Vanuatu '06
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Vanuatu water supply project
A group of nine University of Auckland students returned from Vanuatu where they spent their July holidays, not sunning themselves in a Pacific paradise but contributing to World Vision’s development work on Tanna Island.
Headed by biomedical engineering student Holly Corbett (21) and mentored by Craig Omundsen, a Water and Wastewater Engineer from Metrowater, the team spent 17 days working alongside communities on Tanna Island, working on World Vision projects in engineering and sustainable development work.
"Our key contribution was being able to provide a service that was really needed: technical and design skills," says Holly Corbett, originally from Gisborne.
Expecting to construct a local water distribution system, the students’ plans changed when they arrived and no design had been done. So they started from scratch, completing site investigations, collecting data and preparing a water system design.
During their time with World Vision Vanuatu the team presented four funding applications to the Tafea Provincial Government: for the original water distribution project; for a community rain-water and conservation education programme; for a rain-water collection and storage project; and to maintain the main road to the Provincial Hospital.
The enthusiastic group also undertook other jobs: laying a foundation for a pre-school, clearing bush for primary school gardens; assessing faulty solar panels for a local school; renovating a local Health Clinic; and assessing the Provincial Hospital’s faulty medical equipment.
The small things required of the students presented a stark reality of what education potentially contributes to a community. "The trip made me a believer in education," says Holly.
They experienced local life through the generosity and enthusiasm of the local people. They attended the opening of a community hall where they were cooked for, sung to, and invited to enjoy kava with the chief. Two of the more keen students were later taken night diving for lobsters.
World Vision also celebrated the students’ contributions to the local communities in the traditional way - feasting.
"World Vision put on a great feast for us twice over - once on Tanna, and once on Vila as we departed," says Holly. "The people completely made the experience; both the people in the group and the locals."
When asked what their future plans are, having achieved so much on this first trip, Holly responds, "Everyone is really keen to do it all over again; but we’re still reeling from this experience. However, it’s certainly on my mind and I have a few ideas... watch this space!"
Together they raised around $25,000 for their trip. Sponsors include SKM, GHD, Metrowater, Riley Consultants, Sinclair Knight Merz, the Gisborne Business Community, Fletcher Construction, Marty Van Der Berg Builder, Pakuranga Rotary, Remuera Rotary and the University of Auckland.