Mattie Geary Nichol

In some ways, life in Vanuatu can be described as pretty easy. You aren’t burdened by choices and decisions all the time as these are often made for you. Read More

Imagine turning up to your first day of volunteering and finding out your counterpart had just resigned? This was my first day working at NCYC. Luckily though, within a few weeks Charlie Johnson was appointed Youth Centre Supervisor and I don’t think I could have gotten a better counterpart. Read More

Laplap is the national dish of Vanuatu. It is like a root vegetable cake and an acquired taste that I am still getting used to. Whenever we have a celebration or any important event, a laplap is prepared by a family member of someone at NCYC and brought in to share. Read More

Workshops are easily the best part of my job volunteering here. Setting them up and participating with the youth and mamas is such a fun part of my job. Here are my top three workshops that we’ve had so far this year: Read More

When I first came to Vanuatu I thought I’d be living a life without luxuries. I really noticed all those things I loved and missed from home, such as Cuba Street, Black Forest chocolate and Sundays spent eating gelato on the waterfront. Read More

“Parlez-vous francais?” A man yelled out from the side of the road as we drove up to Port Orly, a French speaking town in Santo. “No” I said, “Be mi toktok Bislama” No, but I speak Bislama. Read More

One of the best things about living on a tropical island is the tropical fruit. I am lucky enough to encounter fruit such as pineapples, pawpaws and bananas on a regular basis, buying them cheaply at the market or being given them by colleagues and friends. Read More

Happy Project Friendship week! I hope you are all enjoying your friendship bracelets and having a good time collecting different colours and giving them to your friends. Let’s find out what’s been happening here in Vanuatu and the work that you are supporting. Read More

Although there is always something going on at the youth center, not every day is a football tournament. So I thought I’d show you what a normal Monday volunteering at NCYC looks like, and the everyday work that, by buying a friendship bracelet, you are supporting in Vanuatu. Read More

Kia ora, I’m Mattie and I’m volunteering at Northern Care Youth Centre (NCYC) in Luganville, Vanuatu. The centre is a place where youth who don’t go to school anymore or don’t have jobs can come and learn skills, make friends and use the clinic which is attached to the centre. Read More