Chairman says VANGO committed to help achieve NSDP

Jun 23, 2025 | Initiatives and Projects, News | 0

When the Internal Affairs Acting Director General (ADG) and Commissioner of Labour, Mrs. Murielle Metsan Meltenoven, recognises the contributions made by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the umbrella of Vanuatu Non-Government Organisation (VANGO), to reach out to those isolated communities where Government arm does not reach then it means the Government has confidence in the role of VANGO towards contributing towards the achievement of the Government’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) by 2030.

The Chairman of VANGO and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV), Dr Willie Tokon, made the remarks following the launching of the first CSO Directory at the Annual General Meeting of VANGO at Ramada Resort on June 12.

Asked what this means for VANGO, the Chairman replied, “When the ADG makes such remarks then it means that we under the umbrella of VANGO, are getting somewhere in our public awareness programme to inform the Government and people about what is right,” he said.

“The more Government decision makers understand our role then we can increase our services to the people because we are responsible for public awareness on whatever issue or topic to help educate the communities on correct information to avoid doubt and confusion.

“The communities demand correct information, service, accountability and good governance.

“It is a win-win situation for all, so the Government must support our awareness programme, as we are helping carry out part of its priorities by reaching the doorstep of the people.”

Highlighting several new products in the last AGM, the Chairman said, “The launching of the Reporting Template is to make sure that the reporting made by the Government annually truly reflects our NSDP in line with what is on the ground.

“This Reporting Template is a major step forward in collecting meaningful data on the work of CSOs in Vanuatu. It aligns directly with the objectives of the National Sustainable Development Plan – Our People’s Plan, enabling CSOs to better track and report on their contributions across the environmental, social, and economic pillars.

“Moreover, it will enhance our understanding of CSOs’ resource distribution, sectoral involvement, and geographic reach – particularly in support of the Government’s decentralisation policy”.

Another new product is the CSO Directory. “The new CSO Directory builds upon our existing VANGO Map and serves as a vital tool for improving the visibility coordination of CSOs at both Provincial and National Levels.

“It facilitates more timely and efficient connections between stakeholders, enhances implementation partnerships, and strengthens location by equipping grassroots organisations to receive direct funding and actively participate in development and humanitarian responses,” he explained.

“We are also proud to introduce the CSO Good Governance and Practice Guide, developed to support ethical, accountable, and transparent operations across the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector.

“Anchored in our Code of Practice on Accountability and Transparency (CPAT), this guide aims to raise governance standards and promote professional practices among CSOs throughout Vanuatu.”

On the other hand if in the rural communities, people are complaining that they are not receiving the services as promised by the Government or are not accessing the market or goods then there’s something wrong, he suggested.

“What this boils down to is that the more our leaders understand the role of VANGO and CSO then it becomes a win-win for everybody. The Government succeeds in providing the services and the people succeed in receiving them,” the CEO said.

He said a front line example is having access to correct information provided by the Right to Information Office.

Asked to give an example of what the Government and public servants are saying to confirm that VANGO is getting through with its awareness programme, the Chairman replied, “Last year and this year, we have been hearing positive advice from our leaders. This year the new Commissioner of Police said, he was going to clean up the Police Force. This is a new development after over 40 years of nationhood when the head of an institution stands up to declare his intention to work to improve decision making in the Institution.

“For example, there was an alleged favouritism in the selection of officers on the list selected for United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping mission,” he said.

“In the past, that was simply impossible for the Commissioner to make for fear of being dismissed. We have moved beyond that era.

“Let us leaders continue to improve our transparency, good governance, integrity, fairness, and concern for our people in all our communities.”

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Pikinini Playtime founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Batten has described Vanuatu’s education situation as a “national disaster”, warning that poor literacy outcomes among children could affect the country’s future development. Speaking during an interview on Kava Mo Kajap, Mr. Batten said reports that around 70 per cent of children are unable to read and write at the expected level should be treated as a serious national concern. “I think it is a national disaster, like a hurricane or an earthquake,” Mr. Batten said. He said Vanuatu’s greatest resource is not its land or natural resources, but its people, and education is the foundation needed to develop that human resource. “Human resources are the number one resource for Vanuatu,” he said. Mr. Batten said countries that have successfully moved from being less developed to more advanced economies have done so by investing heavily in education and building a skilled population. However, he said Vanuatu’s current education results remain a major concern despite the country spending a significant amount of its national budget on education. “Vanuatu gives a lot of money per capita into education, but the results are still among the lowest in the Pacific,” he said. The Pikinini Playtime founder said the challenge is not only about funding but about how the education system delivers results. He questioned why many students continue to leave school without basic reading and writing skills despite years spent in classrooms. Mr. Batten said the impact of poor education outcomes can also be seen in the country’s workforce, where businesses often recruit skilled workers from overseas to fill positions. “We bring people from the Philippines and other countries to do accounting, bookkeeping, management, building and supervisory work, but many ni-Vanuatu are not able to take those opportunities because they do not have the basic education,” he said. He said the literacy issue must be addressed early because children who fail to develop strong reading skills in their early years often struggle throughout their education journey. Mr. Batten also raised concerns about the value placed on education within the system. He said teacher absenteeism, weak accountability and a lack of support for educators contribute to children losing confidence in learning. “When children see that school is not important, they begin to believe they don’t need school,” he said. Mr. Batten acknowledged that many teachers are working under difficult conditions but said the system needs stronger support, training and leadership to improve outcomes. He believes improving education requires everyone involved — government, schools, teachers, principals and parents — to work together. “Children are smart. They have the ability. But they need the right support and the right opportunities,” he said. Mr. Batten said addressing literacy must become a national priority because the future of Vanuatu depends on the quality of education provided to today’s children. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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