Building better lives together

Vanuatu 2024

Thanks for your interest in joining Volunteer Build in Vanuatu to build another school classroom for V2 Life in Eratarp, located just outside of Port Vila.  The school is run by V2 Life who started Teouma Christian Academy to respond to the needs of their community.  In 2023 we built a double classroom for this school and will be returning in August 2024 to build an additional double classroom.

nother School Classroom for V2 Life in Eratarp
Volunteer and Travel the world

Trip ID

VN2024

Departure Date

10th August 2024

Estimated Airfare

From NZD $850

Building Contribution

NZD $1000

Trip Cost

NZD $2,000

Estimated Total

NZD $3850

Trip Itinerary

Fly on Saturday 10th of August 2024 from Auckland International Airport to Port Vila International Airport.  A Volunteer Build team member will meet you at Port Vila International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation. You will have a day to explore Port Vila on Sunday.  Building starts on Monday. On Friday the classroom will be handed over at a dedication ceremony before a fun celebration night at Friday Night Fire.  Your flight back to Auckland departs early on Saturday 17th of August 2024. Alternatively, stay on and enjoy a relaxing few days (own cost and arrangements).

Trip Details

Airfares
On this trip, attendees are responsible for arranging their airfare from Auckland to Port Vila.  You can arrive earlier or stay longer than the official trip dates at your cost.  A budget amount for airfare is shown as a guide.

Accommodation
Share twin rooms in apartments with a swimming pool in Port Vila.

Catering
Lunches, water and fruit on building days are provided.  There is a supermarket close by and you can self-cater other meals in your apartment kitchen, or join other team members for dinners at local restaurants

Transport
Hired vans.

Building Contribution
NZ$1,000 per person to fund the building materials.

Vaccinations
You will need to consult your doctor, however, common vaccinations required are Tetanus, Diphtheria, MMR, Hepatitis A, typhoid, seasonal flu vax, and chicken pox (unless you have had it). Dengue fever, zika and malaria may be present in Vanuatu at times, so discuss the use of DEET-based repellent and malaria tablets with your Doctor. Remember it’s not just you who needs protection – it’s the local kids and families you interact with as well. If you do not wish to have vaccinations, then a Volunteer Build trip is not for you. If you are under the age of 18, your parents will be asked to sign a vaccination confirmation form for you before departure.

Visas
For NZ passport holders a tourist visa is given on arrival in Port Vila, Vanuatu (no charge).  6-month validity on passports is needed after departure.  For other passport holders, you may need to apply for a tourist visa before departure.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and must include coverage for building and medical evacuation costs. Volunteer Build offers a policy through Covermore and a personalized quote will be provided after you sign up for the trip.

Trip Guardians
If you are under 18 years old, you will need to travel with a trip guardian who is 18 years or older.  Signed parental consent documentation will be required to travel.

Trip Costs Exclude
Return airfares to Port Vila
Vaccinations
Travel insurance premium
Breakfast, Dinners and other meals not specified (budget guide if eating out for lunches approx. $20; dinner approx. $30).
Personal drinks and snacks.
Personal spending money
Return transport to Auckland International Airport

Photos of Previous Volunteerbuild Trips to Vanuatu

Vanuatu-School-Build-Open-Trip
Vanuatu-School-Classroom-Build-HIBS

Country Profile

Population 277,554
Border Countries South Pacific Ocean
Capital City Port Vila
Currency Vanuatu
Language Local languages (more than 100) 63.2%, Bislama (official; creole) 33.7%, English (official) 2%, French (official) 0.6%, other 0.5%
Religion Protestant 70%, Roman Catholic 12.4%, customary beliefs 3.7% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 12.6%, none 1.1%, unspecified 0.2%
Type of Government Parliamentary republic
% living in poverty Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines: 12.7% (2010)
Life Expectancy 72 years
Infectious Diseases Malaria, typhoid, dengue
Top Killers Heart disease, cerebrovascular disease
Literacy Adult literacy rate (% ages 15 and older) 85.2%
Natural Resources Manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Agriculture Copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish
Industry Food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning‍.
Agriculture Copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish
Exports Exports: copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee