Ministry for Pacific Peoples — Cook Islands Māori Language Week

Sandra (Cindy) Mendonca

I am an alumni of New Zealand Aid scholarship program in Timor and I graduated from The University of Auckland in 2017. I have worked for the UN Agencies and some of the Timorese Government Institutions.

I joined VSA in May 2019 and I am so lucky to be part of the VSA team as I have gained so much knowledge and experience from the skilled staff and the very experienced Kiwi volunteers that we had in our program.

As a young nation, we would like to see more development in Timor and I am so grateful and highly valued the contribution and commitment of VSA to support the partner organisations through capacity building from each of the assignments.

I am looking forward to share my local knowledge to our Kiwi volunteers and learn every outcomes from each assignments for the development of Timor-Leste.

Give Today. Strengthen Tomorrow.

When you donate to VSA, you're helping communities across the Pacific build the skills and knowledge they need to shape their own futures.

Your contribution supports experienced volunteers working alongside local people – strengthening healthcare, education, climate resilience, livelihoods, and more. It’s about practical support, real partnerships, and long-term impact.

Every donation, big or small, helps create stronger, more self-reliant communities.

Be part of something that lasts. Donate today.