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On 17 December 2024, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, leaving a trail of destruction across the island of Efate. Entire communities were shaken to their core as most buildings, including a significant number of classrooms, collapsed or were severely damaged. For many schools, this disaster compounded the devastation caused by successive cyclones in recent years, pushing the education system to the brink.

In this moment of crisis, the strength of international solidarity shone through. Education International (EI) affiliates from European countries, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand responded swiftly, providing crucial support to their colleagues in Vanuatu. With this solidarity assistance, the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) organised and led trainings for teachers and school staff on coping with natural disasters, focusing on practical strategies to safeguard lives. Central to these efforts were school safety drills, empowering educators with the skills and confidence to respond effectively when disaster strikes.

“This is more than training, it’s about protecting our students’ lives and keeping education alive, even in the face of disaster.” Johnathan Yona, VTU Secretary General

The February 2025 awareness-raising programme focused on coping strategies and safety drills for climate-driven disasters; strengthening community engagement, and promoting the role of unions in protecting education.

The Vanuatu Context

Covering a total land area of over 12,000 sq. km, Vanuatu is a Melanesian archipelago in the South Pacific, comprising a double chain of 13 principal islands and about 70 smaller islands. The 83 islands are divided into six provinces. The VTU has members in 50 islands across these provinces.

For the purpose of the climate change resilience trainings, VTU officers visited school communities in five provinces: Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, and the Southern province of Tafea.

The awareness-raising activities took place in February 2025, targeting 47 school communities. Due to Vanuatu’s challenging geography and the high cost of transportation, not all communities could be reached. February is also a time of high temperatures and heavy rainfall, which in 2025 caused many schools to postpone the start of the academic year from 3 February.

On 6 February, three VTU teams departed from Port Vila to reach different parts of the archipelago.

Sanma Province (Espiritu Santo)

In Sanma, two VTU members accompanied Secretary General Mr. Johnathan Yona. They began with a meeting with teachers to explain the visit’s purpose and to discuss VTU’s union activities and advocacy work. They then toured the island, visiting the school communities of Sarete, Fanafo, and Namoru. Community chiefs expressed feeling empowered by the information received. A large public gathering on the final day concluded with the union solidarity song.

Penama Province (Pentecost and Maewo)

The Penama team visited the islands of Pentecost and Maewo. These communities had already suffered extensive classroom destruction during cyclones in 2020 and 2023. The compounded impact of consecutive disasters is taking a visible toll on both students and teachers.

On Pentecost, meetings were held at Panngi Primary School for teachers from eight schools in the south of the island. Teachers from seven other schools gathered at Toleh Primary School. Another session brought together teachers from four schools at Melsisi Senior Secondary School. Further training took place at Ranwadi High School. Both Ranwadi College and Melsisi College are among the top schools in Vanuatu. The team then travelled north to meet with additional school and community members.

Malampa Province (Malakula Island)

Malakula, Vanuatu’s second-largest island, presented significant transport challenges, limiting the number of schools visited. Teachers from the northern and central parts of the island gathered in the provincial capital, Lakatoro. The team then travelled south to the Lamap area for further sessions.

Tafea Province (Tanna Island)

On Tanna Island, the southernmost of the five provinces visited, the VTU team met with branch presidents, who accompanied them to schools and communities. Among the schools benefiting from training were Kingskros Primary School in Lenaula, Greenhill Primary & Junior Secondary School, and Lenaken Junior Secondary School. The final day featured an open community session in Lenakel’s Black Man Town, closing with the union solidarity song.

Shefa Province (Efate and Epi Islands)

In Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila (Efate Island), a team of four VTU officers visited schools in both urban and rural areas, including Ulei Junior Secondary School, Onesua Presbyterian College, Eton Primary & Junior Secondary School, Ekipe Centre School, Eratap Primary & Junior Secondary School, Mele Suango Bilingual School, and Manua Junior Secondary School.

On Epi Island, the second-largest in Shefa Province, Mr. George Firiam and Mr. Walter Bong visited three schools and their communities in Burumba, Nikaura, and Laman.

Way Forward

Having focused the first phase on earthquake drills and climate disaster preparedness for teachers and communities, the VTU leadership plans to involve students directly in the next phase of training. Feedback from the first phase has been overwhelmingly positive, with both educators and community leaders expressing appreciation for the practical knowledge and solidarity demonstrated.

Through these sessions, VTU leaders and trainers have deepened their connection with local communities, gaining first-hand insight into the vulnerability of life across the islands and the urgent need for continued resilience-building against natural disasters.