November 2004 - Paul Jeffries

On November 6th I flew to Malakula - and the trip that was going to run like silk suddenly became horsehair!

The sand beach we had pre-ordered over a month earlier was delayed - no big worry - we had plenty of other things to do and still had plenty of time to complete the last two tanks for the year. One of my trucks blew a water pump and no replacement to be found - oh well, bambae, Vanuatu time.

I loaded my other truck with donated goods, clothing and food and headed of to the villages that don't have a lot of support. It was a real buzz to arrive unannounced and ask for the chief, and then ask to give a small gift to the village as a whole. It was like playing Santa a month early.

Most of these goods were what was left from the container sent in September - full of items Vodafone staff had donated. So what did I see walking down the street? A red beanie, then two more, and then about six more - I think I've started a cult! It was a great laugh, and I'm still getting asked for them.

I inspected the tanks at Lingarat and Hatbol - both were looking great. The tank at Rori was as full as the ones at Norsup and LTC. PRV tanks are due to be filled in November, and Lingarat and Hatbol towards the end of November. (The tanks need at least four to six weeks to dry fully before filling).

Whilst at Lingarat and Hatbol, I was quizzed on the whereabouts of the Vodafone team and Poppa Tom. You all are legends in your own time. The villages all send their love and hope you come back someday. Mi tink tink likem yu tumas.

Keeping with our vision of sustainability, I have enlisted Samuel, a native of Lingarat village. Samuel showed great determination in wanting to build the tanks at the last two villages. We, Malakula Medical Relief Trust (MMRT) are looking for someone to teach and train to take over in the long run and run a water project full time throughout the province. I think Samuel is the man for this.

On this trip we wanted to build two tanks, one at PRV and one at Tautu School. The school has two hundred plus students who arrive in the morning and have no locally available water for the day. On my last trip the school headmaster asked if we would consider building a tank for the school. We assessed the site and said yes.

With the few delays at the start of the month it was a great opportunity to be able to take our time and up skill Samuel on some of the finer points of tank building. Like a duck to water, he was and is, very competent. Samuel's story is quite standard for men of the area, with little education and not a lot in the way of future prospects. I think that MMRT and Vodafone Foundation are going to make a difference in his, and his family's future.

Keep in touch for the December issue as we wrap up the year with the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation and continue to make a difference

.Lukim yu one time....

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