Vanuatu writers honoured in 2026 Literary Awards

Aug 12, 2026 | Sot Sot Storian | 0

Writers from across Vanuatu and the ni-Vanuatu diaspora have been recognised for their poetry, short stories and vernacular writing at the 2026 Vanuatu Literary Awards.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony on 29 July, with prizes presented across Youth and Open categories in poetry and microfiction, as well as a separate category for vernacular and multilingual writing.

This year’s awards attracted entries from writers across Vanuatu and members of the ni-Vanuatu diaspora living across the Pacific and beyond, reflecting the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity and the enduring connections of Vanuatu writers around the world.

Entries were received in English, Bislama, French and Indigenous languages, demonstrating the strength of storytelling traditions across Vanuatu and its diaspora.

This year’s awards showcased the diversity of Vanuatu’s literary voices, with prizes supported by private sponsors including Melanesian writing wantok Baka Bina of Papua New Guinea, Ratua Island Resort, Blackstone Publishing, Melanesian Women Today and Alliance Française.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), Cherol Ala Ianna, spoke about the role storytelling plays in building national identity and preserving culture.

“Our stories help build our nation. They connect generations, strengthen our identity, preserve our culture, and remind us of what unites us as ni-Vanuatu,” said DG Ianna.

“Every story shared through these competitions becomes part of the larger story of Vanuatu. That is why it is so important that we continue to create opportunities for people of all ages, from all provinces and backgrounds, to share their voices and contribute to our national story.”

Ianna congratulated all participants, saying the awards demonstrate the power of literature to preserve culture, strengthen languages and encourage people of all ages to share their stories with confidence.

“It is important that opportunities like these reach many of our youth,” she added.

“Literacy and reading are the foundation, the ‘stampa’, of education. At the Ministry, our role is not only to give students the tools to learn to read and write, but to give them the confidence to express themselves, to think critically, and to share their ideas.

“These competitions are a wonderful example of the incredible talent we have here in Vanuatu.

“They remind us that when we nurture reading and writing from an early age, in our homes and in our schools, we help young people to find their voices. Once they find their voices, they can express ideas, emotions, and dreams in ways that will inspire more people.”

The 2026 Vanuatu Literary Awards were made possible through a community-based partnership between Nabanga Pikinini, Sista, Melanesian Women Today and Alliance Française in support of the Vanuatu Writing Collective.

Together, these organisations are working to strengthen Vanuatu’s literary community by encouraging reading, writing and creative expression across the country.

The organisers acknowledged the dedication of this year’s judging panels, whose expertise and assessment ensured a high standard across all categories.

The Poetri Pawa Praes judging panel comprised Rebecca Olul-Hossen, Telstar Jimmy and Ethan Xavier Hakwa (Mantis), while the Sot Sot Storian judging panel included Christelle Thieffry, Junior Pikioune and Madlen Netvunei.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, Routes and Roots / Routes et racines / Ol rod mo ol stampa, the judging panels praised the quality and diversity of the submissions.

“The depth and diversity of this year’s entries was remarkable. Writers explored identity, belonging, language and cultural heritage in creative and often deeply moving ways, and the judging panels were especially encouraged by the strength of emerging voices,” the judging panels said.

2026 AWARD WINNERS

Poetri Pawa Praes (Poetry)

Youth Category

First Place

The Nabanga Tree That Grew Over Me — Amy Uvoi Howlett

Second Place

Manples, Out of Place— Vepaiamele Grace Trief

Mon prénom voyage, ma terre me connaît— Tevita Mafili Regenvanu

Open Category

First Place Fille des trois mondes— Sylvie Niras

Second Place

WAI NAO YU GIM LAEF LO MI?— Clement Aru

Prodigal Sons (A Tanka Sequence)— Eduard Tara

Sot Sot Storian (Microfiction)

Youth Category

First Place

Our Indigenous Names— Jemeliy Hitekeni Yatibu

Second Place

Home Peles— Shady Mol

Special Mention

Far Away Home— Meo Mitch

Open Category

First Place

Mi blo Paama Yet— Janessa Amos

Second Place

The Missing Answer— Gresilla Mariane Visai

Special Mention

Bénies sont les voies du seigneur— Eduard Tara

Vernacular / Multilingual Writing

First Place

Senewun Mboilebe— Joanna Kampai

Second Place

Fish hemi fish!— Gwen Kalmet Carlot

Special Mention

Andondimiko tata anginau— Jellana Terangi Kalsrap

The Vanuatu Literary Awards continue to provide a platform for emerging and established writers and to celebrate the country’s diverse languages, cultures and stories.

The organisers congratulated all winners, finalists and participants whose work contributes to the strength and vitality of Vanuatu’s literary community.

They also acknowledged the support of sponsors, judges and community partners whose commitment makes the awards possible each year.

Through the collaborative efforts of Nabanga Pikinini, Sista, Melanesian Women Today, Alliance Française and the Vanuatu Writing Collective, the awards continue to support writers of all ages and celebrate the diverse voices and languages that form part of Vanuatu’s literary heritage.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Vanuatu writers honoured in 2026 Literary Awards

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Vanuatu writers honoured in 2026 Literary Awards

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