Victory School of Hope, Vanuatu

Located in Blacksands, an informal peri-urban community just outside the municipality of Port Vila in Vanuatu, Victory School of Hope serves a very needy community. Many people have been displaced by multiple natural disasters, many being from Tanna Island.

In 2012, Victory Port Vila opened a school in Blacksands to address the need for education in the community. Previously, the school ran classes up to grade 5 but the facilities were very basic and the high temperatures and large rainfall in Vanuatu can present barriers to learning. The structures were highly vulnerable to cyclones and storms and Vanuatu is known as one of the world’s riskiest nations for natural disasters (according to the World Risk Report).

Working with the local community, our goal is to provide facilities for children in the Blacksands community to access education and climb out of the cycle of poverty. The school currently runs classes up to grade 5 and needs new classrooms to be able to offer up to grade 12. working with the local community, our aim is to build 14 new classrooms and 1 administration room at a rate of approximately 2 rooms per year until completion.

Why Black Sands?

Vanuatu is a nation made up of 83 tropical islands. It’s best known for its beautiful beaches and fancy resorts. In a word, it could be described as paradise.

The largest island in the chain is Port Vila and tourism is the main industry. But move back behind the hotels and the restaurants and you’ll find the village of Black Sands.

Black Sands will not be on any sightseeing tours. It’s a place where poverty surrounds…a place where simple shacks are made from discarded metal sheets…a place where children grow up often without education or opportunity.

Education is the foundation upon which we build our future

– Christine Gregoire