Vanuatu
VSA has been working in Vanuatu since 1965. Our volunteers help to strengthen economic development within tourism and agriculture, develop rural vocational education, support health initiatives, empower women and youth, and provide infrastructure support in the area of water. VSA has its main office in Luganville, Sanma Province.
Vanuatu is a volcanic archipelago of 83 islands where traditional lifestyles exist side by side with technological progress. Around 110 indigenous languages are still spoken by an average of only 2,000 people per language, making it the country with the highest density of languages per capita in the world.
The vast majority of people living in Vanuatu are Melanesian. It is a predominantly Christian country. Vanuatu culture retains a strong diversity derived from regional variations and an adherence to kastom (traditional practices and lifestyles).
Vanuatu's economy is primarily agriculture-based and engages approximately 80 per cent of the population. Copra, kava, and beef make up more than 75 per cent of total agricultural exports, with agriculture accounting for around 20 per cent of GDP.
VSA Programme in Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Country Strategy is guided by “Vanuatu 2030 The People’s Plan” which prioritises social and economic development, with a vision of a stable, sustainable and prosperous Vanuatu. The Plan focuses on improving the wellbeing of the people (society pillar), protecting and enhancing the environment (environment pillar), and maximising opportunities for shared prosperity (economy pillar).
VSA currently works with multiple partners in Vanuatu on a range of assignments including:
- Ministry of Health – working alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to enhance capabilities and skills, and support in policy design and implementation. We are increasingly working in promotion of Public Health initiatives, with a focus on good nutrition as a preventative medicine.
- Department of Water Resources (DoWR) - in partnership with Engineers without Borders NZ, VSA volunteers provide support to improve water infrastructure in multiple locations.
- Department of Cooperatives – we are taking a long-term project approach in partnership with this government department to achieve sustainable livelihoods for communities in more remote parts of Vanuatu.