NUV blends learning with action in community initiative

Jun 4, 2025 | News | 0

The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) continues to live out its values through meaningful community engagement, demonstrated in a recent outreach initiative led by the Department of Inclusive Education within the School of Education.

This activity in the Blacksand community focused on a household identified by a student-led needs assessment as one of the most vulnerable in the area. The family is caring for a four-year-old child with spina bifida—a condition that has left him non-verbal, immobile, and entirely dependent on his caregivers. The family faces financial hardship and social isolation and was in urgent need of support—material, emotional, and social.

The effort was led by the first cohort of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education in Inclusive Teaching (Primary) programme. Guided by Professor Lincoln Hlatywayo, Ms Kathleen Arthur, Mr Jimmy Philemon, and Ms Morris Effrel, 18 student-teachers were involved in all stages of the project, from planning and mobilisation to on-site delivery.

Throughout the day, students and lecturers worked closely with the family, offering groceries, clothing, kitchen utensils, and cash donations. Alongside cleaning the household yard and providing practical assistance, the team also offered emotional support, informal counselling, and spiritual devotion—creating a warm and respectful space for connection. All activities were conducted with cultural awareness and respect for the family’s dignity.

The impact was felt on many levels. For the family, the visit brought relief, visibility, and a renewed sense of hope. Caregivers shared their appreciation for being seen and supported by the wider community. For the students, the experience deepened their understanding of inclusive education and reinforced their commitment to equity. Many gained a greater awareness of the daily realities of families living with disability and left with a stronger sense of purpose as future educators.

Reflecting on the outreach, Professor Lincoln Hlatywayo, Professor of Disability Studies and Inclusive Education, said, “More than just an outreach effort, this was a lived expression of the university’s values—compassion, inclusion, service, and leadership in action. It showed how higher education can help transform communities, empower students, and stand alongside those too often left behind. This sets the foundation for bringing academic learning into community realities and building long-term partnerships for disability inclusion at the grassroots level.”

The initiative reflects NUV’s vision of a civic-minded university dedicated to creating positive change through practical action. It showcased the university’s commitment to academic excellence, compassion, inclusion, service, and leadership in practice.

The success of the initiative also reflects the coordination and backing of the School of Education, especially Acting Officer-in-Charge Mr. Ben Boulekouran and Academic Supervisor Dr Gayleen Tarosa, who supported transport and logistics.

The Department of Inclusive Education has already begun planning future initiatives. There are moves to formally include community service in the Bachelor of Education in Inclusive Teaching curriculum, create a permanent donation box for vulnerable households, organise regular fundraising events, and expand collaboration with other groups and donors.

This outreach effort demonstrated the powerful link between academic preparation and real-world service. As NUV grows, such initiatives will remain at the heart of its mission—preparing graduates who are not only capable but also committed to uplifting and transforming their communities.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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