Increasing volunteer numbers in the Pacific
As part of a nation with a rich Polynesian history, we are uniquely placed to work in the Pacific. Over the past six years we have doubled the number of volunteers in this region, making this the largest region we currently work in.
We are actively working on options to strengthen our support for improving agricultural development in the Pacific.
Locally owned, locally identified and locally delivered programmes
Our programmes are developed jointly with our in-country partner organisations to increase the capacity of local people and institutions. Our partners identify specific development needs and, together, we develop assignment descriptions for volunteers.
Since 2008 we have increased our in-country field staff to provide greater support to our partner organisations and volunteers, ultimately strengthening our long-term development practice.
Pacific achievements at a glance
VSA volunteers in Bougainville have helped rebuild schools and community facilities as part of the peace-building process which followed a decade of civil conflict. Local organisations have been established to deal with post-conflict trauma. Hundreds of young people, deprived of education during the conflict, have completed vocational training programmes and found work. Local businesses have been established and the new government has been supported to re-establish public services and infrastructure.
VSA legal advisers working in three Solomon Island provinces have strengthened economic development and business opportunities. In-service teacher training and professional development programmes have been established in remote and isolated schools.
Early childhood education programmes now operate in 512 kindi throughout Vanuatu, thanks to VSA volunteers’ work with the Vanuatu Early Childhood Education Association. Most Vanuatu children now attend a local kindi. In 2010, 16 local women graduated as Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers with VSA support.
Four Vanuatu provinces have established local tourism promotion offices with VSA advice and support.
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