In 2015, I received a government scholarship to study in Fiji. But I struggled, failed half of my subjects and returned home with my scholarship terminated. I managed to find work at Port Vila International School (PVIS) as a teaching assistant, supporting a child with autism in the classroom. I quickly applied because my university courses included educational psychology and it interested me.

Once I got the job, I wasn’t just assisting anymore. I was learning about how children who struggle are often misunderstood, overlooked and underestimated. That job turned into a school-wide learning support role.

Ruth

When I arrived in Port Vila in January 2017 to work with the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), the Certificate III in Education Support program was new. I was excited not because of the qualification, but because of the people. Teachers from Vanuatu and across the Pacific came with stories, commitment and a deep care for their students.

I first met James at PVIS when I visited to discuss professional development for teaching assistants. Even then, he stood out. He listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions and had an instinctive way of connecting with students. He didn’t posture or pretend to know everything. He had a thirst for knowledge and was eager to learn.

James

After Ruth’s session, I nervously approached her and told her I wanted to study inclusive education. She was very supportive and encouraged me to keep working hard. Little did I know, she went beyond and advocated for me to the APTC committee board when I wasn’t in the room.

Through PVIS and APTC, I was offered a scholarship to study Certificate III in Education Support in 2019. For someone whose parents couldn’t afford university fees, it felt unreal. It was all because of Ruth–she saw my determination that I thought had gone unnoticed, even when I saw myself as a failure.

Ruth

When APTC offered roles in the Education Support program, James earned one of them as the vocational training assistant. He was my student and my training assistant. Together, we facilitated the Certificate III in Education Support for teachers from Vanuatu and across the Pacific.

James gave his time for students in his care and developed wonderful relationships, which I believe are the secret to education. I didn’t know then how far our paths would travel together, only that I could see huge potential that just needed space to grow.

James

Our biggest challenge is that a lot of teachers don’t really understand what inclusive education is. But through the support and the work that Ruth and I did, we helped design Vanuatu’s first inclusive education policy that could be integrated into teaching across Vanuatu. I think that’s one of our big achievements that I’m most proud of.

One year later, something unexpected happened. Ruth stepped down from her trainer role so I could step forward. But she remained close as my mentor and she continued to guide me. When I struggled with content that was outside of my lived experience, she offered me her expertise but never made me feel small for not knowing, always made me feel capable of learning.

Ruth

At the end of six months, our students graduated with an Australian-standard qualification, equivalent to a Certificate IV. We facilitated workshops on literacy, child protection, gender equity and learning difficulties. We travelled to remote schools and trained the first inclusive education teacher in Vanuatu.

When I returned to Australia, our work continued. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we delivered training remotely, prepared learning packs for our students, with James supporting students on the ground. James and I are excellent communicators, and we would have honest, robust conversations.

James

Working alongside Ruth reshaped how I see leadership. I learned that inclusion starts with the small things–greeting everyone in the morning, making coffee for a colleague, remembering birthdays, and Ruth was the perfect role model.

What’s special about her is how she rememberedeveryone’s birthday. She would take note of our birthday dates from our registration forms and would always celebrate with us. I remember when I forgot it’s my birthday and came into work, she welcomed me in the morning with a crazy dance at the door and there was always a cake prepared. She is truly amazing.

Ruth

James helped me to see that the work that I was doing was really making a difference in Vanuatu. This was evident when I returned to Vanuatu in 2024 and I was invited to the opening of the Inclusive Education Classroom and updated Policy at the School of Teacher Education. Classrooms are becoming colourful, positive and inviting spaces for all students, and views on Inclusive Education are changing – many educators have gone on to become Inclusive Education Teachers and leaders of change.

As a student, James impressed me greatly when he was the only male in my class at the time, to believe passionately in gender equity and sought change. James went on to become part of APTC’s Gender Equity Committee – he is not afraid of speaking up for something he believes in.

James

Over time, our relationship changed from student and trainer, to colleagues, to something closer to family. My son calls her Aunty Ruth, my partner knows her and we would share meals, conversations and plans beyond work. We even have plans to spend Easter with her in Australia this year.

When I moved on to roles with the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, Save the Children and now Pacific Australia Skills, Ruth never stopped supporting me. She remained someone I could call for advice, perspective or reassurance. Because once someone believes in you deeply, they don’t stop when your job title changes.

Ruth

James quickly became a treasured friend and family. We are like-minded souls – passionate about Inclusive Education and ensuring that every child has access to an education.

I am excited to see where his new role with Pacific Australia Skills takes him – I know he will make a huge difference to the organisation.

What impressed me most was James’s integrity. When faced with resistance or jealousy from schools or colleagues, he focused on his students. I have known James for almost 9 years, and I am honoured and privileged to have watched James grow into a wonderful student, trainer, partner, father and friend.

James

There’s a message Ruth shared with me years ago that still guides everything I do: Every child deserves a champion. They need an adult that listens to them, believes in them, someone who sympathises with them and always shows up.

I think about that message often, especially when I remember where I came from. If their parents cannot be there for them, then we need to take up that role–that is a teacher’s responsibility and that is why Inclusive Education should be a top priority.

Ruth

I often share a picture book called ‘Whoever You Are’ by Australian author Mem Fox. It reminds us that despite our differences of language, culture and skin colour, our hearts are the same. This book promotes the message of inclusion that James and I are so passionate about.

I hope that despite our differences, our students could see that our hearts are all the same. And we will continue to share the message that every child has the right to belong.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST