I do not take any responsibility for any of the politically-incorrect wording - I did not write most of the articles myself...
Maybe a somewhat boring post for most of you, please don't feel obliged to read all the articles word for word, but a good record for myself!
A hand up for the disabled
The kitchen at the Society for Disabled People is unfit for public use.
If you couldn’t walk, couldn’t use your arms, couldn’t speak for yourself, were mentally challenged, or all of the above, life would be tough. And never more so, than in Vanuatu.
For about 20,000 * ni-Vanuatu who are disabled, this is their reality.
To compound their challenges, there has been no funding for the Vanuatu Society for Disabled People (VSDP) since late last year.
The last they received was from an AFP woman, who sold her vehicle before she returned to Australia. She donated the Vt600,000 she made on the vehicle to the society.
For about 20,000 * ni-Vanuatu who are disabled, this is their reality.
To compound their challenges, there has been no funding for the Vanuatu Society for Disabled People (VSDP) since late last year.
The last they received was from an AFP woman, who sold her vehicle before she returned to Australia. She donated the Vt600,000 she made on the vehicle to the society.
Executive Director for the society, Elison Bovu, said this enabled them to get the internet back up and running, and pay off a small amount in back pay owed to the few who are working there, hanging on to keep the doors open.
Apart from a little the society earns from a small contract with the catering arm of Air Vanuatu, there is no money to fund the society. Field officers have dwindled from six to one. Two received special training in Fiji last year, but could not work for the society when they returned, with no money available for wages.
To top this, the VSDP centre, located at Colardeau opposite the French school, has rooms unfit for public use. A damning report done three years ago by ABV engineer Raymond Thomson said:
“The older section of the facility is barely fit for use as a disabled centre.
“The kitchen area is ... in very poor condition and should be condemned as unfit for use in a public place.”
But help is at hand.
Apart from a little the society earns from a small contract with the catering arm of Air Vanuatu, there is no money to fund the society. Field officers have dwindled from six to one. Two received special training in Fiji last year, but could not work for the society when they returned, with no money available for wages.
To top this, the VSDP centre, located at Colardeau opposite the French school, has rooms unfit for public use. A damning report done three years ago by ABV engineer Raymond Thomson said:
“The older section of the facility is barely fit for use as a disabled centre.
“The kitchen area is ... in very poor condition and should be condemned as unfit for use in a public place.”
But help is at hand.
Volunteer architect Sanjeewa Ratnayaka, who was instrumental in the Airports Vanuatu upgrade in 2009, drew up an initial plan in consultation with Jessie Bynon, an Australian volunteer at VSDP at the time. That plan has since been modified.
The Rotary Club of Port Vila including Australian volunteer engineer Frank Sanders, and a new NGO called Friends of People With Special Needs have come together to rebuild the centre.
Mr Sanders has written a property development plan, which divides the rebuild into four stages.
The Rotary Club of Port Vila has an ally in a New Zealand Rotary Club from Takapuna North (Auckland) who is sending a team next month to undertake stage one of the rebuild.
Work has started at the centre to clear trees to make way for a fence which will define the boundary and prevent people from using the property as a right-of-way.
The Rotary Club of Port Vila including Australian volunteer engineer Frank Sanders, and a new NGO called Friends of People With Special Needs have come together to rebuild the centre.
Mr Sanders has written a property development plan, which divides the rebuild into four stages.
The Rotary Club of Port Vila has an ally in a New Zealand Rotary Club from Takapuna North (Auckland) who is sending a team next month to undertake stage one of the rebuild.
Work has started at the centre to clear trees to make way for a fence which will define the boundary and prevent people from using the property as a right-of-way.
In Stage 1, they will secure support and clean, repair and carry out maintenance to existing buildings.
Stage 2 will see the construction of an undercover play area for the early intervention programme – the Pikinini Group.
These two stages should be completed by the end of this year.
Construction of a new office, kitchen and bathrooms will be stage 3, and in stage 4, the demolition of the older section of the building will take place.
It is hoped these two stages will be completed next year, according to Mr Sanders.
Friends of People With Special Needs, was formed to co-ordinate the various organisations involved, to apply for funding, and to fundraise. It will also ensure that members of the society are trained in maintenance to protect the upgrade. They will also help to get resources the centre needs from overseas donors.
