The Melanie Jewson Foundation is dedicated to advancing health and education in Vanuatu.
Established in 2012 following Melanie’s tragic passing, we continue the work she began as a passionate teenager with a needs-driven, partnership-based approach that is both respectful and ethical.
Currently supporting Vila Central Hospital and selected schools, the Melanie Jewson Foundation strives for a stable, sustainable and prosperous Vanuatu.
We can always do more.
There is great need in Vanuatu.
One of Australia’s closest neighbours, the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu faces severe structural impediments to continued sustainable development.
To reach its future development goals, access to quality health and education in Vanuatu is of paramount importance.
39.4%
of people in Vanuatu live in poverty on less than $3.20 per day
4.74%
of people in Vanuatu continue to tertiary education
26
out of every 1000 babies in Vanuatu die in infancy
We work with the hospitals and schools of Vanuatu to advance health and education for all.
Making a difference.
The Melanie Jewson Foundation continues the work Melanie began as a passionate teenager with a needs-driven, partnership-based approach that is both respectful and ethical.
Health
Vanuatu’s health system is resource-poor and stretched to its limits. The MJF collaborates with Vanuatu National Hospital and the Ministry of Health to provide high-quality equipment, education and training.
Since 2012 we have donated over $230,000 worth of medical supplies.
Education
Vanuatu’s under-resourced education system strains under the weight of its responsibility. The MJF works closely with schools and the Ministry of Education and Training to provide appropriate literacy and numeracy materials.
Since 2012 the MJF has donated 10,630 brand new books and 1,170 learning aids in 26 Numeracy Kits worth a total of $65,948.
Partnerships
Partnership building is key to the work that we do. Every project funded is driven by the self-identified needs of schools or hospitals in Vanuatu, alongside the relevant government department.
Projects across the archipelago.
In our 14 years of operation, the MJF has expanded out from Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, with projects now based across six islands.
With your help, we can continue to give a helping hand from one end of the country to the other.
Together we can do more. Donate today.
We’re a volunteer-run not-for-profit that relies on support from people like you.
If everyone reading this gives $10 per month (just a couple of coffees), the MJF will continue to thrive well into the future.
Please help us keep advancing health and education in Vanuatu.
Ethical, needs-based donation.
According to the World Health Organisation, as little as 40% of equipment donated to developing countries ends up being used.
Our success rate is close to 100%.
We attribute this to our respectful and long-lasting relationship with the people in Vanuatu and our approach to ethical donation.
The MJF. Working —
Ethical, needs-based donation.
According to the World Health Organisation, as little as 40% of equipment donated to developing countries ends up being used.
Our success rate is close to 100%.
We attribute this to our respectful and long-lasting relationship with the people in Vanuatu and our approach to ethical donation.
The MJF. Working —
Effectively.
Nimbly.
Collaboratively.
Recent news.
With heartfelt thanks — and looking ahead to 2026
As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to say thank you.
Our latest equipment delivery
Over AUD $30,000 worth of high-priority medical equipment arrives in Port Vila.
Essential diagnostic tools arrive in Vila
10 MJF-donated bone marrow needles arrived at Vila National Hospital earlier in the year — essential diagnostic tools ready to be put to immediate use by the paediatric team.
Stories From Vanuatu
The Melanie Jewson Foundation is proud to present Stories From Vanuatu on Sunday 26th April 2026.
With heartfelt thanks — and looking ahead to 2026
As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to say thank you.
Connect with us.
Always stay up-to-date.
Meet our valued partners.
From donated goods or services to regular financial support, our partners enable the work of the MJF in a myriad of ways.
