Mark Ramsay, Principal
Lately, I have been reflecting deeply on why the service trip to Vanuatu holds such a special place in my heart and why I am so passionate about ensuring that every student at Kuyper has the opportunity to participate in this experience. If I could narrow it down to one thing, the connections we make and the relationships we build with the people of Vanuatu are what make this trip truly special.
Every time I’ve visited, I have been overwhelmed by the incredibly generous hospitality of the local communities. This year was no exception. From the moment we arrived, the school and church communities welcomed us with open arms, showering us with God’s love through their words and actions. Nothing was too much for the staff of the school, and they were always willing to go the extra mile. We felt truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people, reconnecting with old friends and making connections with new ones. These connections are profound and meaningful bonds that transform visitors and hosts alike. This connection with our broader community reflects a deeper truth that aligns with our faith. The Bible teaches us that as Christians, we are all part of one body, one community, regardless of geographical distance or cultural differences. The trip to Vanuatu is a living testament to this. It allows us to witness and participate in the unity of the global church, reminding us that we are all interconnected as brothers and sisters in Christ.
The evening before we left, our host school presented Kuyper with a Tam Tam as a symbol of the strong connection between our school and the Child Care Centre School (CCC). Tam Tams are renowned as remarkable pieces of art in Vanuatu. Crafted from tree trunks, they were traditionally used to transmit messages between villages using various coded beats. Ahhh, the days before the mobile phone! Receiving this gift from CCC serves as a poignant reminder that we are part of a wider community. It encourages us to uphold our connection with our Vanuatu friends, emphasising that the most important experiences involve relationships with others.
The trip to Vanuatu is more than a camp; it is an experience that shapes our young people in all areas of their wellbeing. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the trip was watching our students grow through their interactions with the local community. They had the incredible opportunity to live out their learning by teaching lessons at the Child Care Centre School. While it wasn’t always easy, they became better communicators through these connections. As their Principal, seeing them grow in confidence and eagerly engage with others was an absolute joy for me.
Another rewarding aspect of the trip was empowering our students to become more independent global citizens. For many of them, this was their first time overseas, and it was amazing to see them gain confidence in navigating a new country, language, and culture. They learned to adapt, communicate despite language barriers, and appreciate the richness of a different way of life. These unique cultural experiences are crucial in our increasingly interconnected world, and I am proud to see our students rising to the challenge.
The natural beauty of Vanuatu was absolutely breathtaking. The vivid waters of the Blue Lagoon, the majestic banyan tree at CCC Teouma, and the unforgettable experience of swimming with baby sea turtles were all awe-inspiring reminders of God’s creativity. These moments of wonder and connection with nature added a special dimension to our trip, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship and appreciation.
Providing this incredible experience for our senior students every year is a tremendous blessing. We have so much to be thankful for. The memories we create, the lessons we learn, and the relationships we build in Vanuatu are priceless. I’m excited to share more about our trip at our end of Term 2 Assembly and to continue fostering these meaningful connections in the years to come.
…the connections we make and the relationships we build with the people of Vanuatu are what make this trip truly special.
Child Care Centre School, Teouma
Read more: Vanuatu Service-Learning: Part#1