Giving back to her home country: Epenisa's journey of service and growth

For Epenisa Taukafa, returning home not as a visitor but as a professional committed to service has been one of the most transformative experiences of her life. After growing up in Tonga and later studying in Aotearoa New Zealand, she felt a deep pull to return and contribute to the communities that shaped her. Volunteering through Te Tūao Tāwāhi Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) offered a pathway to reconnect with her roots, challenge herself and give back in a meaningful way.

Epenisa was raised in a family of nine and often stepped into a caregiving role as the third eldest, so responsibility and service have long been part of her identity. When reflecting on her upbringing, she highlights watching her dad and taking inspiration from his generosity and willingness to help others. She first discovered the joy of volunteering as a student at the University of Waikato where she took part in many student initiatives. “Volunteering became a big part of my life, it taught me not just about education, but about people and purpose,” she shares. “Every time I volunteered, I felt a sense of belonging, especially being so far from home.” That sense of belonging paired with the inspiration she got from watching her dad motivated her to push beyond her comfort zone and take on the Youth Development Assistant role with the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Tonga.

While the differences in the work environment and pace of life in Tonga took some time to readjust to, her Tongan heritage has been an anchor throughout her assignment. Working in local ministries, engaging with church groups, and collaborating with communities has felt natural, as she has always been part of these communities back in New Zealand. “Being of Tongan descent made it easier to adapt to the environment and connect with people,” she says. Her familiarity with local leaders and cultural norms helped her navigate the work with confidence, while also strengthening her sense of identity and belonging.

In her day-to-day role, Epenisa supports youth-focused initiatives through communications, administration, stakeholder engagement, policy consultations and site visits to young entrepreneurs across Tonga. One of her proudest achievements has been leading key improvements in the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, working together with her colleagues to create systems to better track progress and support the Head of the Youth Development Division, Sinama Fuao, in identifying funding pathways. Her contribution has already strengthened the programme’s long-term sustainability, and Epenisa says that “it’s been rewarding to see how the programme supports young entrepreneurs and helps their businesses grow.” The impact of her work is reflected in what Sinama had to say: “The youth entrepreneurship programme was piloted two years ago before Epenisa joined us, but her presence made a big difference,” she says. “She helps us a lot, especially in data analysis, reporting and storytelling. We would not be able to do all these given that we have very limited staff.”

While the work has been fulfilling, being back in Tonga has not been without its challenges. While she felt at home in Tonga, her biggest challenge was missing her family back in Aotearoa New Zealand. Other challenges she encountered were adjusting to the pace of the working environment, managing fluctuating power and internet access, and balancing family, church and work commitments – all requiring patience and adaptability.

Volunteering back in her home country has also deepened her understanding of service within Pasifika cultures. She emphasises that volunteering through VSA is simply an extension of the values she was raised with. “The volunteer work I do as a VSA volunteer, I do it everywhere else… I do it out of love and respect for others who don’t have the skills I have,” she says. Whether supporting youth in vulnerable situations or lending a hand across ministries during events, often beyond her normal working hours, her motivation remains the same – nima foaki mo mateaki’i e ngaue, or, giving generously and dedicating oneself to the work at hand.

While volunteering abroad is often an impactful experience, Epenisa’s reflections show how transformative it can be when you volunteer back in your homeland. A highlight of her volunteer experience was being acknowledged by high-level leaders, who commended her for being a young Tongan choosing to volunteer in her homeland—something they hoped to see more of. She found fulfilment in immersing herself in her culture in a new way and contributing to major national events hosted in the country as well as various community and church events.

Dignitaries of the CRGA55 Meeting and the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community. From left to right: Mr Pasuna Tuaga, Ms Epenisa Taukafa, Honourable Tuafafa Latasi, Mrs Petesa Finikaso, and Ms Simamao Malua

As she nears the end of her assignment, Epenisa carries pride, gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. “Coming back home to serve, not as a visitor but as a Tongan giving back has been the most grounding experience of my life,” she says. “I’ve reconnected with my culture in a way I never had the chance to before. I’ve heard the stories of my people and our history, and seen how much power lives in our language, our values and our way of life.” The journey has strengthened her confidence, expanded her professional skills, reconnected her with her culture and revealed new paths for her future. Sinama also reflects on her time with Epenisa and speaks highly of her, saying, “Epenisa is smart, loyal and resourceful, yet very humble and respectful. She’ll be an asset wherever she’ll choose to work in the future.”

Epenisa’s message to other young Pasifika people is simple: “I hope that my experience inspires others to volunteer in their home countries…It has been nothing but blessings upon blessings.”

Through her work Epenisa was fortunate to meet Reverend Lord Fakatulolo, Governor of Vava'u

Supporting the Miss Heilala Float Parade. Epenisa represented the Ministry of Internal Affairs at this event