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News from Rob & Barb Meier
NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2007
Hello Everyone,
There has been a fair bit of progress this month what with chook and goat houses being built at Ebule, and we are very grateful to the builders. Much is still to be done out there but things are looking up. With Ebule progress is very slow but we are seeing some movement forward and more importantly, small changes in attitude of Council members who are realising that to attract students next year things have to improve.
Visitors
Rachael and Andrew from Christchurch came and stayed at Onesua, and with the help of two carpentry students they built a magnificent chookhouse. It is definitely the flashest building at ERTC ! So a big thanks to them for that great effort. And now Linsday Day from St Martins is staying at Onesua, and is building shelters for the goats ( one is pregnant so thats a bonus ), and teaching some gardening skills to the students. A large area of ground has been cleared , mainly due to Linsdays efforts.
Another pair of visitors, Martin Stewart and Phil King ( ministers at St Stephens and St Margarets in ChCh ) brought useful gifts for the Vanuatu Family Health Centre, and the Onesua students. We really appreciate the efforts people go to, to bring things over, what with bagage charges, customs, etc.
It is not always straight forward but definitely worth a go.
A Peace Corps Man at ERTC
Last week a Peace Corps volunteer called Philip moved to Ebule and is cheerfully ensconced there trying to make a difference. He was originally assigned to a rural training centre near Epi island but the assignment fell through. Peace Corps officials approached Rob and asked if ERTC could make use of his extensive technical training for the next year or more. Needless to say we accepted this offer with some speed ! In very many ways ERTC will benefit - teaching skills, security, and his ability to fix things. Hopefully his being there will save extra time consuming trips. Already he has improved waterflow by finding and repairing damaged leaking pipes.
Accreditation for ERTC
The Vanuatu Govt is making it mandatory for all rural training centres to meet new standards for curriculum delivery. This means that unlike in the past, all Ni Vanuatu teachers have to have passed the new "training for trainers" certificate , which is quite a high standard. This is a very positive step and should have been done years ago. It will make ERTC much more accountable. Robs counterpart Philip is presently sitting part of this certificate, and may well teach at Ebule next year.
The Vila Workshop,
The workshop is busy with orders but it has been a little difficult as three students ( not all at once ) have had the flu. Port Vila on Sale is coming up again in October so we will be trying to make extra items to sell over the three days it runs. Cutting boards , bowls , wedding boxes and coconut graters continue to sell well. Marketing is still a priority but it is difficult to expand here given the population base. Sales can be reasonably good when a cruise ship is in port for the day. Bernard the most concientious worker is turning out some wonderful bowls and platters. - it is a pleasure to work with him.
On Independence Day at the end of July the annual round the island relay race was once again won by a Ni Vanuatu team running in bare feet .. They beat the French military team by half an hour ! Pretty amazing . They also beat the Australian and NZ teams by an even longer margin.
Well thats all for this month. We hope you are all managing to keep warm.
kind regards,
Rob & Barb.
NEWSLETTER JULY 2007
Hello Everyone,
There have been many extra people in town this week, from the damaged cruise ship. It certainly looks rather dented , and apparently there is quite a lot of damage inside. Planes have been charted to get people back to Auckland, and most have left now.
Visitors
We have had several visitors with VSA connections - Simons parents and his two sisters; Miriams parents; and Sarah's (VSA from Santo) parents and sister. Then we have had a new volunteer arrive - Bridget, an Early Childhood teacher who is assigned to Santo.
Now we have Ian and Elma Todd who were here last year too, and this time they have their son and daughter in law and two teenagers with them. They brought over many supplies: pencils rubbers etc for Onesua and Ebule, and the local Sunday school. Dr Fraser Todd gave a really good talk on marijuana
to the Ebule students. Co incidentally Miriams mum Jenny who is also a drug and alchohol expert, gave a talk at Vila Central School.
Goats and Chookhouse
The goats are doing well and now let the students pat them , and they feed them extra leaves and roughage every day. Materials to build the chookhouse have been purchased and we are ready to go. Keen builders from Christchurch are on the way: Rach, Andrew, and then Lindsay are going to make a great job we are sure. The Vanuatu Agricultural Dept imports pullets from NZ for village projects, so we are trying to hook into that scheme.
Important Letter sent to VSA
Members of the ERTC Council, on their own initiative ( although it had been disussed at the last meeting ) sent a letter to VSA requesting a volunteer for next year. The Council members all feel that a principal / manager from NZ is necessary, based at Ebule, to enable the training centre to move forward. We wait and hope for a positive response from VSA ! Johnny Albert and his colleague Meto are really working very hard to keep ERTC "ticking over", and they are fundraising so that next year there will be a good base for a VSA volunteer to start from, (if it happens.)
Vila Workshop
All is well here with reasonable production and a good stockpile of furniture, bowls , candle holders etc. Rob is also working on a pulpit for a new church, of beautiful hardwood and there is lots of turning involved. Simon is continuing to discover that there is a lot to be done in the numeracy area ! He has made a good job of producing a brochure of all our products for our customers. Many visitors have bought items, which helps the sales figures, and this is much appreciated.
Health Education
Mid term exams have just been held and for the lower half of year 10s this means they cannot go on to year 11 ( not enough schools, teachers, money and other complex sad reasons ). So the teachers want them to have some basic knowledge of drug and alchohol problems, AIDs, and the diabetes situation etc before they leave. Therefore Barb is running ( well walking briskly! ) from class to class some days . NZ AID has produced some really good health pamphlets and the students value them.
Well thats all for now. Hope your weather warms up soon - ours is great !!
Kind regards,
Rob and Barb.
NEWSLETTER MARCH 2007
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH/ VSA PROJECT
Hello Everyone,
For the last two weeks we have had a state of emergency here because there was some bad fighting in one of the squatter settlements between people from Tanna and people from Ambrym. Three people were killed and ten were hospitalised so it was serious, but there has been no further trouble because everyone has been shocked at the violence and there has been a big effort to try and resolve grievances. Unemployment, boredom, poverty, and accusations of black magic are the main causes. The govt is trying to send some of the troublemakers back to their islands. Vanuatu Red Cross has been very active and helpful.
E.R.T.C.
There have been several positive meetings, and the Centre opens on Monday 26 March, with about 35 students and 2 full time teachers, and some part time including us who will go once or twice a week. We hope it will all work out but for that to happen there will have to be a lot of hard work and commitment, plus some serious fundraising at this end, and monthly presentation of accounts so we can all see what is happening. Vanuatu Presbyterian Church has allocated about $4000 so that is a huge help - as far as we know this has not happened before. We have received some funds from you people, for which we are very grateful, but we feel any major help should wait for a few months until we have a better idea of the situation. So far there has been no response from the Police re the stolen goods.
Chooks & Goats from St Martins
At their Harvest Festival service a special collection was taken up to enable us to buy chooks and goats for Ebule. Over $1400 was collected which is a marvellous response from the congregation, and we feel very excited about this and look forward to introducing the students to the livestock (some already have names!). Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this venture. It will be a little while before buying begins because we need to get some infrastructure organised first, but we will get there.
Vila Workshop
This is going very well. Simon the UniVol is very willing and helpful and seems to be enjoying himself. We will start having ERTC students coming for a month at a time, as soon as possible. Doug Tanner from Auckland is returning to teach Wood turning (and bringing a new lathe!) late April, which will be great. We have a new outlet - a garden centre, for our planter boxes, which are selling well. My counterpart Philip is on a small business course run by the polytech and is doing well. Last week we sent a big furniture order by boat to Paama, which is a small remote island near Ambrym. It was hard work loading the boat - the crew helped but the vessel was tied to another so had to climb over one to get to the other. (with chairs and tables in hands!) The furniture was for a rural training centre there.
Onesua High School
Barbara recommenced teaching the health section of the science curriculum to year 10, and the students are good to work with. Kirsten Bevan, a young woman from Dunedin is teaching music there all this year (she is under the auspices of Global Mission) so it is nice to catch up with her. She has settled in well and has a lot to contribute.
We have had torrential rain most days, and the phone / email works very intermittently so we cant always communicate. The road around the island has several washouts and many potholes. Roll on the American scheme to tarseal the road this year, but we are not holding our breath.
Our new short-wave radio from Dick Smith is going really well and receives radio NZ International clearly. Keeps us up to date with the rugby, lahars etc. All for now.
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2007
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
Hello Everyone,
Here we go again for another year after a lovely break in New Zealand. It is quite hot and wet here but it doesn’t seem as bad as last year. It was great to catch up with people at St Martins, St Marks and St Andrews, and to see Andrew at Auckland Airport. We really appreciate all the support we have been given.
Happenings at Ebule
Many of you will be aware of the situation at ERTC, but for those who don’t know, the facts are these:
Most of the tools and equipment, textbooks, personal effects have been stolen; some windows and doors broken, most rooms, offices and staff houses have been ransacked; there are numerous bounced cheques around also. Robert the manager has gone, allegedly taking most of the items on a truck, witnessed by local villagers.