Stage 2 will see the construction of an undercover play area for the early intervention programme – the Pikinini Group.
These two stages should be completed by the end of this year.
Construction of a new office, kitchen and bathrooms will be stage 3, and in stage 4, the demolition of the older section of the building will take place.
It is hoped these two stages will be completed next year, according to Mr Sanders.
Friends of People With Special Needs, was formed to co-ordinate the various organisations involved, to apply for funding, and to fundraise. It will also ensure that members of the society are trained in maintenance to protect the upgrade. They will also help to get resources the centre needs from overseas donors.
If anyone has anything to offer the project they can contact one of the following people:
Robert Bohn, Rotary Club of Port Vila: rbb@vila.net; Frank Sanders: frank@sustainable-solutions.com.au; Marg Smith (Friends group): margsmith@vanuatu.com.vu
At present the early intervention programme being run under the auspices of VIDA volunteer Susannah Jennings, holds a Pikinini Group on Monday and Tuesday mornings, 9am-11am. All children with disabilities are welcome to join this group. For enquiries phone Susannah on 22321.
Robert Bohn, Rotary Club of Port Vila: rbb@vila.net; Frank Sanders: frank@sustainable-solutions.com.au; Marg Smith (Friends group): margsmith@vanuatu.com.vu
At present the early intervention programme being run under the auspices of VIDA volunteer Susannah Jennings, holds a Pikinini Group on Monday and Tuesday mornings, 9am-11am. All children with disabilities are welcome to join this group. For enquiries phone Susannah on 22321.
>>There are no reliable recent figures for the number of people with disabilities in Vanuatu, but as estimated by the world health organisation – 10% of the global population has a disability. Given Vanuatu’s current estimated population at 243,034, it is likely that 24,303 people living in Vanuatu have a disability.
Wheel Chair and mobility device feasibility study conducted in Vanuatu
Example of 'best fit chair'. Arthur, a field worker for VSDP is happy with it as he can use it for all purposes
A study on wheel chair feasibility and mobility device feasibility would be conducted in Vanuatu, particularly in Port Vila, Craig Cove on Ambrym and Luganville in Santo, on the 16 to 28 July.
A press statement issued by the office of Vanuatu Society for Disable People (VSDP) stated that the main purpose of wheel Chair Feasibility study and workshop is a progress towards raising the quality of service by VSDP and other institutions that provides mobility device services for our populations.
Wheel chairs and other mobility devices such as crutches, stretchers, and walking frames have become of great use to the is increasing population and longer life span noted in population above 70-years old, especially those who need some aid to move around at home or in community.
The executive Director of VSDP, Elison Bovu said Nearly all wheel chairs and other mobility device that VSDP and other local institutions give out to those of our people in need are donated items.
A press statement issued by the office of Vanuatu Society for Disable People (VSDP) stated that the main purpose of wheel Chair Feasibility study and workshop is a progress towards raising the quality of service by VSDP and other institutions that provides mobility device services for our populations.
Wheel chairs and other mobility devices such as crutches, stretchers, and walking frames have become of great use to the is increasing population and longer life span noted in population above 70-years old, especially those who need some aid to move around at home or in community.
The executive Director of VSDP, Elison Bovu said Nearly all wheel chairs and other mobility device that VSDP and other local institutions give out to those of our people in need are donated items.
“We have over the past heavily relay on generous donations from Rotarians, overseas partners, faith-based organisations and even local and overseas individuals and friends of VSDP”, Bovu said.
He added that the current practiced on wheel chairs and other mobility devices are, that they find the person to fit the wheel chairs, walking frames and other mobility devices, whereas, they (VSDP), as the provider wants in future for their practice to be its opposite. “We want the wheel chairs and the mobility devices to suit a person’s needs”.
He added that the current practiced on wheel chairs and other mobility devices are, that they find the person to fit the wheel chairs, walking frames and other mobility devices, whereas, they (VSDP), as the provider wants in future for their practice to be its opposite. “We want the wheel chairs and the mobility devices to suit a person’s needs”.
