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VANGO FALE Vanuatu General Meeting Demonstrates Strong Collaboration and Commitment to Local Engagement

The VANGO FALE Vanuatu General Meeting, held on 30 May 2023, marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and strengthening local engagement across key sectors in Vanuatu.

With a diverse representation of forty (40) members and non-members from various organizations, the meeting showcased the commitment to inclusivity and collective efforts towards sustainable development.

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VANGO FALE Genral Meeting

Facility Aiding Locally-Led Engagement (FALE) Vanuatu, a collaboration between FALE Pacific, Start Network and PIANGO, empowers local actors in crisis response and resource management. Through regional hub #FALEPacific and National FALEs, this locally-led humanitarian system represents a united effort. The first six National-FALEs in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu strengthen existing National Liaison Units, coordinating humanitarian work and recognized in local legislation. With their own governance structure accountable to FALE-Pasifika, National FALEs foster impactful action and community ownership, amplifying the voices and agency of Pacific Islanders in crisis management. Together, we foster resilience in the Pacific.

The meeting commenced with an attendance list reflecting an impressive eighty-seven percent (87%) female and thirteen percent (13%) male representation. The diversity of participants highlighted the strong presence and active involvement of women in Vanuatu's development landscape.

Shirley Abraham, the interim VANGO FALE coordinator welcome and expressed gratitude to the VANGO Board members, including Anita Samana from OXFAM, Leiwaku Noah from SAVE the Children Australia, Dr. Willie Tokon from Transparency International, and William Nasak, Chairman of VANGO. She also acknowledged the presence of Mrs. Astrid Kersten from HCDI Consulting, providing invaluable support to VANGO's Institutional Strengthening program.

SAVE the Children took the opportunity to share information on their program, "Buildimap Bren Blong Pikinini," which focuses on children aged 0-5 years. Leiwaku Noah delivered a compelling presentation, emphasizing the importance of localization, alignment with national development plans, and capacity-building activities for interested Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to support the development of pikinini’s in Vanuatu.

The afternoon session, led by Akmal Ali, FALE PASIFIKA Coordinator, provided an overview of FALE PASIFIKA, highlighting the significance of locally led engagement in addressing key priorities. The session underscored FALE's commitment to empowering local actors and establishing sustainable structures to drive impactful programs and initiatives.

The meeting also witnessed the introduction of the FALE Vanuatu Steering Committee, consisting of dedicated members from various sectors. Their unanimous approval demonstrated the collective determination to drive positive change and ensure effective governance within FALE Vanuatu.

An announcement was made by Anita Samana, Chair of the Independent Committee of VANGO, regarding the selection of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) for grants funded by VITOL. Five deserving CBOs, including Silae Vanua Market Vendors Association, Young Women for Change, Naya Erakor Bridge Community, Tongoa Shepherds Women Association, and Port Vila City Council of Women, received grants to support their response efforts following Tropical Cyclones Judy and Harold.

Moreover, the successful recruitment of Ms. Selecia Ronoleo as the Coordinator of FALE Vanuatu highlighted the commitment to strengthening the team and enhancing coordination among community-based humanitarian actors.

The meeting concluded with fruitful discussions on identifying and supporting additional community-based humanitarian actors, underscoring FALE Vanuatu's commitment to empowering women, youth, and other groups within the community. The FALE Vanuatu Steering Committee will continue working on the activity plan and key initiatives to further strengthen FALE Vanuatu's impact in the current year.

The FALE Vanuatu General Meeting served as a testament to the collective efforts, collaboration, and dedication of all participants in driving sustainable development and addressing humanitarian challenges in Vanuatu. With strengthened partnerships and a shared vision, FALE Vanuatu is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of the people it serves. FALE acknowledge the Save the children for sponsoring the 1 day workshop event.

For inquiries and further information, please contact: Ms. Shirley Abraham Secretary-General VANGO.