Aug 7, 2024 | Sot Sot Storian | 0
Congratulations to Sarah Mecartney for this inspiring Sot Sot Storian!
Sarah Mecartney is inspired by many storytellers of Vanuatu. She finds that poetry helps her reflect on the big issues that surround us. She wrote this Sot Sot Storian poem to highlight Pacific peace and solidarity, as we share the same sky, ocean and stars.
READ Sarah’s piece below:
President Nikenike Vurobaravu has called for stronger and more effective government services across Vanuatu, warning that the country has only four years remaining to achieve the goals of its National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP), known as The People’s Plan. Speaking yesterday at the Public Service Day celebration in Motalava, TORBA Province, President Vurobaravu said strengthening decentralised government services must remain a national priority, particularly for people living in remote communities. He said the theme for this year’s Public Service Day, “Strengthening Government Decentralized Services through Approaches,” builds on last year’s focus on national resilience. The President said stronger government services at the provincial and community level would also contribute to Vanuatu’s ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. He said Public Service Day was being jointly celebrated with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, reflecting the connection between effective government services, disaster preparedness and national resilience. “Public Service is the backbone of government,” President Vurobaravu said, describing it as the bridge connecting government services with people at the grassroots level. He said Vanuatu needs a strong Public Service machinery that can promote transparency and accountability while ensuring the country’s national development objectives are implemented. The President reminded public servants of their important role in delivering the objectives of The People’s Plan, which was launched in 2016 and is scheduled to run until 2030. With four years remaining until 2030, he said it is important for the country to assess its performance, identify what has been achieved and determine the way forward beyond 2030. President Vurobaravu also referred to Policy Objective 4.4 under the Society Pillar, which calls for the roles, responsibilities and relationships between the State, churches, traditional leaders and communities to be clearly defined. He said the people of Vanuatu are the country’s most important resource and that implementation of the policy must reflect the fundamental values on which the nation is founded. The President said this work should remain a priority as Vanuatu considers its development pathway beyond 2030. Public servants urged to serve with integrity President Vurobaravu also used the occasion to recognise public servants who have dedicated their service to the country. During the celebration, the State presented Medal Awards to recognise outstanding public service. The President congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their service, while acknowledging the support provided by their families and communities. He urged public servants across the country to carry out their responsibilities with excellence, integrity and the fear of God, while keeping Vanuatu at the centre of their work. President Vurobaravu said that with determination, faith and national unity, Vanuatu can continue on a path towards stronger development and a peaceful and prosperous future. He also thanked the Public Service Commission, government ministries and departments, TORBA Provincial Government Council, chiefs, church leaders, communities and the people of Motalava for hosting the national celebration in TORBA. The President asked for God’s blessing on Vanuatu’s public servants, communities, TORBA Province and the country as a whole. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
Fifty-nine titles of locally relevant children’s books have recently been delivered to schools in SANMA and SHEFA as part of efforts to address continuing literacy challenges among Vanuatu’s children. The books are being distributed through Save the Children’s Library for All programme, funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and supported by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET). The 59 titles are designed to make reading more relevant to children by reflecting their lives, communities and experiences. The books have been written by professional writers, students and people from local communities, with stories addressing issues that are familiar and relevant to Vanuatu. Among the popular titles is a story about Vanuatu footballer Brian Kaltack, which has attracted interest from students. The programme has reached 19,918 students in 183 schools, including 91 schools in SANMA and 92 in SHEFA. In total, 26,845 culturally relevant books have been delivered to schools. Save the Children’s Director of Advocacy, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, Olive Taurakoto, said literacy remains a major challenge in Vanuatu, with children facing difficulties in basic reading and comprehension despite progressing through the education system. She said the increasing use of modern technology and digital devices was also contributing to the