The Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategy recognises education as the key to a brighter future — empowering individuals, strengthening communities, preserving culture, and creating opportunities for every Ni-Vanuatu to thrive.

Yet for many children in Vanuatu, access to quality learning resources remains a challenge. Limited educational infrastructure, shortages of books and teaching materials, geographic isolation, financial hardship, and the impact of natural disasters can all create barriers to learning.

Literacy is one of the most important foundations for a child’s future. The ability to read and write opens doors to education, employment, independence, and lifelong opportunity. However, many students in Vanuatu do not have access to the resources they need to develop these essential skills.

That’s why the Melanie Jewson Foundation is partnering with Peace Corps (USA/Vanuatu) and Read Pacific (New Zealand/Vanuatu) to provide essential literacy resources to five schools across Vanuatu:

• Maumau, Efate
• Natawa, Santo
• Brenwei, Malekula
• Rensarie, Malekula
• Leviamp, Malekula

Generous donations to our 2026 EOFY campaign Give a Book, Change a Life enabled the MJF to allocate $20,000 for the purchase of these resources. Read Pacific will again supply the reading material, ensuring it is culturally resonant, appropriate and sustainable.

Roy Ben, Peace Corps Vanuatu’s Literacy Project Program Manager, has worked closely with us to facilitate the purchase through Read Pacific, label each book and distribute the kits to the selected schools in Vanuatu. Roy and his team will ensure the kits arrive safely and are being well-used so that effective student learning takes place.

Strong literacy skills build confidence, improve opportunities and helps children grow into adults who can earn and support their family and their country. Working with our donors, Peace Corps and Read Pacific, together we are making a tangible difference to Vanuatu’s children now, and for the rest of their lives.