The "Keep Safe" Program has started!

The "Keep Safe" program has officially started and wow, what a journey it has been! We received the final approval from the government on Friday, March 21st. On Monday, March 24th, we were already visiting the first two schools. Over the past three weeks, we have visited 21 different schools on and around the main island of Efate. We have lived in different villages, received countless mosquito bites, built friendships, showered in brown water, experienced spiritual warfare and eaten both crab and fish. Over hundreds of children have heard the gospel and their value in Jesus Christ. Children learn about their human rights, that their voice matters and that their safety is important.

Cultural Acceptance

As I have referred to previously, several studies show that approximately 80% of women and children in Vanuatu will or have experienced sexual abuse and gender-based violence in their lifetime. Due to cultural acceptance, few people talk about this topic. Children do not know that it is wrong to be touched in their private parts as sexual abuse is normalized through family and social structures. We at Keep Safe are using the education sector to address this issue and are beginning to break the cycle of silence and shame around this issue.

Specifically, we do this by helping children identify their private areas, as well as telling them that their bodies belong to them. No one else has the right to touch them. We tell them how to seek help if they are abused and that they can turn to Jesus in the midst of these difficulties. We also train teachers on how to continue teaching this program themselves and provide them with various teaching materials.

Challenging and rewarding

It's not been easy to get to the schools. Some days we had to go out by boat, fight severe heat and altitude to get there. Although we are tired after walking for hours in over 30 degrees Celsius to get to the schools, it is always worth it.

We are often met with a bit of skepticism from the teachers at the beginning of our teaching, as this is such a shameful and taboo topic. Nevertheless, we experience that they welcome our teaching with open arms and see the importance of it. It is just as if their eyes are opened to the reality they live in. The response we get from various principals and teachers is truly fantastic!

"As a teacher, I am grateful for this program. Neither children, teachers, nor parents like to talk about this topic, as it is taboo in our culture. No one talks about it directly or openly. But after today's lesson, I feel more equipped to teach this. It is important that we continue to teach children about their rights and privacy so that together we can create a better future without sexual abuse."

Another teacher commented:

"As a teacher, I really appreciate the Keep Safe program. This can bring change to this nation as it opens the minds of children and helps us teachers as well."

Dependent on Jesus

It has truly been a few eventful weeks filled with new experiences and lessons. I experience daily my dependence on Jesus, and how little I can actually do in my own strength. To break through cultural barriers, we are so dependent on Jesus! I depend on Jesus as I grow in leadership and cross-cultural communication. I really have to step outside my comfort zone on a daily basis. But oh my, it is so worth it. God never fails, and He is constantly opening new doors.

I am filled with gratitude for all that Jesus allows me to be a part of. I am fascinated by how God has designed me with different longings and interests. A longing to live somewhere with close access to the beach, sun and warmth. Where I get to work with people and share the gospel. Where I get to go on adventures, see more of God's creation and fight for human rights. I get to be a voice for those who cannot defend/fight for themselves. What an honor!

The life I live today is more than I could have ever dreamed of. Yet this is just the beginning of my journey with Jesus, a life surrendered into His hands. It must be said that all of this has come at a price. Trials of various kinds, both physical and spiritual. Earthquakes and natural disasters, growing pains in leadership and communication. Yet I wouldn't have it any other way.

Prayer

In the next few weeks we will be traveling to new islands. Please join us in praying for protection, both physical and spiritual. Unity in the team and that God will continue to open the eyes of the teachers and the children we teach. Also pray for calm seas, as we travel around in small boats on sometimes large waves. Thank you so much for all your prayers!