The Havannah Resort
Project
The Havannah Resort, Vanuatu joined Pack for a Purpose in early 2015 with the goal of looking after our local primary school in Tanoliu Village. We have been so overwhelmed with the response by travelers bringing supplies that at the end of 2015, we distributed complete pencil cases to over 600 students in six different villages, including offshore islands where the villagers have no access to shops where they can purchase school supplies. Most villagers are subsistence farmers and do not have a cash income, so Pack for a Purpose really helps these families put their children through school.
We are hoping to expand the program to cover all the schools in the northwestern region of Efate and its islands, with a focus on more remote communities. We would ideally like to give each child a complete pencil case at the start of the year and provide the school with teaching aids such as reference materials, charts, and flash cards.
Needs
We would love to receive complete pencil cases ready to hand out to the students.
The requirements are:
*Grades 1 & 2: Box of Crayons, HB Pencils (2), Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Colored Pencils, and Fun Stickers or a Coloring Book
*Grades 3 & 4: Colored Pencils, HB Pencils (2), Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Ruler, Exercise Books (2), and Fun Stickers or a Coloring Book
*Grades 5 and above (including high school): Colored Pencils, HB Pencils (2), Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Ruler, Square Set Ruler, Blue Pens (2), Black Pens (2), Solar Calculator, Geometry Set, and A4 Spiral-Bound Notebook (2)
General School Supplies:
Book Bags, Chalk, College-Ruled Paper, Colored Construction Paper, Colored Pencils, Compasses, Crayons, Erasers, Glue Sticks, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, New Pens (Blue, Black, and Green only), Pencils, Pencil Cases/Bags, Protractors, Rulers, and Solar Calculators
Reference Materials:
(English) Atlas, Children’s Science Reference Books, Dictionaries, and Lined Writing Books
Flash Cards:
(English) Alphabet, Math, and Word
Laminated Wall Charts:
(English) Human Body, Language, Math, Science, and World Maps
Hesperian Health Guides:
(English) Where There Is No Doctor and Where There Is No Dentist
Music Instruments:
Castanets, Cymbals, Harmonicas/Kazoos, Maracas, Recorders, Tambourines, and Triangles
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Frisbees, Inflation Pumps, Jump Ropes, Soccer Balls, and Whistles
Shoes:
New Children’s Flip Flops/Sandals
First Aid/Health:
Antibiotic Ointment, Betadine, Fabric Band-Aids (plastic ones do not stick in this climate), and Hydrogen Peroxide
Office Supplies:
Markers, Rulers, Scissors, Staplers, and Red Pens for Teachers
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