Therefore, at the end of their study, VSDP and the stakeholders and partners want to come up with recommendations that would target the kind of services and mobility devices used that would find ways to contribute effectively to the needs of the disability
The study is focused on eight main questions and they are:
• How integrated mobility services could fit within existing disability / rehabilitation services;
• Which stakeholders would be actively involved in the implementation, management and on-going evaluation of mobility services in Vanuatu and the specific role of each stakeholder;
• What training is required and of which personnel;
• What facilities and equipment is already available for wheelchair assembly and what else may be required;
• What facilities and equipment is already available for prosthetics and / or orthotics provision and what else may be required;
• How mobility provision services could be funded initially and in the long term;
• Any implications for importing wheelchairs and prosthetic / orthotic equipment and materials (for example customs, duty, clearance);
• Whether there is an existing Disability Policy in Vanuatu and whether this includes guidance on the provision of Mobility services.
Also as part of the study, there would be a two-day workshop conducted and it would focus on:
• Introduction of the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on the Provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less Resourced Settings and Joint Position Paper on the Provision of Mobility Devices in Less Resourced Settings,
• Provide information about the key components of Mobility Device Provision:
• Appropriate products
• Service delivery
• Training for personnel
• National policy and planning
• Gather information from stakeholders about the key challenges to implementing sustainable and equitable Mobility Device Provision in Vanuatu – as well as possible solutions, and make specific recommendations to inform the development of a programme to implement sustainable and equitable Mobility Device Provision in Vanuatu.
• Make specific recommendations to inform the development of a programme to implement sustainable and equitable Mobility Device Provision in Vanuatu
The two-day workshop will also provide an opportunity to present the outcomes from the Pacific Community Based Rehabilitation Forum held at Nadi, Fiji attended by three representatives from Vanuatu in June 2012.
The study is focused on eight main questions and they are:
• How integrated mobility services could fit within existing disability / rehabilitation services;
• Which stakeholders would be actively involved in the implementation, management and on-going evaluation of mobility services in Vanuatu and the specific role of each stakeholder;
• What training is required and of which personnel;
• What facilities and equipment is already available for wheelchair assembly and what else may be required;
• What facilities and equipment is already available for prosthetics and / or orthotics provision and what else may be required;
• How mobility provision services could be funded initially and in the long term;
• Any implications for importing wheelchairs and prosthetic / orthotic equipment and materials (for example customs, duty, clearance);
• Whether there is an existing Disability Policy in Vanuatu and whether this includes guidance on the provision of Mobility services.
Also as part of the study, there would be a two-day workshop conducted and it would focus on:
• Introduction of the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on the Provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less Resourced Settings and Joint Position Paper on the Provision of Mobility Devices in Less Resourced Settings,
• Provide information about the key components of Mobility Device Provision:
• Appropriate products
• Service delivery
• Training for personnel
• National policy and planning
• Gather information from stakeholders about the key challenges to implementing sustainable and equitable Mobility Device Provision in Vanuatu – as well as possible solutions, and make specific recommendations to inform the development of a programme to implement sustainable and equitable Mobility Device Provision in Vanuatu.
• Make specific recommendations to inform the development of a programme to implement sustainable and equitable Mobility Device Provision in Vanuatu
The two-day workshop will also provide an opportunity to present the outcomes from the Pacific Community Based Rehabilitation Forum held at Nadi, Fiji attended by three representatives from Vanuatu in June 2012.
The study and workshop is conducted by Motivation Australia, a non-profit and development organization that works in partnership with local organizations to enhance the quality of life of people with mobility disabilities in the Asia Pacific region including rural and remote Australia .in partnership with the VSDP.
The Feasibility study and workshop is funded by the Swiss Embassy and the Australian Red Cross.
Disability Theatre to launch new play
The Vanuatu Rainbow Disability Theatre will once again prove the acting ability of its members this coming Friday with the launching of its 3rd play.
‘Ae Blong Hem I Blaen Nomo’ is the title of the latest play that will be acted out by 14 disable actors of the theatre under the guidance of the Wan Smol Bag Theatre.
‘Ae Blong Hem I Blaen Nomo’ is the title of the latest play that will be acted out by 14 disable actors of the theatre under the guidance of the Wan Smol Bag Theatre.
The play will be presented in front of a live audience for the first time this coming Friday November 16 at 6pm at Wan Smol Bag Theatre (WSB), Tagabe.
