'Elenoa Kauvaka: Peace Corps Tonga Training Manager and Friend of Tonga
Please meet our Monthly Spotlight for August: 'Elenoa Kauvaka!
'Elenoa, also known as Noa, is originally from Makave, Vava’u. Noa currently works for Peace Corps Tonga as the Training Manager for Peace Corps Volunteers. Noa has held multiple positions at Peace Corps since starting in 1990; She has been the Language and Cultural Facilitator for incoming Peace Corps Volunteers, the Tech Trainer, and a Language Coordinator. She also attended the Teachers Training College with fellow Friends of Tonga board member, Tu’amelie Mahe!
What are you most proud of professionally?
Working for Peace Corps has changed me both personally and professionally, and I wouldn’t have changed as much if I was still a teacher.
What are you most proud of personally?
I am most proud of my children - My daughter is in her final year of high school and my son has just started.
What is your favorite part of Tonga?
The peace.
What do you think the biggest challenge facing Tonga is? Change, some for the better and some for worse.
How can Tonga prepare for that challenge?
For most Tongans, but not for all, it is important to rely on God’s promises to help overcome any challenge.
What would you like to see Friends of Tonga accomplish?
I think it’s great to see what FOT is working on. I would like to hear success stories of people who have been to Tonga, sharing their experience, and if there are negative experiences, what can be done to turn those around. When you become a member of FOT, you know you’re providing financial support, but it is important to also get an understanding of the family support which is so important in Tongan culture.
