Few people realize that Vanuatu was the inspiration for James A Michener’s book, which in turn inspired Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical and 1958 film South Pacific. The television hash of the original classic, back in 2001, never found favor with the viewing public.
The world stage welcomed Vanuatu once again, when it was voted the happiest country on Earth in 2006.
Vanuatu was recently granted a heritage list through the tomb of Vanuatu’s last paramount chief, Chief Roi Mata. Supposedly, 20 of his wives and some of his men were buried live with him. It is believed that the men were given kava, a local calming drink, which the women were forbidden to drink.
The recent release of unique and traditionally secret artwork from the northern island of Ambrym has once again brought Vanuatu onto the world stage. The art centers of the world are excited by this world first. Many pieces could easily pass as contemporary works of art.
Searching the museums of the world, only one similar piece was found in a British museum. Nothing similar to Vanuatu art was found in the museums of Europe and America.
A towering four- or five-headed grooved wooden gong from Ambrym is one of the world’s largest free-standing musical instruments. They are so commonly used as decoration in Vanuatu that they are hardly noticed by visitors. Few people, putting their hand on the wooden drum, sometimes four meters high, are aware of the connection with the secrets of Vanuatu society.
The wooden gongs are carved in the stylized form of an ancestor. The eyes that represent the morning star of a society that has traditionally remained well hidden from the eyes of the world. A vital part of sacred ceremonies, gongs were used at initiations, funerals, and dances. Totally unaware of the deep cultural significance, many tourists to the tropical islands of Vanuatu bring home hand-carved miniatures of the great musical instrument.
Hitting the rim of the drum with a small wooden gong stick, several drummers carefully coordinated their actions. Informal village orchestras that perform rhythmic ensembles of immense variety and complexity.
The gongs were also a bush telegraph, used to communicate between neighboring villages. The use of a unique gong language allowed the villagers to send complex messages over long distances. If the atmosphere were right, messages could be sent to neighboring islands.
In an effort to raise awareness of their ancient culture, the Chiefs of the nation made the decision to make some of their sacred art known to the world. They know that the urgency of educating the younger generation is the only way to preserve their ancestral culture. Young people, for the most part, have lost their understanding of the intricate language of the gong.
A desperately needed change in the education of the next generation is expected to be brought about by sharing the ancient secrets of this small South Pacific archipelago. Vanuatu is in urgent need of formal education for the next generation to fully understand the language of the 21st century.
In a country where there is no free education. The government admits that it is unable to meet the educational needs of the country.
26% of children will never go to school
18% will never go to high school
Only 56% will pass year 6.
With many villagers living on less than $1 a day, paying school fees in the happiest country on Earth is completely out of the question. Many of the high achievers will have to stop studying after primary school. They will never get a chance to see the inside of a high school classroom without outside help.
It has been said that for every school that is not built, a prison must be built.
It would be a tragedy if the happiest country on Earth had to go down this road.
You can show that you care about this largely ignored group of people. You can take an active role through a unique Blue Moon Opportunity in the world. This is something you cannot miss. It will change your life and the lives of many fantastic children.