Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) continues the recovery quest as it helps the people of Ambae rebuild their lives from the aftermath of the volcanic ash fall.
The well-known TVET Program, now VSP is rolling out activities on the island of Ambae focusing on building and construction, empowering persons living with disability, and capacity building of provincial staff.
Fremden Yanhambath, the Director of the Australian Government supported initiative informed Daily Post that “Certificate II in Building and Construction is underway this week”, equipping participants to rebuild their homes as they renew their lives on the island and, an assessment and identification of people living with disability for an inclusive approach “so that no one is left behind” is also being done.
Asked if there will be different approaches towards the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disability, Mr. Yanhambath explained that the same approach of mainstreaming or “including a person with disability in all activities will be used and direct intervention where we provide direct support to a participant with disability, to start off their small business after an activity”.
Construction of Brooder house in Saratamata Penama Provincial Headquater
The Director added designated specialist from his ‘tight ship’ are in Ambae introducing the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) tools to the staff of PENAMA Province.
“The same workshop was carried out for TAFEA Provincial staff,” said Mr. Yanhambath.
Despite being a successful project infused into the government system, Director Yanhambath said there are no plans in place for a Skills Partnership Office or a TVET Centre for PENAMA.
He explained that the normal bidding procedure must be done from relevant authorities and a mutual agreement between the government and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) must be in place for the setting up of a skills centre for PENAMA province.
Mr. Yanhambath explains that VSP is just mandated with a fund for “the Ambae recovery”.
VSP was responsible for successful tourism recovery projects in Tanna after TC Pam in 2015 and was taking the lead in the response effort after TC Harold struck SANMA, and MALAMPA Province, earlier this year.