Volunteering in Federated States of Micronesia
As beautiful as it is remote, the Federated States of Micronesia comprises 607 islands spread across more than 2,500 kilometres of the western Pacific Ocean.
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is made up of four states — Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae — each with its own distinct cultural heritage and traditions. But FSM is unified by cultural and economic ties and a shared tropical climate.
FSM receives aid assistance from Australia, the United States, Japan, China, and the European Union. Despite this, the country suffers from relatively high unemployment.
While extreme poverty and hunger are not major issues of concern in FSM, poverty persists in the form of deteriorating access to essential social services, such as primary education, health, potable water, and a lack of jobs and markets.
The Australian Volunteers Program is guided by the Australian Government’s Aid Investment Plan for the Federated States of Micronesia and also complements and supports Australia’s Direct Aid Program, particularly in remote areas, by promoting the DAP and supporting DAP applicants.
Volunteer assignments focus on a range of development issues, including:
- improved quality basic education
- women’s social and economic empowerment
- disability inclusiveness
- human rights
- disaster risk management
- climate change
The Australian Volunteers Program aims to achieve some geographical spread and support Australia’s presence and visibility in remote and rural locations where feasible.
Australian volunteer Nikisha first made Sunday soup with her island nohno, Monique, as an offering when Monique’s nephew was going to ask for a woman’s
hand in marriage.
Download the recipe for Sunday Soup
Australians are working with local organisations in the Federated States of Micronesia to reduce pressing environmental challenges.
Discover how
