“Climate Change Is Real”: Vanuatu Students raise awareness during Bislama Language Week
Vanuatu students have used their annual language week to highlight the effects of climate change on their homeland.
Students at the Waikato University and WINTEC took time out of their busy study schedules to celebrate the Bislama language week at the end of July with a theme, “Tokbaot klaemet jenis – hemi tru samting mo yumi mas lukaotem gud laef”.
This translates to ‘Talk about climate change – it is real and we must look after life.’
The event was hosted by the Vanuatu Waikato Students Association. President Jozachar Sandie, who is studying a Bachelor with Honours in Engineering (Civil), said it was the 3rd year the group had celebrated the language week at the University of Waikato.
Speaking on the theme, Sandie emphasised that climate change is a global issue and as Pacific Islanders, the effects to its environments and communities is an everyday encounter.
“The whole purpose of the theme is to make awareness of climate change and how we as islanders can adapt and change our way of life to cater for impact and how we can mitigate the effects in our communities and society.
Sandie said there had been a range of events during the week, including ”a climate change video on Monday, online quizzes on Tuesday, Wednesday sports day at the University UniRec, Thursday we had phrases of the day and coffee, Friday cultural night and island kaikai.”
The Vanuatu Students Association was established in 2024 and currently has 16 students from both Wintec and Waikato University
“Even though there is no Vanuatu community in Hamilton, our students are proud to show and represent our country and culture here away from home, and taking part in the Vanuatu language week has not only helped us in that but also to be our country’s ambassador and advertise our culture to the wider University community and NZ.
He thanks other Pacific Neighbouring countries and the host country for their assistance and support in the event.
“Shout out to our Wantoks for always supporting us in all our events and activities. They help us keep our Melanesian spirit alive and living in every single one of us.”
Language Week Festival is practiced by all Pacific Island communities residing in Hamilton and other parts of New Zealand.
