Lavenia Curuivalu

My journey with VSA began on 29th July 2024. Before joining VSA, I spent three and a half years as the Internships Lead at Think Pacific Foundation, where my passion for international development and making a meaningful impact in local Fijian communities truly took root.

I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of the South Pacific, majoring in Land Management and Human Resource Relations & Employment Relations, which I completed in 2020. Eager to deepen my understanding of global affairs, I pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Fiji.

I first learned about VSA in 2024 and was immediately drawn to the organisation's mission and the impactful work it leads across the Pacific and I'm grateful now to be part of a team committed to sustainable development through volunteering.

As I've settled into my role, I've especially enjoyed welcoming our volunteers to Fiji, supporting them through orientation, and hearing about the outcomes of their assignments. I'm inspired by the connections they build, the contributions they make, and the new experiences they take back with them at the completion of their assignment. Each volunteer experience strengthens the communities we serve—and leaves a lasting impact on both sides.

Being part of VSA has opened my eyes to the skills and capacity gaps we face in Fiji, and how vital it is to support knowledge-sharing and local empowerment. I'm proud to play a role in supporting this journey and contributing to the continued success of the Fiji programme.