Australian Aid in Tonga

Janet has recently been to Tonga where she volunteered to train over 90 local NGO's in grant writing to help them secure vital funding with Australian Aid and other organisations. 

Janet had the privilege of working with local NGOs, training them in grant writing—a skill that’s often the difference between securing vital funding or missing out on opportunities that could transform communities. With over 90 participants eager to learn, it was hard work but so incredibly rewarding. By the end of the program, many had already submitted applications for Australian Aid funding, turning knowledge into action. Seeing their confidence grow throughout the training was the best part!

One of the most unforgettable moments? The certificate ceremony on our last night in Tonga—everyone dressed up, full of excitement, celebrating their achievements. It was a beautiful, exhilarating end to an inspiring month.

Why does this matter? Access to funding empowers NGOs to create sustainable change—whether it’s improving education, healthcare, or economic opportunities. Too often, amazing initiatives stall because communities don’t have the skills to navigate the complex world of grants and funding. Equipping them with the tools to advocate for their own projects means real impact that lasts far beyond my time there.

And it doesn’t stop here! Next stop: Samoa in June, where Janet will be diving into more grant training and support.