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August 2004 - Paul Jeffries

August 2004…. What a difference!

The month started with Ray and Richard, two volunteers from Cambridge, spending a week in Malakula finishing a water tank from the last trip. Thanks for a great effort.

The Vodafone Team arrive
Thanks to the foresight and continued support of the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation, new ground was broken in Vanuatu this month.

Beatrice, Katherine, Anthony and David made a difference to the lives of over five hundred people. With the help of the World of Difference Team I chose four Vodafone staff to join me on this latest trip to build water tanks in two remote villages on Malakula. Let me start by saying that if this is the calibre of the staff at Vodafone, then I am proud to have had an association with them all.

From day one I could tell that this was going to be a great experience for the four, and also anyone who came in contact with them. With the inclusion of a very good friend of mine, Thomas Lipp, (Poppa Tom) we worked and played hard as a team. From mixing concrete, plastering tanks, and playing with the local kids, to cooking and doing dishes. Everyone pulled their weight and bonded well.

At the end of the first tank, the girls were presented with island dresses. This in itself I think shows how well they were received into village life as it is special for village people to give such a gift. After the team left I was given several letters to bring home for them from people who were really taken with their friendship.

The work was hot, heavy and at times physically tough. It was great for me as I could sit down and point the finger with four able bodied youngsters running left and right.

I think the photos describe best the commitment these five made to the project, so I’ll let them tell the story. I know that this experience will stay with these four for a lifetime.

I think I can speak for them as well when I thank the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation for empowering Beatrice, Katherine, David and Anthony to make a world of difference.

Guys, if you ever want to do it again I would be proud to take you all on another wee adventure.

Mifella, Chief Andre Peter and Chief Jacob wanam tankyu tumas.

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