I came to Vanuatu many years ago, not knowing that this place would become home. It was meant to be a short stay, just a year, following my husband’s work in banking software, but life had other plans.

I found myself stepping into roles I had never formally trained for, like teaching Information Technology (IT) at the Vanuatu Institute of Technology, simply because there was a need. I would only meet Terry years later when we needed a Bislama teacher to help with new volunteers arriving in country.

Terry

I am from the Shepherd Islands but I grew up on Efate, grounded in community and culture. My journey as a social worker started after I finished my education at Onesua Presbyterian College.

Over the years, I worked with organisations like local Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Wan Smol Bag, travelling across the islands to raise awareness on health, education and social issues. Those experiences showed me how important communication is when working with people. I didn’t know then that I would end up being a language teacher for Australian volunteers and working with Lou.

Lou

My work evolved naturally over the years. I moved into supporting IT training programs, mainly in government departments and eventually managing the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program in 1999.

It was a new initiative, and we had to build everything from the ground up, from finding placements, preparing volunteers, and helping them adapt to life in Vanuatu. It was challenging but deeply rewarding.

Terry

After working with different NGOs, focusing on youth and community issues, I joined the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, researching challenges faced by young people, and reporting them to the relevant authorities if they needed to step in.

In 2010, I joined the Peace Corps to run orientation trainings for new volunteers. My role was teaching Bislama to expat volunteers and helping them understand our culture, which was really special. And communication was suddenly at the heart of my work.

Lou

One of the biggest challenges in the early days was building trust and finding meaningful placements for volunteers. Everything was new, and we had to learn as we went.

We incorporated cultural awareness by teaching Bislama, organising village stays to help volunteers understand life beyond Port Vila.

Terry

When I started teaching Bislama, I realised it wasn’t just about language, it was about bridging cultures. I taught volunteers how to communicate with the locals, but also how to respect traditions and customs in their daily lives, and even understand different mannerisms used amongst the people here that might be misconstrued.

Sometimes I would cook with them, showing how food is prepared from garden to plate. These moments helped them feel more connected to the communities they served. Each session was super fun and I made a lot of new friends from Australia.

Lou

I met Terry around 2014 when I needed a Bislama teacher for the volunteers. He came in part-time but quickly became an important part of the program.

Over time, I saw him grow not just in his teaching, but in confidence and adaptability. He brought a different approach, and together we found ways to improve the learning experience.

Terry

Meeting Lou changed a lot for me. She gave me the opportunity to work with the Australian Volunteers Program and, from there, I built my skills and confidence as a teacher. I love being a part of the program because of the huge impact volunteers can have, especially on communities that are hard to reach.

Even after Lou retired last year, I continued teaching new groups of volunteers each year. It became something I was truly passionate about.

Lou

Our work together didn’t stop at teaching. We began collaborating on our Bislama handbook, updating it to reflect how the language is used today.

It’s still an ongoing process, but it shows how important it is to keep learning and adapting. Language changes, and so should the way we teach it. Even during COVID-19, Terry would still teach the volunteers Bislama over Zoom while they were sitting in quarantine.

Terry

Working on the handbook with Lou was one of our biggest achievements. We had to remove outdated words, include new ones and make sure everything stayed relevant.

It’s important for volunteers to learn the correct and current way of speaking so they can communicate effectively in their work.

Lou

What I appreciate most about Terry is that he’s open to discussion. If something doesn’t work, we talk about it and find a better way.

That kind of communication makes collaboration easier. It’s not about telling each other what to do but it’s about working together.

Terry

Lou has always been a strong leader – she is organised, punctual and always has a plan. I’ve learned a lot just by working alongside her. I remember one time she had to force herself to eat grapefruit (known locally as paplemouse) even though she hates it to show expat volunteers how to eat it.

But even in stressful situations, she stays focused. Sometimes I joke around to make her laugh and remind her not to worry too much.

Lou

Over the years, our relationship has grown beyond work. While we may not meet often, there is always that connection when we do.

We’ve shared many moments, from teaching, cooking, and simply talking. It’s those small things that build a lasting friendship.

Terry

My family knows Lou well. My daughters even call her “aunty” when they see her. That shows how much she means to us. Even if we don’t stay in constant contact, the respect and friendship are always there whenever we meet.

Her work has impacted many people, including myself. I’ll always be grateful for the role she played in my journey.

Lou

Looking back, I think one of the most important lessons is to never stop learning. Life keeps changing, and you must grow with it. That’s something I would always tell Terry to keep adapting, keep improving, and stay open to new experiences.

Working with volunteers has shown me how powerful connections can be. When people understand each other, they can do meaningful work together. It’s not just about skills but it’s about relationships, respect and a willingness to learn from one another.

Terry

I’ve seen firsthand how volunteers make a difference in communities, especially in places where services are limited.

When they can speak the language, even a little, it builds trust. And that trust makes all the difference in the work they do to help our country.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST