As 2007 drew to a close, the students, teachers and families of Port Vila gathered at the National Museum on Saturday 8th December for a graduation ceremony, recognising the fine efforts of everyone involved at Saturday Kastom Skul.
Students were honoured over a range of achievement levels, from the beginner right through to the accomplished - and all were inspired by the encouraging speeches of teachers Eddie Hinge and Timothy Andrew, and the Co-Chair of the Friends, Hannington Alatoa. Pikinini were reminded of the valuable contribution they are making to the pool of kastom knowledge, and perhaps one day they may be teaching their own pikinini kastom skills that we should all hold close to our hearts and keep fresh in our minds. After the certificates were handed to each of our graduates, all students and their families enjoyed a wonderful kastom kakae of local fruit.
We look forward to welcoming back all students to Kastom Skul next year, on Saturday 3rd February, when we hope to welcome a female teacher to impart a different selection of skills to our pikinini, such as weaving. Kastom Skul is a free community education program supported by the Friends of the Vanuatu Museum, and any pikinini from anywhere in the world is welcome to join the classes which run from 9am - 12pm every Saturday during the school year at the National Museum.