Well known disable actor Francis Rurunavina who has made a name for himself with his works with the WSB and set a good example for people with disability described the play as an eye opener for all including the disable actors themselves.
Well known disable actor Francis Rurunavina who has made a name for himself with his works with the WSB and set a good example for people with disability described the play as an eye opener for all including the disable actors themselves.
“The play will be an eye opener even for us as it enlightens us more about our rights under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified by Vanuatu in 2008,” said Rurunavina.
“Many are now aware that people with disabilities also have the same rights as others.
“Also many ni-Vanuatu have this attitude of overlooking people with disabilities but this play will aim to bring to light our rights.”
Meanwhile the Vanuatu Rainbow Disability Theatre is an initiative under the umbrella of Wan Smol Bag Theatre with funding from AusAid and New Zealand Aid.
The group’s plays so far are more orientated around the advocacy of the rights of people with disabilities and discrimination against people with disabilities.
Initial report on disability in Vanuatu released
Disability Stakeholders in Vanuatu met last week and put together an initial report on the development of Disability in Vanuatu after the country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008.
Vanuatu became a state party to the UNCRPD in 2008 when the government ratified the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.
As a requirement from the United Nation, a state party should report back to the UNCRPD Committee two years after ratification on the developments implemented after domesticating the international UN Convention. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Vanuatu as there was no disability officer at that time to coordinate disability issues including the report write-up.
The government after recruiting a disability Officer under the Ministry of Justice and Community Service in 2011 is working together with national and regional organization to put together the initial report.
A week long meeting was held last week at the Le Lagoon hotel which was officially opened by the Director General of the Ministry of Justice and Community Service Mr. Mark Bebe.
In his opening remarks he admitted that the government had not really committed itself in to the implementation of the Convention which is an obligation for a state party. Mr Bebe appeals to every line ministries, NGOs and Civil society organization to work together in order to achieve the goal of an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society where every development will be inclusive of persons with disabilities.
Participants in the meeting were technical people from the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat from Fiji and the representative of the Regional Rights Resources Team (RRRT), representative from government agencies such as the Ministry of Justice and community services, Department of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of health, Ministry of Education, Department of public Works, Department of labour, Department of Statistic, Department of Youth Development and sports, State Law Office, Police Department, Department of Foreign Affairs, representative of the Tafea Provincial Disability committee and all four main Disable Peoples Organization, the Vanuatu Society for Disable People (VSDP), Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association (DPA), Sanma Frangipani Association (SFA), the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee (VPC).
The process of the write-up saw each organization identified their main issues and challenges and also the little achievements their have made in relation to the field of disability. The NGOs prove to have been the main drivers of disability development in Vanuatu, which challenges the government on its future plans. Despite these challenges, the government will ensure all future government developments plans must be inclusive of person with disabilities. The information provided were compiled together which form the basis of the report. This will be used as a working document for the next 2-3 months before a final draft is developed which will then saw a consultation in all provinces for the communities to provide their final inputs early 2013. After the consultation the final report will then be submitted to the Cabinet to be approved before the final report can be submitted to the UNCRPD Committee.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice and Community Services who is responsible for disability issues seeks the support of every government agencies, NGOs and Civil Society Organization in this national commitment. The funding of this write-up came from the government of Vanuatu and the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat which is based in the Fiji Islands.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice and Community Services who is responsible for disability issues seeks the support of every government agencies, NGOs and Civil Society Organization in this national commitment. The funding of this write-up came from the government of Vanuatu and the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat which is based in the Fiji Islands.
The Disability Desk Officer Mr Sam Kaiapam on behave of the Ministry of Justice and community and the Department of Women’s Affairs wish to thank the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat for the technical and financial assistance towards the process of the write-up and also the participants for their collaborative efforts which resulted in the first draft of the report and he looks forward to working with everyone in future disability development to promote, protect and ensure people with disability enjoy their full participation in all aspects of life in order to Make the Right Real.
ANZ Donates Vt50,000 to VSDP Redevelopment Project
“ANZ’s Nik Regenvanu presenting the Cheque to VSDP staff and Franklin Sanders from Rotary”]
ANZ has donated Vt50,000 towards the property redevelopment project of the Vanuatu Society of Disabled Persons (VSDP) which is being coordinated by the Rotary Club of Port Vila.
