Here, in Vanuatu, is a society that is the opposite of everything we know as modern. The first-time traveler to Vanuatu, walking in with eyes wide open, will find a society that can stun the senses of the Western world, as only the tropical islands can. At the airport, either by day or at the midnight flight, the rhythm of the beat of the South Pacific island life greets you. A string band bursts into life as the plane touches down. Young and old are greeted by brightly colored shirts and warm welcoming smiles. Down at the port, the cruise ship is greeted by locals playing their unique music and throngs of stalls plying their wares. The tropical air has a vibrant feel. These people are special - quietly spoken and friendly. Your arrival is processed by a custom official in a voice barely above a whisper. The taxi drivers, with years of contact with travelers, are a little more gregarious. The streets abound with warm greetings, smiles and handshakes, but only a few loud voices are heard. Things however, are beginning to change. Young teenagers, influenced by DVDs and TV, begin to dance to a different tune. Teenagers are seen walking the streets, clutching their newly acquired, special introductory priced, mobile phone. A lot of the village Ni-Vanuatu people go everywhere with bare feet †across the coral beaches, deep on the forest footpaths, along the paved roadways. These are silent feet. For generations these people have used their feet to propel them over long distances every day. Travel is mostly undertaken by foot. Far from the villages, deep in the rural areas, family groups walk each day to source their food supply at the remote hilltop gardens. Weekend visits to family and church involve treks over long distances. Their lives are not bound by the ticking of a clock. Very few Ni-Vanuatu people are seen to wear a watch on their wrist. A sense of time relies on it being â€when you get thereâ€. Stress is an enigma to these people. Much can be learned from these ancient people and their gentle way of life. No raised voices are used to attract attention across considerable distances. Just the sound of a â€psst†breaks the silence. From under the banyan tree come peels of raucous laughter as the young males share news and discuss music. The giggle of girls can be heard from over the cooking pots and as they nurture the young the giggles come from behind hands. Peace and quiet will return to the village. Family and relationships are more important to these communities, far above the need for possessions. Children are brought up by the extended family. The elderly live within the family group. The village chief is paramount. Chiefly law settles family differences, takes care of misdemeanors, and more serious crimes are adjudicated outside the criminal system. Time like the tide, relentlessly pushes in on these communities as the teenagers try to imitate the ways of the Western world. The young do retain the sense of community, whether continuing to live on their isolated island home, or having moved to the capital, Port Vila. Respect for elders is critical. Identification of island cultural heritage is proudly expressed by men as they tell visitors that they are â€Man Tanna†or â€Man Ambrymâ€. The drift of youth to town for education or employment is supported by the community. Communities gather in distinct parts of town, providing guidance for the youth. The town community responds after natural hazards wreck havoc on the islands. Ni-Vanuatu gathers basic necessities and food to provide assistance to their home islands. In 2008, Vanuatu will hold its 8th election since independence in 1980. As Vanuatu moves into the 21st century, the custom ways and economy of generations is being threatened. Western ways, approaches to law and order, business and civil society, are taking over. This Lesser Developed Country has acknowledged that progress to the next generation means education. Mothers, like mothers all over the world, are particularly aware of the desperate need to educate the next generation. They want to see their children’s dreams, of being a doctor, nurse, teacher, fulfilled. The Vanuatu government admitted in 2007 that it was unable to adequately resource education. No education in Vanuatu is free. The islanders living in a â€no-cash economy’ are unable to pay the school fees. The dire consequences of this are: â€only 55.8% of Vanuatu kids will get to grade 6; â€of those only 18.2% will go to high school ; â€26% will never go to school at all. YouMe Support Foundation, a Child Trust Fund, is dedicated to giving these children a high school education - helping to bridge the gap between custom ways and economic, western developments. The children from these isolated island communities need urgent assistance to come to terms with modern living. You can be part of this exciting project and help make a difference in their lives.
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