in the world.

Emma
Australian volunteer Emma Krusic with Vetekina Pau'u, Fisheries Science Assistant on the island of Vava'u.
Raina Tonga
Raina Reyes, an Australian volunteer occupational therapist trainer at Ma’a Fafine moe e Famili (MFF) in Tonga.
Michael Tonga
Australian volunteer tractor mechanic mentor Michael Gray with farm hand and aspiring mechanic Taniela Muimui.
Tonga3
Pearl farmer and artist Penisimani Lolhea at the Ministry of Fisheries facilities in the town of Neiiafu on the island of Vava'u in Tonga.
Tonga ocean
Houma Blow Holes in Tongatapu, on South West of the island.
Maureen Tonga
Australian volunteer Maureen Bolawaqatabu with colleagues Mafi Penisoni and Mele Finau.
Tonga boat
Australian volunteers Aiden Mellor and Jason Sheehan with their counterpart Sitaleki Mafi, researching coral and other sea life.

A variety of landscapes from rugged volcanic slopes, to low-lying coral islands, and pristine sandy beaches colour Tonga’s 169 islands, 36 of which are inhabited by the population of 104,000.

The country graduated to upper-middle income status in 2012 but continues to face development challenges related to its geographic isolation, exposure to natural hazards and its limited resource, production, and export base.

The key priorities of the Australian Volunteer Program are in building a more efficient and effective public sector and improving the health of Tongans — primarily by reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and improving technical and vocational skills.

As Tonga’s largest bilateral donor, Australian aid also supports the private sector and empowers women and people with disabilities.


Tonga: Country Fact Sheet 384 KB