VOLUNTEERS are often driven not by the time they have but by the heartfelt desire to make a difference. This rings true for 31-year-old Anya Marchenko, a Ukrainian national now residing in Suva, Fiji. Marchenko’s journey into humanitarian work is marked by her commitment to peace-building and community development, rooted deeply in her experiences and education.
Currently serving as the Fiji branch manager for Global Branch 11 of the South Korea-based NGO HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), Marchenko began her humanitarian path well before arriving in Fiji in early 2025. After moving from Ukraine to South Korea in 2012—following her parents—she graduated from Korea University with a degree in politics and international studies, fueled by her passion for societal change.
“My lifelong aspiration has always been to work with an NGO,” she stated, emphasizing the essential role of collective efforts in peace-building. Her initial involvement with HWPL was sparked after attending a festival in Seoul, where she was inspired by other volunteers. Her passionate commitment saw her rise through various roles within HWPL, and in February 2025, she was appointed to oversee operations in Fiji.
Marchenko expresses her admiration for Fiji, describing it as a “harmonious country.” Since her arrival, she has coordinated several initiatives aimed at youth engagement and peace awareness, including online training programs for aspiring peace educators. One of the first activities she facilitated was a meaningful youth beach cleanup in Pacific Harbour, which set a positive tone for future projects.
Reflecting on her volunteer work, Marchenko said, “This work brings me a kind of fulfillment that money can’t buy.” She believes in leaving a legacy through her efforts to empower communities and contribute to peace initiatives. “If you can say you were a part of something that helped stop conflict or empowered people… that’s powerful,” she said.
Marchenko envisions Fiji as a beacon of peace in the Pacific, particularly through youth leadership. Her dream is for Fijian youth to take on active roles in promoting peace and shaping positive futures.
Her message to aspiring volunteers is simple: engage in community service at least once in your life, as it can thoroughly transform your perspective. By focusing on helping others, Marchenko highlights that individual priorities often become clearer, fostering a greater sense of purpose and community.
In guiding her efforts and those of others, she embodies the spirit of service and unity that characterizes many volunteers across Fiji, echoing sentiments from other local figures who are similarly driven by their passion for change and community welfare—like Salote Malani and her community projects aimed at uplifting vulnerable groups. Each of these stories reinforces the idea that, through collective action, meaningful change is achievable, nurturing a spirit of resilience and hope within communities.
The hopeful aspects of Marchenko’s endeavors showcase the potential for individuals inspired by altruism to significantly impact their communities, fostering environments where peace and cooperation can flourish.
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