The Project

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a country consisting of a number of islands in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean. It has 326,740 inhabitants. 

I myself have already been in Vanuatu for over a month. Although the country looks exotic from the outside and is in many ways a holiday paradise, everyday life for the locals is not as simple. Especially not for women. 80% of women are raped before they reach the age of 12/13. Society is male-dominated and a woman's voice has little value.

For example, saying "no" is not a word in their vocabulary. Unfortunately, this has major consequences for women's health.

Check out this video to get a greater insight into life.

The reality is dark, but together with my team consisting of local and international people, we want to bring light and hope.

"Jesus says: I am the light of the world! He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8,12.

"Keep Safe"

I will join a program called "Keep Safe". Together with a team consisting of local and international people, we want to help change the grim statistics by offering very basic education in school and thus carry out preventive work for sexual abuse. 

The teaching for the children and young people will consist of what are the private areas of the body for both boys and girls, areas where no one else is allowed to touch unless you consent. To my own surprise, few people know that it is wrong if, for example, an uncle rapes them. Because yes, there is unfortunately a lot of incest in society.

We also want to help activate the voices of the women in society by telling them about their value. That each one of them has a voice that is worth using and worthy of being listened to. That they are created in God's image, "powerful" and set aside for God's glory.

It is not because we come as white people and want to impose our values ​​on their heads, but because we believe that God has created each human being with infinite value. Each one is important and worthy of being listened to. The goal is for the children to put aside the lie that they are worthless, and take up God's truths about themselves.

Research shows that if women are allowed to decide over their own bodies and use their own voice, there will be less hunger, less poverty, less violence and more justice. Only when women are given the opportunity do they make a big difference - for the children, the family and the society around them.

The program does not stop with the women. Much of the root of the problem lies with men. It is therefore important to talk to the next generation. How do you actually treat women in a respectful way? What is acceptable behavior?

Together with my team, we want to enter all the schools in Vanuatu, and achieve a sustainable project that not only has good ambitions but also good results.