On a more positive note the new generator is untouched, plus the windmill (slightly damaged) and large water tank. Rob has given a full report to the Police and hopefully something will be done. Just today we heard that one of the villages nearby is, on their own volition, are cleaning up the area.
The Future of Ebule
The ERTC Council has had numerous meetings to discuss the future viability of the training centre. Rob has attended several discussions. There are many serious issues including future funding (the profits from the Vila workshop are not sufficient even if they were spent properly); existing long-standing debt; and lack of security and accommodation. As you can see there are many issues to work through. At this stage the Council proposes opening ERTC in one months time...........We will keep you posted.
Vila Workshop
We have had a pretty good start in that we have plenty of work, and the boys are pleased to be back, and doing well. VSA have sent a UniVol for Rob to mentor, and he will be a great help in the workshop (especially working on increasing our markets hopefully). This is a VSA scheme with Otago University whereby younger volunteers go overseas for a year (like a gap year) and work alongside experienced volunteers. His name is Simon Pollock and he comes from Central Otago.
Many New VSA Volunteers in Vanuatu
Besides Simon, there are 7 other VSA Volunteers who arrived last week. They are mostly teachers, and some will be stationed at remote secondary schools
(where buying Western food is rarely possible - unlike Vila which has good supplies albeit at a price). Several Volunteers finished last December and are now back working in NZ - it is good to have replacements.
Well that’s all for now. In spite of troubles at ERTC we remain positive (was a close call!!) Barb is lying low at the moment because of a small throat operation but will soon be resuming Health Education under the auspices of the Vanuatu Red Cross, in town and Onesua and??? Ebule!
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
Hello Everyone,
This has been a busy month trying to get everything done before we fly out tomorrow. We have finished big reports to VSA, done letters to Ebule Rural Training Centre re accounting standards for 07, and this is our last effort!
Graduation Ceremony
This was a very colourful event held in the Ebule Church, with singing, frangipani leis, and good short speeches. There were 30-second year students who got certificates, and then we all had a very nice meal of meat rice and vegetables. A lot of preparation and decoration went in to this event and we very much enjoyed ourselves.
Thanksgiving Service at Vila Presbyterian Church (PMC)
We liked this service because people gave thanks for their " bountiful riches ". They talked of how they had enough to eat, dry houses (mostly) and enough clothes. They gave thanks for family and friends, and freedom from the cares of the developed world! They truly feel blessed with what they have, and it was a most impressive service.
Christmas Party for Robs Workers
Last week we invited 10 people to a meal, and it was very enjoyable. The Aust cattle farmer near Onesua supplied great steaks and the market was still full of lettuce, tomatoes etc. There is always kumara and taro to fill the corners. All the cooking was done on a half drum cooker (44 gal drum), which we make in the workshop.
The New Generator Shed
This is finished and is a solid structure of hardwood, corrugated iron and security mesh. There is a large padlock on the door and Rob is confident it will be safe over the summer. It is so big and heavy that stealing it would be quite a feat. We are grateful to St Marks for supplying the funds.
Best Wishes to Everyone
Christmas Day is very close now, and we are looking forward to celebrating it in Marlborough. It will be great to see a lot of you at the barbeque at St Martins.
Wherever you are we hope you experience peace and contentment at this time, and a feeling of hope and faith for 2007.
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
Hello everyone,
It is hot again now, and what with that and Christmas approaching, there is an end of year feeling here.
Visitors - John and Lynette Hodge from Waitara have just left, after a very successful two weeks staying out at Onesua. John, an electrician, came to get the Ebule generator wired up to the dormitories, classrooms, houses etc. With willing help from staff at both Onesua and Ebule and Rob, the project was achieved.
Everyone is very grateful to John, and there is great excitement that finally there is power at Ebule. Meanwhile Lynette worked hard in the Onesua library-sorting hundreds of books recently arrived from a Church in USA, with Katrina the librarian, who was not looking forward to doing this task alone. Lynette and John have given great service to both Ebule and Onesua, which is much appreciated.
Another Grant From Australian Aid - As reported last month, Rob applied for money for the wiring, and he was granted $2000 which was very gratefully received, and enabled heavy cabling, switch boards, lights etc to be purchased. And now John has installed it all; and this week some AusAid people are going to have a look. We will have a small ceremony to mark the occasion
The Champion Wood Turner - One of Rob's trainees, a young man called Bernard, aged 19, who comes from Malakula, is making a name for himself with his wonderful skill on the lathe.
