NGOs complement Gov’t, not compete: DG Veremaito

Nov 28, 2025 | 16 Days Of Activism, News | 0

The Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA), Leith Veremaito, said that Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are not competitors of the government but partners that complement its work. He made the remarks during the NGO Day celebration held in Vanuatu’s capital yesterday.

Veremaito said the event was not just another gathering, but a moment for all stakeholders to sit together, reflect, and appreciate the work carried out by NGOs and civil society organisations across the country. “Today is your day to celebrate your work, your aspirations, and your contribution to development. It is also a moment to look back on how far you have come,” he said.

He mentioned that this reflection connects to the nation’s broader journey, recalling Vanuatu’s 45th Independence Anniversary and the country’s vision leading up to 2030. “Today is not just about setting up a tent and gathering; it is an important day to acknowledge your collective work,” Veremaito said.

The celebration also coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Veremaito spoke about the importance of raising voices to protect the rights and safety of women and girls, noting that violence affects women, children, families, and entire communities. “Violence destroys lives, breaks families, and affects the future of our young people. It undermines our national development goals and aspirations,” he said.

Veremaito paid tribute to the vital role volunteers play, especially in extending government services to remote areas. “You carry out work in places the government often cannot reach. You strengthen community resilience, support health initiatives, empower women and youth, protect the environment, and promote good governance,” he said.

He also thanked volunteers for their perseverance despite challenges such as criticism and working without pay. “Your work may not always be seen, but you continue because you care. For that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” he said.

Veremaito reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with civil society, supporting capacity-building, and promoting inclusive, community-driven development, particularly in rural areas affected by decentralisation reforms.

“As we mark World NGO Day, and as the 16 Days of Activism reminds us, gender-based violence is a national, family, and community issue. When violence happens, we must speak up. Stand boldly and condemn it. Be champions of respect, peace, and safety for all,” he said.

The DG thanked all volunteers, staff, and organisations for their service and dedication. “Your contribution makes the impossible possible. God bless you all,” he said.

Chairman of the Vanuatu Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (VANGO), Dr Willie Tokon, also addressed the gathering, noting that this year’s program aligns closely with the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

“This year, we are placing particular attention not only on violence in general but especially on digital violence that affects women and girls,” Tokon said. He said civil society, government, and the police must continue to collaborate to address these growing concerns.

Dr Tokon pointed to recent examples of cooperation. “Just a few days ago, on Tuesday, we joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Tanna. This demonstrated how Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and government can work hand in hand to build stronger and safer communities,” he said.

He acknowledged the long-term efforts of organisations and individuals committed to driving change. “Change does not happen in one day; it requires dedication in social and economic development, environmental protection, and sustainable progress,” Tokon said.

Looking ahead, he said the NGO Day celebrations also pave the way for the upcoming Civil Society Awards, which will recognise outstanding contributions by civil society organisations. “These awards showcase the important work happening across the country, especially in communities where these initiatives often begin,” Tokon added.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Man remanded over alleged sexual assault of four-year-old girl August 13, 2026
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He said this ensures that today’s girls grow up protected, empowered and free from a disease that previously often arrived too late for treatment. “With continued awareness and coordinated delivery strategies, communities learn that the HPV vaccine protects their children and they therefore want their children to be vaccinated,” he said. “As we endorse this document, we acknowledge the journey of women and families affected, the conscientious efforts of health and community workers to improve health outcomes and the valued collaboration of international partners which strengthens our progress. “The Strategy presents a roadmap to strengthen and sustain current efforts, prioritising primary health care, public health approaches and people-centred service delivery tailored to the Vanuatu context.” Minister Bohn said sustained progress would require long-term, sustainable financing and continued coordinated efforts across sectors and disciplines to ensure Vanuatu remains on the path to eliminating cervical cancer. 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Dr Damutalau said most HPV infections clear naturally, but some remain and can increase the risk of cervical cancer. He said about 90 per cent of cervical cancers are linked to HPV, which is why vaccination and early screening are important. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Vanuatu’s education crisis a ‘national disaster’ – Pikinini Playtime CEO August 12, 2026
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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