Our first day in Vanuatu started at 2:00am when we departed for our  planned destination, Deproma Village, on the island of Espiritu Santos. Arriving in the village at about 7:00am it was all hands on deck to pour the slab for the water tank to be constructed by 16 Don College students, 3 staff and Dr. Jane Cooper.

Deproma villagers welcomed us with ceremony and friendship. Each day they  provided us with wood fired bread, canned tuna, some fresh fish, grapefruit, lap lap and some local delicacies (potatoes). Daily routines of carrying sand, sifting sand, mixing concrete, making bricks, rendering and painting allowed us to complete a vessel that captured and stored 5000 litres of water for the community.

Working with the Deproma villagers we learnt new skills, gained knowledge of the natural resources in the Vanuatu bush and talked a lot about life. One of the villagers commented, “Best volunteer group we have ever had!” With lots of fun and a few upset tummies on the way (Thank you Dr. Jane for looking after us) the tank was completed and we had time to paint the school and repair some of the other water resources in the village. Some time was spent enjoying snorkelling on local reefs, visiting RiRi Blue Hole and visiting a village where Don College students have previously constructed two water tanks.

We are very proud of the students who participated in this journey. We congratulate them on their efforts with fundraising, positivity in adverse living conditions and general work ethic. Well done team. Deproma residents are very appreciative of your contributions to their lives.