He is good at furniture making too but has a real artistic flair when it comes to making little bowls and matching lids. These sell well in one of the tourist shops. Rob is worried he might be poached which is a bit annoying but is par for the course. He is also very good at getting coconuts down from tall palm trees and it is great to watch him climbing up them.
Farewell to the Pearson Family - Roy, Anna and the three children have been in Vanuatu for nearly three years, and it is sad to see them go. They are returning to Auckland where Roy has got a parish waiting to welcome him as their Minister. We thank them for their help and friendship over the past year and wish them well. It will be very quiet around the workshop without the children!
ERTC - The students have been sent home early from the Training Centre because the food gardens have run out, and there is no money to buy food. Rob is trying to organise a meeting with the Manager (who is not often on site) and the Chairman of the ERTC Council, so that next year there are several measures put in place such as a proper accounting system which may improve the situation. Plus a much larger garden must be planted. - The windmill is fully operational so there is plenty of water. Unfortunately though, the small diesel water pump which pumps up to the 6000 litre storage tank is broken so that will have to be fixed very soon. Groan!
At the moment the market is stacked with produce - lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, pineapples, mangoes, bananas. All very good quality and it is a pleasure to do business with the ladies there. As the hot weather progresses the supplies will become rather meagre but at the moment it is great.
We are successfully growing good tomatoes and also parsley, but other vegetables we have planted bugs and land crabs have eaten.
Kind regards,
Rob and Barb
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2006
Presbyterian Church / VSA Project
Hello everyone,
It has been a busy month, and quite a lot has been accomplished. The weather is not too hot yet so that helps.
Visitors - Dugald and Janet leave tomorrow after a 10-day stay. They have had a really good look round Ebule and Onesua and the Vila workshop, talking to many students and staff, and also to the Chairman of ERTC Council who was very welcoming and agreed to help with improving accounting practices at Ebule.
Along with Rosa Jane and Steve they brought over lots of gear which is a huge help; the fax machine is now in operation (678 22552 ) and other items have been distributed .
The VSA Programme Officer for Vanuatu, Junior Ulu, and VSA information Officer Adele Broadbent have been here visiting all volunteers in the field, and arranging new assignments for 07. We have been involved in planning for a young volunteer to hopefully come to Vila next February to help Rob in the workshop and Ebule for one year.
Gift from Australia Aid - The Australian High Commissioner recently presented Rob with $2000 worth of tools. There was a cheerful informal ceremony at the workshop, with everyone expressing thanks for the gift. AUSAID have also invited further applications, so Rob has asked for money to pay for wiring at ERTC to enable the big generator to be hooked up. And it seems as if Andrew has found an electrician who is willing to come and help with the installation, which would be wonderful
(we haven’t got the money yet but heres hoping!)
Rob's Counterpart - In August Rob appointed one of his workers, a young man from Santo called Philip, as his counterpart. The idea is Philip learns business skills as well as practical ones so that one day he may be able to run his own business. He is a very enthusiastic and capable 20yr old who appreciates being given this opportunity, and is really working hard. Rob is confident that by the end of next year Philip will have gained considerable skills.
Financial woes at ERTC - It is hard for Ebule to pay teachers salaries, feed the students, and general running costs from school fees, which are not always forthcoming, and lately it has been a struggle. Debt repayment has not helped. We remain optimistic that we can get through this.
We have both had skin cancers removed by a visiting skin specialist from Noumea. Robs growth was quite large, and involved a graft from his thigh. But we have healed well and are glad the surgery was done.
It is a year now since we came to Vanuatu, and it has gone very fast. The next one will probably go even faster as we try to make sustainable contributions.
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2006
Presbyterian Church / VSA Project
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday we got back from four days holiday in Santo. We had a great time with lots of snorkelling and swimming at beautiful beaches. We stayed with Sarah Flavall, another VSA vol who is involved with marine biology. We took trips with a local tour guide to the outlying parts of Santo and we met all kinds of interesting people, including yachties, a copra plantation owner, and an African hotel owner who cooks great food. We saw a number of WW2 sites and especially Million Dollar Point where the Americans bulldozed all their equipment (jeeps, guns, tanks, bulldozers etc) into the sea at the end of the war.
Apparently the Condominium would not buy it at a giveaway price!
Visitors - There have been several friends come this month; notably Judy who painted the blackboards, and Mary and Bruce who were laden down with old spectacles, biros etc plus a new sand cat belt sander for the workshop. The price was much better than Bunnings, thanks to Bruce! The man trained by the Fred Hollows Foundation was extremely grateful and told us to thank everyone.
