Rotary rallies to support Vanuatu

A Vanuatu school sponsored by Warkworth Rotary was partially destroyed in Cyclone Pam last month and Rotarians are desperately trying to get aid to the isolated island.Last year Rotarians Jon Nicholson and Peter Johns helped re-roof a school in the isolated island Epi.

Peter says the roof for one of the school blocks was ripped off by the storm and three teachers have had their houses destroyed, but the recently re-roofed school block is still standing strong. There have been no deaths or serious injuries in the area.

“It’s a tough time. When we were over there we stayed with them in their huts. They were like family to us,” Peter says.

“The school was built by French colonists and is quite robust, but the teachers’ quarters were just bits of timber and corrugated iron.”

It took about a week for the Rotary to hear from the school after the Cyclone. Most of the village’s crops have been destroyed and the lack of food is now a big issue.

“We are trying to get aid and materials through, but Epi is just one of 80 islands and there’s a huge backlog for shipping.”

Warkworth Rotary has sent three $600 emergency response kits, which include tools, cooking equipment, clothing and medical supplies. It is fundraising to provide further aid.

Rotary members were already planning to head to the school later this year to construct toilets and showers at the school, which doesn’t have electricity or toilets.

Now they are also looking to re-roof the damaged school.

Rotary is currently raising $100,000 from international grants for the project and Warkworth Rotary has contributed about $12,000.

Club president Robin Dixon says they have been providing aid to Vanuatu for years as the Pacific nation is in the same Rotary district as Warkworth.

“They are the main international project for Warworth Rotary,” she says. “We are working with other Rotarians in Vanuatu, so we know the money is going directly to where it is most needed.”

To donate to the cause, email Warkworthrotary@gmail.com or visit the Warkworth Rotary Facebook page.