Mrs. Kanegai was born on March 22, 1960, in the Nasawa area of Maewo Island, PENAMA Province, the daughter of Antoine Kanegai of Ifira Island and Madeline Qweviru Kanegai of Ambae Island.

She was the devoted wife of French national Jean-Yves Didou and a loving mother to Natalie and William, the joy and centre of her life. She was also a proud grandmother and a caring mother figure to many children within her extended family.

A devoted Christian, Mrs. Kanegai served faithfully in the Sarabulu Churches of Christ, contributing to both the Churches of Christ Conferences and the Women’s Conference. Her faith guided her leadership and commitment to serving God and her community.

Her educational journey began at Church of Christ Mission Preschool, followed by kindergarten on Ambae, primary education at Nduindui Primary School, and secondary studies at Ranwadi High School and Malapoa College.

She later attended Vanuatu Teachers College in Port Vila and furthered her studies in Australia, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Edith Cowan University in Perth.

Mrs. Kanegai began her career as a primary school teacher before moving into senior leadership roles in both the private and public sectors. She served with Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL) from 1993 to 2011, holding executive responsibilities in human resources, risk management, internal audit, and regional operations, and played a key role in expanding TVL’s network in the northern region.

During the Kilman-led Government, she was appointed Private Adviser to the Prime Minister and later served at the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) as Manager for Corporate Services and Human Resources.

Within the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, she led major projects, including the nationally recognised Taxi Ambassador Programme, funded by the New Zealand Government, which trained taxi drivers to serve as ambassadors for Vanuatu’s tourism industry.

She also served as Administrator of the Indigenous Ni-Vanuatu Agro- Industry Council (INAC), promoting healthy nutrition for school children, particularly at Malapoa College. When funding ceased, she personally contributed her own finances to continue the programme. In her later years, she was appointed by the President of Vanuatu as a Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, where she served with integrity until her passing.

Mrs. Kanegai founded the Child Care Centre (CCC) in Port Vila, built on her belief that “if you build the children, the children will build the nation.” Through CCC, she trained generations of young Ni-Vanuatu who now serve across government and private sectors. She also established international partnerships, including a sister-school relationship with Nepean Christian School in New South Wales, Australia, to promote global exposure and intercultural understanding for Vanuatu children.

Her business ventures included Can-Palm Scheme Consultancy, assisting Ni-Vanuatu to access Australia’s Seasonal Worker Programme; Mama’s Handicraft, where she restructured the association and chaired the Finance Board; and JIG Vanuatu, supplying essential stationery to support student learning. She successfully negotiated government stimulus support for handicraft vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping hundreds sustain their livelihoods.

In 2023, Mrs. Kanegai was honoured as a National Builder, recognising her lifelong contributions to national development, women’s empowerment, education, and business growth. She was also actively involved with the Vanuatu National Council of Women and served on various boards, including arbitration and school boards.

She was deeply involved in humanitarian efforts, coordinating multiple flights during the Manaro volcano evacuation to ensure affected families received support. Those who worked with her described her as visionary, resilient, strategic, and compassionate. She mentored many, strengthened institutions, empowered women in business, and delivered hospitality and business skills training to thousands across Santo, Malekula, and Port Vila.

She also contested national elections, driven by her vision of economic independence for Ni-Vanuatu through entrepreneurship and business ownership.

Above all, Mrs. Kanegai was a devoted mother, grandmother, mentor, and pillar of her community. Her life was one of purpose, rooted in faith, guided by compassion, and committed to uplifting others. Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy lives on through the lives she shaped, the institutions she strengthened, and the communities she touched.

She is remembered as a remarkable woman whose service to Vanuatu will never be forgotten. Her journey on this earth may have ended, but her impact will echo for generations to come.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST