Last week's Guest Speaker: Chantal Clarke - Humanitarian Projects in Vanuatu

Posted by Franz Huber on Jul 17, 2016
 
"We change the world through action. We teach them how to make things. The villagers teach us how to be humble". Profound words indeed.  Chantal's business, SUP Wilderness Adventures (SUP stands for Stand Up Paddleboard), can take you to places where you not only can experience the original way nature was before the tourism developers came along.  One of the segments of her company's offerings is 'Voluntourism'.  In essence, you take a holiday into a "rough" area, and while you are there, you help the locals with some volunteering work.  What a great idea!  Are there Headhunters? Ask Chantal. You might be surprised!  
 
Chantal's specific presentation was on one of her projects, the refurbishment and upgrade of a Health Clinic and Kindy at Port Olry, Vanuatu.  This is a fully approved RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) Project (#70) of her Rotary Club Currumbin-Tweed-Coolangatta and the Rotary Club of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu at the recipient's side.  
 
Espiritu Santu is the largest island of Vanuatu (albeit not the one where its capital, Port Vila, is located).  The project is located at Port Orly, quite a bit further on from the northern most point for tourists, Champagne Beach. 
 
So what sort of work is being performed? Lots, from refurbishing a Kindergarten through to the relocation of Sea Cucumber. Relocation? Yes, Sea Cucumber has been grossly over-fished by the Chinese.  This resulted in a massive disruption in the overall ecology, causing issues with algae, causing coral bleach, causing loss of the fish population.  
 
But one of the major aspects of the project is also to teach the locals how to carry out sustainable farming. This is done in conjunction with the Vanuatu Agricultural College. Kids can come along too: Chantal's daughter helped repainting the Kindergarten.
 
Two major stages are about to happen:  Stage 1 (August 2016) involves the refurbishment of the existing Health Clinic and Kindy facilities, Stage 2 (October 2016 - June 2017) relates to the establishment of occupational training workshops and sustainable economic development.
 
See a comprehensive outline of the project in the Downloads section on the right.