Steve is here (doing maths stuff) and his wife Rosa Jane comes next week with a fax machine kindly paid for by Global Mission. Then next Dugald and Janet arrive, and we are sure there will be something they can bring ........!
Onesua High School - Barb gave the year 10s a big test on Health (what vaccinations must your baby have; how do you catch TB etc) and they did really well which was most encouraging. They certainly are interested in learning and now feel comfortable enough to ask lots of questions. The dictionaries from St Martins are very well used and appreciated.
Timber Pile Gone - On a sadder note $200 worth of hardwood drying on a rack was stolen one night. This is a major blow as not only does it have to be replaced but we also have to build an expensive locked cage around the timber. We don’t want this to happen again. Most timber available here is still quite wet and it twists and splits if not properly dried.
Will sign off now as we both have preparation to do for our early start to Ebule and Onesua in the morning. All is well here and hope it is with you.
Kind regards,
Rob and Barb
NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH/VSA PROJECT
Hello Everyone, Great win for the All Blacks last night. We can see games at the Yacht Club here.
'Vila On Sale' - For three days last week Vila held a mini Trade Fair where various organisations rented stalls to display and sell their goods. Ebule Rural Training Centre had a stall and IT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL!! Rob and the boys sold everything they have made this year: coconut huskers, manioc graters, charcoal ovens, food safes, cutting boards, trays, mortar and pestles, bowls, etc. The local people really supported our stall and WE MADE A HEAP OF MONEY!! The students now see the value of making useful things that people really do want to buy, and this has been a boost for all of us.
Ausaid Grant - Rob applied to Ausaid for a small grant to buy some extra tools for the mechanical and engineering workshop at Ebule, and they very kindly allocated about $1000. It now means that the mechanical trainees out there are able to more effectively work on engines (a big truck engine has been donated by an Australian firm, but they did not have the tools to pull it apart)
St Martins Boxes T- hese boxes, containing wonderful goodies, were finally released from the wharf at the end of July. All the contents were very much appreciated; especially the blackboard paint, dictionaries, and sewing supplies. Allison and helpers did a superb packing job and even managed to slip in the odd bar of chocolate etc...Rob had to be held back!
Visitors - We have had six different visitors over the past month, and they have all been very interested to see what is going on. Ian and Elma, as experienced teachers, enjoyed the 'informality' of Ebule and Onesua. All visitors have brought over wonderful supplies which have been gratefully received. Noel and Rosemary from Dunedin, helped several villages on Ambryn with their wells and water projects, and we really enjoyed meeting them.
Wiring for Generator - While we are waiting for funding, possibly NZ or Ausaid, we have started placing poles and stringing old usuable cable so that a basic supply will be possible. Won't be long now ..............!
The Independence celebrations went off very noisily, and we attended the main ceremony at Independence Park which was very colourful. They held a round the island relay (about 160 km) and the winning team, all locals, ran in bare feet. Each team ran about 14km over rough roads.
Kind regards, Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER JULY 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
Hello Everyone,
Life continues in Vanuatu; slowly and calmly. The weather is great and we are enjoying having water bottles that don’t need refilling so often.
Visitors - We have had three visitors this month: Elma & Ian, associated with St Andrews, and Steve associated with St Marks. They all went to Ebule and Onesua and enjoyed their time there, managing the rough road well and showing a real interest in the two sites. Ian and Elma say they are most impressed with the Onesua students and their grasp of English, their welcoming friendly approach and their desire to learn. Ebule students are more exuberant and get a lot of pleasure from their natural surroundings. Today we had several on the back of the truck (mid term break) and we all enjoyed stopping to see some baby turtles, about 10cms long. Sewing goods collected by women of the three churches were handed over at Ebule and were gratefully received.
Wiring for the generator - We are applying to NZAID via the NZ High Commission here for money for rewiring at Ebule as the cost is going to be about $20,000. Rob is confident his proposal will be accepted, but if not will try the Australians who built dormitories at Ebule five yrs ago.
Wooden Goods - Rob has sold a lot of bowls, chopping boards, rolling pins etc in two shops in town, and he is getting good prices. Traditional things are still being made such as beds and food safes, but the woodturning has added a new dimension.
Overalls & Children’s Clothes - Global Mission sent two large boxes, and we sold the overalls very easily for funds for Ebule. The clothes we have distributed to schools, and they can sell them or give them to the poorer children. Thankyou to Andrew and Lori for organising this
Boxes from St Martins - These are still on the wharf, but any day now ...! Barb is particularly looking forward to the dictionaries and the blackboard paint. New customs and wharf charges come into force very soon and will make this a more expensive exercise so although we love getting them, we may have to buy more items locally if needed. We both worry that freight costs etc will become too high.
Next week we have Independence celebrations, and villages are cleaning up in preparation. Bands and speeches and eating will be the order of the day.
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER JUNE 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH/VSA PROJECT
Hello Everyone,
The year is flying by and this time in 6 months we will be home for Christmas!
Four Visitors from Christchurch - Joan from St Martin’s church, and her three friends recently spent a week here. Between them they brought over a lot of goodies including more sewing materials for Ebule and very useful textbooks. They had a good time and saw most of the sights on the island, including Ebule and Onesua. It is very worthwhile for the staff and students there to meet people involved in donating items.
Mortiser from St Marks - The ship arrived yesterday but the cargo is not all unloaded yet. Hopefully in the next few days we will have cleared it through customs and it will be in use shortly after that. Good things take time!
Workshop extension - We have finally got the roof on and it looks good and of course it means there is much more working space. Products can be displayed without making a mad dash to bring them inside when it rains. When we can afford more corrugated iron we will put the sides on and install a small rainwater tank. Again good things take time!
Productivity - The students are still very eager to work on the lathe and are turning out some very saleable bowls etc. This has helped productivity and the books are looking better. However there is still a tendency to take a lot of time off and start late, which is frustrating.
Wiring for the Generator - Efforts to persuade the NZ electrician to go out to Ebule and quote for new wiring have failed so far. But he says he will go this week so here's hoping. There are very few qualified tradesmen here so they are very sought after.
Winston’s visit - Winston Peters and his entourage of 65 came to town two weeks ago. There was a reception at the NZ High Commission, which we were invited to. We met lots of MPs, and it was a very friendly and enjoyable evening. NZAID is increasing the amount of aid allocated to Vanuatu, one area being training of police and prison officers.
Well that’s all for this month. We hope you are all managing to keep warm - we hear it is really cold, especially in Canterbury.
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER MAY 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
Hello Everyone, We are very pleased to report that the weather is much cooler now and it is so much easier to work both inside and outside.We know that winter has come fairly early for most of NZ, but just think - you can come over here and have nice warm days without getting too hot. There is a fair bit of rain too but not the cold variety.
Doug and Isobel Tanner - Doug has come to work in the Vila workshop with Rob , and Isobel is involved in the Church sewing group where she is enjoying teaching and learning new ideas. Dougs work is invaluable ; he is an accomplished wood turner and is teaching the students many valuable skills. Apart from giving one month of their time they brought over many wood working chisels and tools which they have donated. We very much appreciate the support of this dedicated Auckland couple whose visit was arranged through Global Mission.
The New Generator - New wiring is needed to enable the generator to have equal loading on each phase and avoid possible damage. Rob and Doug have done some work on this but it is a big job and we will have to employ an electrician ( there is a NZ man working here as an electrician ) Fortunately this can probably be paid for from funds allocated by St Marks.
Barbs Work - Barb now has a settled and full working week. She is working 3 days with Vanuatu Red Cross to help increase the amount of health education done in the town and surrounding villages. So what with Ebule and Onesua ( and the occasional AIDs talk to church groups ) there is plenty to do.
Visitors to Vanuatu - Several people have indicated they may come to Vanuatu this winter. If you have any spare weight allowance please check to see if any goods are waiting to come over (eg; books, sewing gear, machinery parts etc) with Tony and Allison Blackler at St Martins - their help is invaluable . Auckland people please ring Andrew or Lori at Global Mission. It is about $15 per kg to post things so it is a big saving. Incidentally has anyone got a pair of pinking shears to send please ? They are needed for Red Cross to cut up calico for slings, bandages, and dressings. All is well here and hope it is the same with you.
Kind regards, Rob and Barb.
NEWSLETTER APRIL 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
NEWSFLASH-NEWSFLASH - The generator from China has landed!!!! This is fantastic and we only got the papers yesterday to know for sure. It will clear customs etc next week. Thank you St Marks for your faith and hope and indeed your charity.
So Hello Everyone,
We spent a very quiet Easter: Rob catching up with Barbs trip to NZ and Barb catching up with happenings here.
Easter at the main Presbyterian Church in Vila (Paton Memorial Church) - We went to morning service on Easter Sunday and it was a full house plus heaps of people sitting under the trees outside. The singing was great as usual and the sermon thought provoking. The children all received hand painted boiled eggs which they ate with enjoyment. This is a very friendly congregation of 3-400 people with a very active youth group. We always feel very welcome.
Barbs trip home - Barb had a great trip, with plenty of good times & no disasters to speak of. She spoke at St Martins, St Marks and St Andrews and felt she had very receptive listeners in each place. We are amazed & humbled at the support we have; there are so many people willing to give time and money to help us.
Air Vanuatu allowed 10kg of excess baggage free (after they had received a please plea email) Air NZ were a bit harder to convince as they had not been emailed but they very kindly didn’t charge for the 10 kg in the end. So it all ended well, and Rob got some machinery parts and even some Easter Eggs & surprise peas! St Martins supplied some wonderful goodies.
ERTC - A new principal/manager has been appointed, initially for a 3-month trial. His name is Robert, he comes from the island of Santo and started last week.
The Ebule Council, whose job it is to govern ERTC, is working hard to solve the financial crisis. We're not sure how they will achieve this yet but sincerely hope they do. Meanwhile we were out there yesterday and did our mechanics and health education and were sure once again that the students deserve every chance. Robert thinks a milking cow or two would be a good idea. Will let you know if this comes to fruition and the costs involved. Would certainly be a good skill for the students and provide them with extra protein.
Vila Workshop Extension - The floor has been laid and the posts are in place. Now we have to buy the roofing iron and balance of the framing. Thank you St Andrews for financing this project. With more floor space it will help with productivity and safety.
So that’s all for now.
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER MARCH 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
Hello everyone,
This has been a very busy month with mostly good experiences!
Visit from VSA Programme Officer - Mr Avataeao Ulu, the Officer for Vanuatu was here for two weeks visiting volunteers in the north, and in Vila where there are 6 of us. He came out to Onesua and Ebule and enjoyed the experience, and had meetings with the Pearsons and several Ni Vans.
Andrew Bells Visit - Andrew of Global Mission came for 5 days and it was great to see him. His ideas, suggestions and offers of help are much appreciated. He knows Ebule and its problems well and like us is hoping for a positive outcome.
The Generator - We are expecting the generator from China this week; we have the shipping papers and are keeping an eye on what ships come into port.
More Boxes from St Martins - We got some stationery and pens as well as tools, which were gratefully received, and everything has been put to good use. Most of the stationery is being sold to students at the small Ebule shop at much better prices than Vila.
ERTC - Ebule is in a very shaky financial position. Previous management has borrowed money and the financial records are obscure. We are all working together to get a clear picture and see the way forward, but it is up to the Ebule Council to ultimately find a solution.
Robs Workshop - Two of the senior students who were making good progress have left to work in the private sector (more Vatu). This means two new students have to be up skilled, and therefore productivity is down.
Barbs Visit Home - Barb is coming to NZ for two wks from 29/3 to 12/4, and will be talking at St Martins Sunday 2/4, and the evening of 9/4 at St Andrews. St Marks yet to be finalised. She is looking forward to seeing you all and showing you some photos.
The cyclone that hit Queensland this morning must have been very frightening - we have been listening to radio Aust about it. Hope there are not too many casualties.
All for now,
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb
NEWSLETTER FEB 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
HELLO EVERYONE,
It is a holiday today - Walter Lini's Birthday. Nearly each month there is a public holiday; in March there is Chiefs Day. It is nice to have days to do planning (and do newsletters!).
Production is in full swing at Rob's workshop and there are many orders for furniture and simple toys, (for kindergartens). Three young men are working with him and hopefully there will be one or two more soon. They are senior students from Ebule. Habitat for Humanity is helping with the foundations for the new extension - we have a good working relationship and help each other as required.
The school year has started, and just like in NZ the weather has got hotter! Rob is teaching basic electrical theory at Ebule and Barb is teaching community health (presently alcohol and its problems). She is also teaching Disease Process which is part of the science curriculum, at Onesua H.S., and general health and hygiene including a lot of aids prevention at the Seventh Day Adventist School in Vila, under the auspices of Vanuatu Family Health Centre. Classrooms are all rudimentary and a bit overcrowded. Pieces of chalk half a centimetre long are carefully used. The various students get a good laugh out of their teachers continually drinking from their water bottles.
We had a nice visit from two young women associated with St Martins, and they brought over 24 circuit breakers for Onesua HS. Their generator is overloaded with staff houses drawing too much current at once. They are now being installed and staff and students are very grateful. We feel that if anyone is coming to Vanuatu for a holiday and can be persuaded to bring say 5kg of gear, it would certainly save freight and postage charges (plus customs and wharf charges). Can we somehow publicise this? Tony and Dugald have things waiting to come over and would welcome enquiries. We are very grateful for the boxes received but are worried about the costs - for heavy items obviously there is no other way.
