Practical experience in project management in a cross-cultural team in Vanuatu

  Vanuatu

Port-Vila

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Vanuatu means "Our land" and its people are called "Ni Vanuatu". Vanuatu is a chain of 180 islands in the South Pacific and it is part of the Melanesian Archipelago, which includes Papua New Guinea and Fiji. While on project you might also be able to try Kava-kava, the national drink or take part in a Melanesian ceremony and feast. Some groups have even been located close to Mt. Yasur, an active volcano, or have had a chance to snorkel in the clear blue Pacific Ocean.

Although it sounds like paradise, the country has one of the lowest standards of living in the world and is virtually a subsistence economy. The main community development needs of Vanuatu concern its youth unemployment and alienation; its geographical isolation from infrastructure in the remote islands; its reliance on foreign aid, the lack of a productive sector; minimal formal education; domestic violence; and maternal and child health problems.

Unique to the Vanuatu program is the opportunity to work side by side with indigenous Ni-Van as part of their Youth Challenge International training program. The program offers practical training for Ni-Van challengers in areas such as job seeking, small business, and computer training courses. Each year around 30-40 Ni-Van youth go through the YCV local program and around 25-30 volunteers from Australia and Canada participate on the YCA projects in conjunction with them.

Project Management through Small Teams Projects:
Small Team Projects (STPs) are unique to YCVs Vanuatu program. They usually involve working in a team of 3-4 people, a mixture of Ni-Van and international challengers plus local counterparts, to undertake projects identified with the community alongside the core project. Each participant will participate in a single STP, with 2-3 STPs per project group depending on size.

STPs can vary considerably and are developed in partnership between volunteers and the host community based on the needs of the community and the unique skills and expertise of the volunteers. Small team projects provide an opportunity for each volunteer to gain hands on experience in small project management. Projects in the past have included marine surveys, disaster management, hygiene awareness and womens forums.

Core Community Project (6-10 weeks):
You will have the opportunity to work on one core community project on Efate or remote outlying islands.

Youth Conferences: Volunteers bring together large numbers of youth from remote communities for a week-long conference to explore topics on HIV/AIDS, Adolescent Reproductive Health, and social issues. Volunteers organise workshops, seminars and games to help participants set personal goals, develop job search strategies that are grounded in the realities of the local economy. Volunteers are responsible for overseeing venue hire, accomodation and food, guest speakers and conference topics.

Construction Projects: Working with communities to build new health posts, schools and kindergartens, wells, water tanks, ventilation, community centers and community kitchens. Most construction projects occur in rural communities that are beyond the reach of many basic services.

Highlights:
- Contribute positively to your region
- Work alongside local Ni-Vanuatu youth and contribute to their career development and training
- Do as the locals do and immerse yourself in local life on a remote island
- Gain hands-on experience in community development through working on a small-team project
- Gain practical experience in project management
- Raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, contribute to youth development, improve disaster response awareness, improve health and hygiene levels

Cost in US$: please inquire for more information

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 21-30

This Program is open to Australian and Canadian Participants.

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8-12

Youth Challenge Australia's Mission Statement: To engage and empower young people, through collaborative and sustainable work with communities, to create understanding and bring about positive change.

Year Founded: 1992