Nik Regenvanu, ANZ Relationship Manager, presented the cheque on behalf of ANZ to Susannah Jennings from VSDP and Franklin Sanders from Rotary.
“ANZ is very happy to be able to assist with the redevelopment of the VSDP house and we hope our contribution will aid Rotary in accomplishing this very important project which will benefit people with disabilities as well as the hard working VSDP volunteers.” Mr. Regenvanu said.
“ANZ is very happy to be able to assist with the redevelopment of the VSDP house and we hope our contribution will aid Rotary in accomplishing this very important project which will benefit people with disabilities as well as the hard working VSDP volunteers.” Mr. Regenvanu said.
Mr. Sanders accepted the ANZ donation and said the money would go towards the second stage of the redevelopment project which will see the kitchen and dining area revamped and upgraded. This year, ANZ staff have spent many hours in community work and initiatives and plan to continue this commitment towards the community in the new year.
Celebration of ability on International Day of People with Disabilities
People with disabilities in Port Vila celebrated their talents and achievements, rather than their disability, at the Vanuatu Society for Disabled People (VSDP) on Monday.
Every year, the 3rd of December marks International Day of People with Disabilities. This year, the official celebrations for Vanuatu were held in Luganville. However, the Port Vila disability community did not miss the opportunity to celebrate, with over 100 adults and children with disabilities and their families coming together at the VSDP office in Colardeau.
“Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all” was the theme for the international day this year. VSDP showcased their Pikinini Group that has been running throughout 2012, and outlined to parents the importance of early intervention for children with disabilities for neurological development and positive long-term outcomes.
Wan Smol Bag’s Rainbow Disability Theatre Group performed their current theatre production, advocating for rights for inclusive education and equal opportunities for everyone.
Rainbow Theatre’s president Willie Sambong said that all children have the right to go to school and receive an education. “If you have a child with a disability, don’t hide them away at your house. Give them the opportunity to learn, play and interact with other children, and to reach their full potential,” he said.
“Equality is a job for everyone, not just for people with disabilities.”
Parents with disabled children encouraged to send them to Centre next year
The office of the Vanuatu Society of Persons with Disability (VSDP) in Port Vila has brought special attention to children with disability on 2012 International Day for the Disability.
The Executive Director of VSDP, Elison Bovu said this year’s theme, which is “ Removing Barriers to Education for Children with Disabilities” aims to get rid of the mentality whereby parents tend to look down on their disabled children, and refusing to let them go to schools. He admitted that a lot of parents are ashamed because of their children’s physical appearances and conditions, therefore deliberately failed to enrol their children in schools.
The Executive Director added because of that they have created a program that provided opportunities for little children with disability to begin their early childhood education, preparing and getting them ready for pre-schools.
‘Early Detection and Intervention Program for Children with Disability’ was established in 2010, and is showing positive outcomes, especially as the number of the children continues to increase. The children were taught how to read and write and were assisted to do other things that a child with no disability would do.
Bovu related to Daily Post that they are dealing with moderate to severe disability cases, therefore, they are encouraging parents to send their children to their centre next year.
The VSDP has a disability expert and a field worker who are doing their every best to help the children.
Hertz provides mobility for people with disabilities
Hertz Car Rentals has recently supported the Vanuatu Society for Disabled People (VSDP) again with a rental car for three days free of charge.
This is the third time in the last 12 months that Hertz has contributed to this cause, allowing VSDP to deliver much needed wheelchairs and equipment to adults and children with disabilities around Efate.
Hertz’s four wheel drive dual cab ute has allowed a team of a Physiotherapist, Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Field Worker from VSDP to prescribe and fit 18 pieces of equipment including wheelchairs, supported seating systems, crutches and walkers to people from Saama to Tanaliu to Erangrango.
Without the loan of a vehicle, VSDP workers rely on buses to conduct home visits, making it difficult to transport much needed equipment, particularly to people who live outside of the Port Vila area.
Steve Du-Shane from Hertz in Nambatu reported that he hopes to continue to support the society whenever he can. This small gesture of good will has provided big change to the lives of people with disabilities in Vanuatu.
