Reigniting the Pioneer Spirit: Vanuatu's Adventist Education Conference
From January 22nd to the 28th, leaders, teachers, chaplains, pastors, and district leaders from across all islands of Vanuatu gathered for an important conference. The theme was "Authentic Adventist Education," aiming to reignite the pioneering spirit and adhere to the foundational principles of Adventist education and its core reasons for operating schools. About seventy people participated in this event, showing a strong interest in the future of Adventist education in Vanuatu.
The conference featured Dr. John Hammond as the guest devotional speaker, alongside other notable presenters such as Dr. Malcolm Coulson, Mr. David Rogers, and Mrs. Cecile Trief, to name a few. The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MOET) was represented by Mrs. Nanise Lapi and Mrs. Sylvia Boeson, highlighting the government's interest in the conference. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Team also contributed, along with other speakers who shared their expertise and insights.
Held at Epauto hall and the church, the conference was organised by the Vanuatu Education Department with funding from the Vanuatu Mission, the South Pacific Division (SPD), and the participants themselves. This event aimed to refocus attention on what makes the Adventist education system unique and special. It called for leaders to make significant decisions to realign programs and services, including changing the mentality and attitude of leaders and teachers.
This conference was especially meaningful as it had been over a decade since the last such gathering. Participants described it as a spiritual revival, emphasizing the need for Adventist schools to maintain their identity and values even as the Ministry of Education offers more directives, impacting the autonomy of these institutions.
Mrs. Caroline T. and other attendees expressed that the conference was an eye-opener, revealing that teaching in an Adventist school goes beyond just delivering academic content; it involves imparting values and shaping characters. Dr. Coulson remarked on the importance of being exemplary in academic, financial, and spiritual aspects so that external monitoring and directives from the Ministry of Education would be unnecessary.
A highlight of the conference was a visit to Mr. John Morrison's farm, which showcased the potential for schools to engage in farming activities for financial sustainability, reducing reliance on government grants.
Jeffeson Trief, Vanuatu Mission Education Director said, “This conference marks a pivotal moment for Adventist education in Vanuatu, urging a return to its roots while adapting to contemporary challenges. It serves as a reminder that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about molding individuals who can make a positive impact on society.”