problem, as children can become distracted by devices instead of spending time reading. “The issue of literacy is very challenging,” she said. “Modern technology devices also contribute to illiteracy in children because it distracts them.” She said organisations such as Save the Children had an important role to play by developing creative and innovative approaches to challenges identified within the country. Taurakoto said the local connection was important because children were more likely to engage with stories they could recognise and relate to. The books also feature brown-skinned characters and illustrations that reflect Ni-Vanuatu people, giving children an opportunity to see themselves represented in the stories they read. The programme’s endline study found that 99 per cent of students surveyed said the books motivated them to read more, while 85 per cent said they could recognise their lives and communities in the books. Teachers have also reported positive results, with 86 per cent saying the Library for All books supported children’s learning and literacy, while 93 per cent said they used the books during daily reading activities. Daily reading increased by between 25 and 28 percentage points during the project. Taurakoto said the results were particularly important given concerns that some students were reaching higher levels of education without having developed strong basic reading and comprehension skills. “We already have universities talking about how Ni-Vans have reached tertiary level but simple basic reading and comprehension is not there,” she said. “So we have a responsibility to address this.” She said Save the Children was pleased that the Ministry of Education recognised the importance of working with organisations such as Save the Children to improve literacy. The Library for All programme was established in response to challenges including limited access to reading materials, teacher capacity and the impact of disasters on education. The endline study also recommended greater attention to rural schools, particularly in SANMA, as well as the creation of safe spaces where children can read. It recommended that teachers receive orientation when books are delivered, supported by monitoring visits and practical guidance on how to use the materials effectively. Future deliveries should also be organised according to year levels and include multiple copies of books, while new reading materials should be aligned with the curriculum and include activities and glossaries. Taurakoto said the other provinces are in the pipeline to receive the books to help improve literacy in schools. The study further recommends continued support for local authorship and mother-tongue drafting, while prioritising printed books before digital materials. With the programme now reaching thousands of students, Save the Children says locally relevant reading materials can play an important role in encouraging children to return to books and strengthening their performance in school. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
Name: Larisa Csiba Position: Program Manager, Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) Island: Ambae & Malekula At 40 years old, Larisa Csiba stands as a shining example of what dedication, passion, and purpose can achieve. Originally from Ambae and Malekula, Larisa grew up on the island of Ambae, raised in a faith-based home that instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and responsibility. Today, she is the Program Manager at Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV), a role she has held for the past seven months, but her journey in the youth sector began nearly two decades ago. Larisa’s early education saw her complete Year 10 at Navuturiki Junior Secondary School in 2000. Determined to do more, she went on to earn a Certificate in Community Development and a Certificate IV in Youth Work; qualifications that would later support her growing impact in youth-focused development. Larisa’s professional journey started in 2005 as a volunteer with the Vanuatu Family Health Association (VFHA). “In this role I discovered the importance of investing in the next generation by empowering young people to reach their full potential, become responsible leaders and contribute positively to their communities,” she stated. She then took on various positions from Youth Educator to Hotline Operator, delivering life-saving information about adolescent sexual and reproductive health across the islands. Larisa’s dream of working with Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) became a reality in 2016, when she joined the organisation as a Youth Centre Coordinator. Since then, she’s worn many hats from Training Coordinator, Ready for Work Coordinator, and now Program Manager. In this leadership role, Larisa oversees a team of project coordinators and volunteers, managing program planning, budgets, and implementation, all with one goal in mind — making youth success a national priority. “Teamwork, respect, inclusion, and honesty are the heart of our work,” she says. “We’re creating safe spaces where young people feel valued and supported.” Over the nine years with YCV, Larisa’s biggest reward has been witnessing transformation in young people’s lives. “Seeing a young person