Finally, there has been an upset at Ebule. The manager left at short notice just prior to the students arriving back. So there is no real leadership; and some equipment seems to be missing. Rob and Roy Pearson are acting as joint managers and are also handling the finances. There is extra work and travel involved but hopefully a new manager and tutor will be appointed soon.
So its all go and we are hanging in there.!
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb Meier
NEWSLETTER JAN 2006
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
LIVING IN PORT VILA - A quiet & very hot month. Production in the workshop down as the workers are still away on holiday in the islands, The town is pretty empty apart from the tourists, and locals who live here.
We have been concentrating on producing the post cards and marketing them - we have sold some to 6 resorts for the tourists to buy - and planning to sell to more in the year ahead.
We had a good Christmas spent at the beach with the Pearson family & a NZ Red Cross worker ; and later we got a phone call from home which was great.
And the Circus was fantastic - a great treat for us and the kids next door.
The 6 boxes from St Martins Church arrived this week and we have had an enjoyable time sorting through the items and designating exactly where they will be most useful in the Parish and out at Ebule.
The workshop excavations for the extensions have almost been completed , the old coral base is extremely hard to break up. In a short while we hope to have the concrete floor in place.
The pickup truck is now on the road and is coming in very handy, it is a robust vehicle and goes well. The idea is to add 6 - 10% coconut fuel in the near future , hopefully the price of this fuel will come down soon. At the moment it is around 170 vt ( nz$2.45 ) a litre so it is a bit expensive.
The generator is en route from China - great, Ebule is certainly looking forward to it.
AIMS FOR 2006
<typolist>
Workshop - Training programme to be maintained . Each month aim to make a profit. Increase diversification of products produced. Student workers to be more accountable.
Continue to enhance ties with Ebule Rural Training Centre by classroom teaching and advising, and getting to know staff & Students.
Develop links with Ebule village.
Support Onesua Presbyterian College where possible ( next door to Ebule )
Teach Health Education at Onesua, Ebule , and Port Vila ( Barb )
Increase sales of postcard scheme and enlist Ebule students to help.
Keep in good contact with our NZ supporters.
</typolist>
Quite a lot of aims but none are too difficult.
Kind regards,
Rob & Barb Meier
NEWSLETTER DEC 2005
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / VSA PROJECT
CHRISTMAS IN PORT VILA - We have just had our "Christmas in the Park" which was led by choirs from various churches. We had carols in English, French and Bislama, and it was a lovely occasion. Lights were strung through coconut palms lining the seafront, and it was magical with the moon shining on the water as well. There were lots of children, a lolly scramble, and we all had a great time.
We will be having even more excitement when we take the 5 children next door to the circus! A troupe from Samoa have brought a Big Top to Vila and have promised all sorts of amazing acts when they open tomorrow night.
On Christmas day after church we will go to the beach at Hideaway Island where there is good snorkelling so we will be more than happy.
OTHER HAPPENINGS - A quieter month work wise. As boats sail to the outer islands the Vila workforce goes down. To get home for Christmas they have to go when the boats go (flying is very expensive) Meantime we have been busy with generator activities. All those who wish to know all about Chinese generators in particular please contact Dugald and Warren at St Marks !! They are a mine of information. Because of their efforts the students at Ebule will have power in the New Year, and we are very grateful.
St Martins people have sent about 84kg of all sorts of supplies (sewing, first aid, art, tools), which is fantastic, and we look forward to that boat coming in, and the joy of unpacking it all and distributing the goodies.
We are spending some St Andrews money on a small extension to the workshop; and we have bought supplies of wood to make some bookshelves and table’s local Churches and public have ordered.
Global Mission has been very generous indeed and the result is we have been given permission to buy a 1998 Isuzu 2.5 diesel pickup. This will be shared between Roy Pearson the Project Co-ordinator and Rob so that trips to Ebule are easier (we have been borrowing a vehicle) and timber, machinery etc can be carried. The Pearsons and we are very excited about the vehicle and sincerely thank Andrew Bell for organising the funding.
And finally, our old friend (we worked with her in Vietnam in the 70’s) Dr Margaret Neave gave us a cheque before we left, and we have bought a 6000-litre polyethelene water tank for Ebule. It will be extra storage and enable them to grow more crops and run more livestock. It will work well with the windmill.
Well that’s about it for this month, we are very appreciative of the support we receive; thanks to you all, and sincere best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas and 2006.