Olivia Eyles has swapped the shores of Otago for the shores of Rarotonga in seeking to enlighten the education of others.

Eyles landed on the island just over a week ago through a Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) programme which partners with multiple organisations across the Pacific.

The UniVol programme is a collaboration between VSA and Otago, Victoria, Massey and Auckland universities.

The programme, which has been operating since 2007, provides opportunities for selected candidates to volunteer overseas while contributing to capacity building and international development. 

Eyles, a recent Otago graduate aims to expand her horizons through the programme.

She will work alongside the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands for 10 months to share her knowledge and skills.

Eyles has completed a Masters in Human Geography and aims to apply her knowledge in looking at environmental issues, specifically climate change.

“It’s about climate change and what it means for population movement,” she says of human geography. 

Eyles applied to volunteer abroad through UniVol after hearing from others about their experiences in the programme.

There were delays as she was originally booked to arrive on August 18, 2021 before the borders closed.

She is just happy to be here now.

Her title at the USP Cook Islands Centre on Rarotonga is student learning support assistant.

“I work with students with whatever help they need with study.

“I help them with anything they want.”

Eyles says VSA provides her with a living allowance.

“We are very well looked after.”

It is her first time in the Cook Islands and she says she is looking forward to getting to know the culture and community.

“I want to get involved in life here.

“I just want to support USP and students to achieve their goals in studies.”

Eyles says she was home schooled in Otago before gaining her Masters.

“It can lead to lots of areas,” she says of her commitment to study. “That includes policy research and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).”

“Human geography encompasses people and the environment and their interactions.

“It is really relevant with the social and climate change we are experiencing.”

She stresses the value of education.

“Continuing education is really valuable, it’s about upskilling, gaining employment and learning about the world, and yourself.”

Her vision is shared by VSA which encourages Kiwi volunteers to share skills with people in the Pacific and beyond to “help them build a better future for themselves and their children”.

Partner organisations include regional and central government agencies, local and national NGOs, education and health bodies and individual schools, colleges and health clinics.

VSA is one of New Zealand’s high profile volunteer agencies working in international development.

Since 1962, it has recruited about 4000 New Zealanders from a wide range of backgrounds, from business mentors and lawyers to doctors and eco-tourism operators, to horticulturalists, bricklayers and plumbers.

“I also like the outdoors, walking and reading,” Eyles says.

“I have been made to feel welcome here, and Rarotonga is just a beautiful place.

“I didn’t know too much about it before I came here and I really want to get to know the people.

“I want to build relationships.”