Vanuatu: Shaken But Unstoppable
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Shaken but Unstoppable
Everyday Kiwis are allowing UNICEF to empower communities to recover through psychological support in Vanuatu.
afraid at first
Imagine the foundations of the earth, usually stable and predictable, shaking violently. Sounds terrifying, doesn’t it?
This was the experience of 17-year-old Tevalyn, 16-year-old Sunami, and many other children on the island of Efate, Vanuatu - when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the island on December 17, 2024.
The memories of the earthquake remain vivid. Tevalyn’s eyes widened as she recounted her experience.
“I was on a bus when the earthquake hit. The driver told us not to move, but I jumped out and saw landslides everywhere. It was terrifying, and everyone panicked," Tevalyn said.
“I was watching a movie when it struck. I ran outside to my mother, and the earthquake knocked her down. We hugged on the ground, scared of potential tsunamis since we live near the sea," Sunami said.
a road to recovery
Now, six months later, both Tevalyn and Sunami are well on their way to recovery.
“I listen to music and talk with my neighbors and friends to help me forget the memories of the earthquake,” Tevalyn shared. Sunami said: “Now I feel less afraid, and my friends and church have helped me,”.
UNICEF aids a programme in Vanuatu called 'I Support My Friends'. Children aged 9 to 17 are trained to assist their peers in distress. They are guided by the psychological first aid principles of LOOK, LISTEN, and LINK. This initiative emphasizes the role of children in being empowered to support one another safely, under adult supervision.
When the 'I Support My Friends' programme was introduced in schools, Tevalyn and Sunami both decided to become peer supporters to help other children cope with the aftermath of the earthquake. “When I help my friends, it teaches me to handle my own problems,” said Tevalyn.
CARE FOR MINDS AND HEARTS
After the earthquake, UNICEF, in collaboration with local and international partners, provided immediate psychosocial support through play-based approaches. This included much needed group and individual counseling to 2,000 children. UNICEF trained over 60 teachers & counselors in earthquake-affected schools on psychosocial support and child counselling.
In times of crisis, children need more than food and shelter — they need care for their minds and hearts. UNICEF helps children and families in the Pacific and around the world build resilience, heal from trauma, and find hope again. By creating safe, nurturing spaces, we give every child the support they need to recover, grow, and thrive.