For the tourist Vanuatu can be an island paradise, however the Ni-Van people present a common need, the need for basic health care and education for their beautiful children.
Children make up 43% of the population. Children know it is a privilege to go to school and they are eager to learn.
Blog is looking good! Can't wait to read more!!
ReplyDeleteWell the passport is ready and the khaki uniform and pith helmet packed. First stop will be Espiritu Santo to fuel the Boeing 737-800 Jet with no ocean trips or swims prior to that........
ReplyDeleteI hope.......... Thanks for travelling along with me!
Have a good time muppi
ReplyDeleteSharon
Vanuatu is a celebration of many things. It can be a tropical dream or it can be an opportunity to share another culture and learn another way of living. Where else could you get off a plane (slightly anxious) then be tapped on the shoulder by a smiling Ni-Van gently calling my name! I felt at home.
ReplyDeleteMy destination, Pikininy Playtime, has a panoramic view of the torquoise harbour below. I saw lots of Ni-Vans enjoying the fringes or sitting under the swaying coconut palms. These palms seem to bend on their elastic trunks as they maintain a precarious hold on the edge. Beyond were the colourful gardens of the Malapoa region.
From that time my days are filled to capacity. Children carrying bags almost as big as they are, stream through the gate ready for the day. They play, dance, sing, and listen to stories all destined to give these children the opportunity to learn. These kids have begun their learning journey! Its a very happy place.
At morning tea I sit beside Simon, who has a coconut and a whole cucumber, reminding me what a 'healthy' lunch really is!
Buses pass regularly. These are small vans in various states of repair. There was a tragedy yesterday when children on their way to school were run over by a drunk driver, one child died. There are over 2,000 buses which exceeds a Transport order that the number should be 200. There were a scarcity of road signs around Vila, however as the roads have large potholes its impossible to speed. The streets are narrow and when the cruise ships berth, its chaotic. These huge ships come regularly, often three or four a week. They 'disgorge' pleasure -hungry tourists out to sample the snorkelling, abseiling, helicopter rides, and make the souvenier shop owners very happy. Better NOT to shop on cruise days!!!!!!!!!
MARKET DAY
ReplyDeleteOne highlight is a trip to the market downtown. There is a dazzling array of island nuts, fruits, vegies, bush raspberries and taro plus a mountain of unrecognizable edible food. The rough, smooth, prickly and yellow and green vegies look fresh and crisp.Standing in buckets like inspirational beacons, are bright mauve and red ginger flowers inviting everyone into the market. The market women with smiles as wide as a Pacific Island say "'Ello', 'Ello as you pass, no high pressure selling here. All the talk is Bislama. Common advise to understand Bislama is to throw in the words'long' and 'blong' a few times in every sentence and you'll just about have it. Wish it were that simple!
One market was amazing. As we bought vegies we were entertained by singing, dancing and a message from a group of men. The whole market joined in with their toe-tapping tempos. It appeared these were prisoners from the local goal out to testify to their new-found faith. I couldn't understand Bislama, but the atmosphere was electric as they delivered their message. It was a very charasmatic presentation.
It is astonishing how much I miss when I don't want to miss anything! This happened when I was travelling around the Island with my host. A stranger said "Look around that bend!"
Wow!!!!! a spring fed lagoon the colour of turquoise was right there in front of me. Beyond the surf threw white froth onto the deep blue sea. A snow white coral wall encircled the lagoon and I filled water bottles. Bright blue fish swam around my toes and it was like being in an aquarium!
Efate Island could be called Treasure Island. The island has a good road which takes you through the villages of Saama,Emua,Napara,Onesau, Matarisu, Epao, Pang Pang, and other settlements. These villages nestled between jungle-terrain and the sea helps me forget any stress! Unfortunately cyclones and earthquakes rattle the bones of Efate now and then, but not today.
My Ni-Van friend pointed to a track veering off-road. We turned in and went for about three kilometers deeper and deeper into the greenery. The kids took to the bush to harvest Nafara ( known as Island Fairy Floss ). These are seedling coconuts which the little girl split to get out the white, sweet pulpy interior. YUM.
We walked to the village and chatted. There was a baby boy asleep in a sarong hammock in a woven grass hut. He was not afraid of the sunglassed strangers. The parents showered us with gifts, tomatoes, pumpkin. They were not only kind and generous but friendly. They carry huge knives, but these are used more as a tool than a weapon. Later we picniced with our toes in the water and the fresh breeze blowing in our hair.
HAVES AND HAVE NOTS
ReplyDeleteThere is a stark contrast between islands. A stone's throw from a 5Star Resort will be an island like Isira Island. We took a taxi boat there for a traditional meal of lap lap after an invite from a very lovely young girl. Traditional living is still practiced and it was a joy to join in with this special family within sight of the glistening Iririki Island Resort. The lava stones had been heated since early morning and the young girls prepared a meal of manioc, shellfish, bananas all wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. The preparation takes ages!
As we ate other neighbours called to give some of their lap lap, it was a big day of sharing and generosity. The fish and cabbage were tasty and had a smoked flavour from the fire. Island cabbage and tuluk was my favourite! Afterwards mango and Island icecream made us weigh down the boat. As there had been a death in the family recently, their invitation was even more special.
Another special event that day was to see the English and French school still operating. The pigs and the dogs came with us! There was a song on the wall, about taking my little knife into the garden to cut cut cut. It was so good to see a traditional rhyme for these little kids to sing.
At Pikininy Playtime we sing great little songs with the kids. "Thankyou for paw paw, bananas, coconuts etc. Sometimes the teachers sing in harmony transforming it into a choir. The kids love to squeeze and prod my white skin. They are so open and honest and a joy to work with.
The main reason for this trip was to get to know Ni-Van people. Pikinini Playtime helped me to do this through the children and their parents. I was able to write to the local newspaper last week. Here is a copy of the letter.
ReplyDeleteHIGH STANDARD OF CHILDCARE.
Dear Editor,
As a recent visitor I would like to express my admiration for the high standard of childcare available in Port Vila. My month-long stay was at Pikinini Playtime, Malapoa.
I attended a Cake and Coffee morning where parents were entertained by their children.They were delighted to see their littlies, dance,wiggle, sing and perform the tasks they had been taught.
Early childhood requirements are being met by the curriculum which promotes English speaking and Australian Education Standards. Good manners, healthy eating, hygiene -control and respect for others is greatly encouraged.
The school's location with ample space for outdoor play in a safe environment, facilitates their learning.
It is heartening to see this school established in such beautiful surroundings, with a Treasure Trove of stimulating learning material.
The new kindergarten program starting in 2013 will enable more children to take advantage of the opportunities offered for early education. Sponsorship would give more needy children this great opportunity to learn.
This experience with the children enhanced my stay in Vanuatu. I will take back to Ausgralia many happy memories of your beautiful children.
My hosts were wonderful. They are two Aussies trying to make a difference in a place where opportunity does not come knocking on the door for everyone. Working in the islands is often exhausting, difficult, expensive and often tedious, but it was a joy to share these experiences with them. Certainly for me these are gold, memorable days.
Oh! I can just see another cruise ship passing by. Last week one had difficulty negotiating the reef, but he made it, eventually!
More pesky tourists in town today!
Tankyu tumas............