Children receiving care at the Vanuatu National Hospital’s (VNH) Children’s Ward were given a special reason to smile yesterday as Save the Children marked International Literacy Day with a celebration of books, toys and donations.
The event brought together patients, health workers and Save the Children representatives, including the organisation’s Regional Pacific Director, Kim Koch, who presented the donations to the ward. Director Koch said the initiative was about more than providing entertainment, as books and toys could help children cope with the challenges of being in hospital and support their wellbeing.
“As a parent myself, I have a child who is sick, so I know what it is like as a parent,” she said.
“For a child who is sick, not being able to help them in the way that you would like is a very vulnerable time. To provide books, toys and some normalcy like this goes a long way.”
She said the donations would help bring comfort and happiness to children during a difficult period in their lives.
Head of Paediatrics at the VNH, Dr Orelly Thyna, said reading could play an important role in helping children feel safe and supported while receiving treatment.
“As paediatricians, we see every day how a sick child heals faster when they feel safe, comforted, and cared for — and a story can do exactly that,” Dr Thyna said.
“Reading brings warmth into a hospital ward. It gives children something to hold onto beyond their diagnosis: imagination, laughter, and a few minutes where they are simply children again, not patients.”
Dr Thyna also highlighted the long-term importance of literacy, saying children who read well are better equipped to understand health information, make informed decisions and care for their own families.
She said the reading session was therefore more than a gesture of kindness, describing it as an investment in the long-term wellbeing of children.
“On behalf of the Department of Paediatrics at VNH, thank you to Save the Children for this partnership, and for bringing books, stories, and joy into our hospital today,” she said.
The donations from Save the Children Vanuatu also focused on improving the children’s ward and creating a cleaner, safer and more child-friendly environment for young patients.
As part of the support, Save the Children assisted with cleaning and painting the children’s ward kitchen and donated a microwave to allow staff to heat food for children who are admitted late at night.
A water purifier was also donated to ensure sick children have access to clean and safe drinking water, while supporting a clean and healthy kitchen environment to improve their health and recovery.
The kitchen also received plates, spoons, cups and food containers, as well as a rubbish bin to help improve waste management in the children’s ward. Mops and brooms were also provided to add to the ward’s cleaning materials.
For the children’s safe space, Save the Children provided children’s mats and toys to create a more welcoming and comfortable area for young patients. Books were donated to encourage reading and learning, while buckets, baby basins and baby wipes were also provided for children and babies who need them during their hospital admission.