get their first job, take ownership of their life, and grow step by step, it’s incredibly fulfilling,” she says. Amongst the joys, there have been challenges. Larisa admits she has, at times, doubted herself and hesitated to take on new responsibilities. “Those were learning moments,” she says. “Now I know that fear is just part of growth.” Faith is a constant pillar in her life. Whether dealing with workplace stress or navigating personal hardships, Larisa leans on prayer, scripture, and self-reflection. Outside of work, she stays grounded through family and self-care. She finds calm in positive music, physical activity, and spending time with her four children—two boys and two girls. Asked about her proudest accomplishment, Larisa doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the impact I’ve had on others. Knowing I’ve played a role in someone’s journey is the most meaningful reward.” Larisa is deeply engaged in youth development networks and represents YCV in the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Working Group led by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF. She’s also driven to see YCV expand into other provinces. Larisa is also honest about the barriers that women face. But she believes change is possible through role models, collaboration, and persistence. “When women believe in themselves, that confidence will reflect in our communities,” she says. For the women of Vanuatu, she hopes for unity, self-belief, and a deeper understanding of their influence within families and society. “We were created for a purpose,” she insists. “And when we uplift each other, we all rise.” To young women stepping into leadership, her advice is: “You have control over your mindset. Stay teachable, be adaptable, and surround yourself with people who lift you up.” As she looks to the future, Larisa remains committed to her calling, developing the next generation of Ni-Vanuatu leaders. “Challenges will come,” she says. “But they’re also opportunities to rise. I believe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be and there’s still so much more ahead.” This feature story is part of a series presenting 26 Vanuatu women who serve on boards, profiled in Balance of Power’s (BoP) book Nation Builders III. The series is the outcome of a six-month partnership between BoP and the Vanuatu Daily Post to recognise women leaders, build awareness of women’s leadership in Vanuatu and encourage wider acknowledgement of their contributions across development and decision-making spaces. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
Elizabeth Mokoroe’s remarkable journey from Ambrym to Japan has taken Vanuatu onto the global stage, with a video telling her story shortlisted for the International Content Marketing Awards (ICMA). The ICMA, presented by the Content Marketing Institute, is a global programme recognising excellence and innovation in content marketing across agencies, brands and in-house teams. The official shortlist was announced in August, with Titan FX’s “Dream Beyond Borders – The Human Bridge That Helped Bridge Vanuatu” among the selected entries. The nomination marks the first time Vanuatu has been represented in the awards, with the video shortlisted in the Best Videos – Individual category. It joins entries associated with major international brands, including Woolworths from South Africa, McDonald’s from the Netherlands, Microsoft from Sweden and Kmart from Finland. The video tells the story of Mokoroe, a 40-year-old mother of two from Ambrym, who dreamed of learning the Japanese language and culture and eventually made that dream a reality. She later used her experience to help build stronger links between Vanuatu and Japan. Her journey began while she was working as a tour and desk officer at The Melanesian Hotel. Although she had not completed her studies at Lycée Louis Antoine de Bougainville, she remained determined to pursue her ambitions. It was at the hotel that she met Japanese visitor Asari Hiroshi, who offered her an opportunity that would change her life. With his support, Mokoroe travelled to Hokkaido, Japan, at the age of 19, where she studied Japanese for two years before continuing her studies for four years at Dohto University in Kita-Hiroshima. She eventually returned to Vanuatu and became involved in local administration, as well as working as a Japanese translator on a project through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Years later, she fulfilled a promise she had made to the Japanese man she came to regard as her father. Helping to build a bridge between the two countries became a reality in a very literal sense when Japan, with support from JICA, funded the construction of the Teouma Bridge in Port Vila. “A bridge is more than concrete. It connects people, families and dreams,” Mokoroe said. For Mokoroe, the bridge represents more than infrastructure. It symbolises the connection between the two countries and the promise she made to Mr Hiroshi. She said Mr Hiroshi’s kindness gave her the opportunity to pursue an education she once thought was beyond her reach, and she wanted to honour that opportunity by returning home and contributing to her community. Mr Hiroshi has since passed away, and Mokoroe said she wished he were alive to hear that she had fulfilled the promise she made to him. “I wish that he were alive, and my father here in Port Vila, who died very recently, so I can tell them,” she said. She said the two men were among the first people who came to her mind when she received the news that her story had been shortlisted. Mokoroe was also the winner of the Titan FX Dream Beyond Borders award last year, which helped bring her story to a wider audience. “I am so thrilled and humbled by this big achievement. “I would like to thank Titan FX for producing the video. It was through this video that we were shortlisted,” she said. Titan FX Managing Director Martin St-Hilaire said the company was proud to see Mokoroe’s story recognised internationally. “We are very proud that Elizabeth’s story has been shortlisted for an international award, standing alongside major global companies,” he said. “Vanuatu is a small island nation, but there are many people here with big dreams. I am very happy that Titan FX could help create an opportunity to share their stories with people around the world.” Mokoroe said her experience showed that people should not give up on their ambitions regardless of the obstacles they face. “There is no dream too big or too small. Just keep on dreaming and believe that you can do it,” she said. “There may be challenges, but take it one day at a time.” The “Dream Beyond Borders” video was also shown at a tourism expo in Japan this month, further sharing Mokoroe’s story and Vanuatu’s connection with Japan with an international audience. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
The Supreme Court has dismissed a charge against a Santo father accused of failing to provide the necessities of life to his two-year-old daughter. Justice Maree MacKenzie found there was no case to answer against Abet Les, who was charged under section 104(2) of the Penal Code with failing to provide the necessities of life to his daughter, referred to in the judgment as FL. The case, Public Prosecutor v Les [2026] VUSC 250, was heard on July 15 and 16, 2026, with the Court delivering its reasons on September 11, 2026. The prosecution alleged that between November 1 and 15, 2023, at Flat Bodmas Area in Santo, Les negligently failed to provide the necessities of life to his daughter, thereby endangering her life. The Court heard that FL had previously been living with her maternal aunt and her husband, who had adopted her. In 2023, she returned to the care of her parents for about four months before being taken back into the care of her maternal family. Evidence before the Court was that when FL arrived at her maternal grandparents’ home in November 2023, she was unwell. Her grandparents treated her at home and later informed her aunt of her condition. The Court also heard that FL was examined by a doctor in March 2024. The medical evidence did not, however, establish that she had a condition requiring medical treatment during the period covered by the charge. Justice MacKenzie found the prosecution had not produced sufficient evidence to establish key elements of the offence. The prosecution argued that Les had failed to obtain medical treatment for his daughter. However, when questioned by the Court, the prosecutor acknowledged there was a gap in the evidence as to whether Les knew that FL had a medical condition requiring treatment. The Court found there was no expert medical evidence establishing that FL had a health condition requiring medical treatment at the relevant time. Justice MacKenzie also found that the grandparents’ descriptions of the child’s condition were observations rather than qualified medical opinions. The Court further considered the fact that the grandparents did not seek medical treatment when they first became concerned about her condition. The Court found there was also no evidence establishing that Les knew of the condition alleged in the prosecution case or that he knew his daughter required medical treatment at the relevant time. The Court further considered whether the prosecution had established that FL’s life was endangered by any failure to obtain medical treatment. Justice MacKenzie found there was no evidence establishing a reasonable possibility that the child would die as a result of any failure to seek medical attention. Under section 104(2) of the Penal Code, a person responsible for someone unable to provide the necessities of life for themselves can be criminally liable if they negligently fail to provide those necessities and the person’s life is endangered or their health is permanently injured. The Court identified four elements the prosecution needed to establish, including that Les was in charge of FL, that she was unable to provide the necessities of life for herself, that he negligently failed to provide those necessities, and that his omission endangered her life. Justice MacKenzie found the prosecution had established that Les was in charge of FL and that, because of her age, she was dependent on adults for the necessities of life. However, the Court found the prosecution had failed to establish the remaining necessary elements concerning negligence and endangerment of life. Justice MacKenzie therefore concluded there was no case to answer and dismissed the charge. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
