[See general information about the Year of the Traditional Economy]
The month of April was dedicated to the activities of the Traditional Economy in SHEFA Province in continuation of the ‘Year of the Traditional Economy’ national awareness campaign. The campaign began in March 2007 with intent to sensitize and raise awareness of people about the central and crucial role the traditional economy plays in providing livelihoods, security and sustainable development outcomes to the population of Vanuatu. Delivering their message in a direct manner, the awareness team will be able to more effectively:
- Encourage the revitalization of traditional cultural practices and heritage, including resource management and governance practices, as the basis for the continuing strength of the traditional economy
- Encourage people who are involved in production within the traditional economy to value their role and to continue expanding the production of traditional foods and wealth items within the traditional economy
Leading the official awareness team for SHEFA Province was Project Coordinator, Noe Vincent Atutur. Mr. Atutur was assisted by Joel Simo, Jif Mormor, Josue Wersets, Alben Ruben, Sam Obed, June Norman and Douglas Kalotiti in delivering the message. Joining the team throughout the tour were Cultural Centre Fieldworkers Salkon Yona, Lulu Jimmy, Daniel Morris and Leimas, Agriculture Field Assistant Robinson Solomon, and Malvatumauri representatives Jif Peter Norman and Jif Timothy Willie Timakuramata.
In completing the first leg of the SHEFA tour, the awareness team was able to cover the islands of Emau, Nguna, Pele, Lelepa, Emae, Tongoa, Epi and part of Efate reaching roughly 1,500 men, women and youth in 30 communities or areas.
During the tour, the awareness team witnessed the launching of the new Yam Bank at Komerana Village on Epi. The Yam Bank, developed using the producer-marketing cooperative structure, is hoped to generate income for its members in the future as well as ensure a healthy supply of yam for use in customary practices. The team also provided bookkeeping assistance to the Pele Savings Club currently serving 75 members and computer assistance for the Government office at Rovo Bay on Epi.
The islands of Mataso, Makira, Puninga, Tongariki and a few communities on Efate will receive the team following the MALAMPA awareness tour scheduled for the beginning of June.
