New chapter for Vanuatu school, thanks to generous students

By Wendy Shaw

Hundreds of books have made their way from North West Tasmania to a school in Vanuatu, following a collection organised by Marist Regional College at Burnie.

Social Justice students from Marist gathered more than 500 books, with support from St Joseph’s Catholic School at Rosebery and Natone Primary School.

The Marist students and principal Shayne Kidd organised the book drive to boost and update the English book section of the library at the French-speaking Lycée de Montmartre, a Catholic school in Port Vila.

During the term one school holidays, Mr Kidd and his wife, St Joseph’s principal Tracey Kidd, loaded up 80 kg of books as well as stationery and word games and travelled to Vanuatu.

“It is important for our students to understand that access to quality education is not equal across the world,” Mr Kidd said.

“Initiatives such as this help them recognise both their own opportunities and their responsibility to contribute to the common good. Education plays a critical role in shaping futures, and by supporting others, our students come to appreciate how even small, thoughtful actions can have a profound and lasting impact.

“There is also a valuable two-way exchange in this partnership. Through communication with students in Vanuatu, our students can support English learning while also gaining insights into another culture.

“This shared learning experience broadens perspectives and strengthens a sense of global community.”

The initiative came after Mr and Mrs Kidd holidayed in Vanuatu last year. While there, they visited Catholic schools. At the Lycée de Montmartre they found that access to relevant and engaging English resources was limited.

“Education is a powerful pathway to opportunity and success, and something as simple as access to appropriate reading material can significantly influence a young person’s future,” Mr Kidd said.

“We felt that through a relatively small action, collecting and donating books, we could make a meaningful contribution to improving those opportunities.”

Mr Kidd said staff and students were grateful and excited about the gift.

“This initiative highlights how small actions can make a significant difference in the lives of others,” Mr Kidd added.

“All of the donations were quality second-hand books, and we are extremely grateful for the generosity of our Marist families, as well as St Joseph’s Catholic School Rosebery and Natone Primary School, who contributed sets of readers and library books.

“Their support demonstrates the strength of community and the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.”