Help me travel to Vanuatu in 2021!

Ella Wilson Start Date: Sep 19, 2019 - End Date: Sep 18, 2020
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Volunteer Trip

My Travel Story

by: Ella Wilson Start Date: Sep 19, 2019 - End Date: Sep 18, 2020
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
After my graduation in 2020, I am wanting to take part in Schoolies Unearthed on a 10 day trip to Vanuatu! This trip isn’t just your average leisurely get away, it is a volunteer project that will allow me to contribute to a community in Vanuatu & spend time with the locals learning about their beautiful culture and country. I would love to celebrate the end of my education by giving back to others and experiencing such a beautiful part of the world.

A little bit about Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands that stretch 1,300 kilometers. Deserted beaches, ancient culture, remote and rugged islands and world-class diving are just a small part of the magnetism of this scattered 80-plus island archipelago. Much of the land is covered by dense rain forest, but drier regions have patches of savanna grassland. Abundant bird and insect life contrasts with the sparse fauna. Of the approximately 10 types of bats found in Vanuatu, three are found only there. The indigenous population, called ni-Vanuatu, is overwhelmingly Melanesian, though some of the outlying islands have Polynesian populations. There are also small minorities of Europeans, Micronesians, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Roughly three-fourths of the population lives in rural areas.  More than 100 local Melanesian languages and dialects are spoken; Bislama, an English-based Melanesian pidgin, is the national language and, along with English and French, is one of three official languages.

Volunteering 
According to the Schoolies Unearthed website, once we land in Vanuatu, it won’t take long for us to "be reminded of the importance of family and friends - and how it’s the simple things in life that usually make us the happiest!". On Lelepa Island, there's always a need to improve school and community buildings to make them more robust and usable, supporting the locals in improving their quality of life. Based on the needs of the village at the time, we will be working with local tradespeople to help renovate a women’s centre or community hall, build a toilet facility in the primary school or church, or construct a playground in the kindergarten. Throughout the community project, we will have fantastic opportunities to interact with and get to know our hosts on Lelepa. Whether through spending time with the children and playing games after school, or simply stopping for a conversation in the street, immersion in a foreign environment opens up so many chances for cultural exchange.

Exploring Vanuatu
After spending 5 days volunteering in a local community and immersing ourselves in the Vanuatu culture, we get the opportunity to explore the gorgeous area of Lelepa and its surrounds. Just across the water from Lelepa sits the very distinct Eretoka Island, otherwise known as ‘Hat Island’ for its jaunty shape. One of the nation’s most renowned Warrior Chiefs, Roy Mata, is buried on Eretoka, which has contributed to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. We head back to the hustle and bustle of Port Vila to visit the capital and its surrounds, and even get the chance to enjoy the iconic Blue Lagoon. When we aren't busy volunteering or sightseeing, we will be indulging ourselves in island life, spending our time snorkelling, sea kayaking, swimming, dancing, playing beach vollyball (Vanuatu’s most popular sport after soccer) and getting to know one another and the local people.

As incredible as this experience is, it isn't going to be cheap, which is why I am seeking help to assist me in getting there. If there is anything anyone is able to contribute to this life changing experience, it would mean the absolute world to me and I would be forever grateful.

Updates

1

  • Change Of Plans

    Change of plans
    As some of my funders would know, I was originally bound for Borneo in December of 2020. Due to change of travel dates by SU, I had to make the decision to change the destination of my trip to better suit my end of year plans. Nevertheless, I am so incredibly excited to be now travelling to Vanuatu in February of 2021 and partaking in volunteer projects there with the local communities and fellow SU crew.
    :)
    Ella