Building Healthy Family Relationships in the Pacific Nation of Vanuatu

By Titima Wanwilaiwan, 1st year MDP student

My field placement this year is with the Blossom Project of ADRA Vanuatu, a non-profit organization, located in The Republic of Vanuatu, an island nation located in the South Pacific, and a three-hour flight from Sydney, Australia. The country only gained its independence from the British and the French in 1980 and has become popular among luxury tours and tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America.

A small island near Espiritu Santo showing traditional livelihood practices

Vanuatu is comprised of more than 80 islands, 65 of which are inhabited. It is one of the Pacific Island countries that is prone to natural disasters, such as cyclones, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The people of Vanuatu move a lot among the islands to avoid natural disasters, visit family, education, employment/ economic and tourism development opportunities.

The Blossom Project is a pilot project, that started in response to the high rate of domestic violence, youth pregnancies, and abandoned babies. Initially, the project started with the Gender Needs Assessment in 2013, and it works with young students in school, communities, as well as with parents and teachers. The project was expanded to include sexual offenders for more effective results. Prevention activities aim to enhance healthy family relationships to tackle violence against children, especially girls. My role with ADRA Vanuatu was to support the Blossom Project in developing the plan and activities for Phase II to tackle these issues effectively. 

Women from Tangoa community presenting their discussion on community values

In order to do the work properly, I needed to understand the context and the complexity of the island community in Vanuatu. I examined urban and rural livelihoods, community-based food systems, health and wellness, and other important factors such as gender roles and responsibilities, tourism and the legacy of colonialism.  I also observed and participated in project activities, including planning a community survey.

One example of the project activities that I participated in was the training on domestic violence prevention at the Low Risk Detention Centre. The training is part of the rehabilitation program for the inmates who will soon return to their communities.

I am so thankful that ADRA Vanuatu and the MDP program allowed me to practice my skills in the field and learn about the ongoing work to prevent child sexual abuse, domestic violence and youth pregnancies in the Ni-Vanuatu community.

 

Off to do a training workshop on domestic violence prevention at a prison. (L-R) ADRA Program Director, Blossom Project Manager, staff member from Finance team, Titima, and 3 trainers.