| Few people realize that Vanuatu was the inspiration | | | | rhythmical ensembles of immense variety and |
| for the book by James A Michener, which in turn | | | | complexity. |
| inspired the classical musical and Rodgers and | | | | The gongs were also a bush telegraph, used to |
| Hammerstein's 1958 film South Pacific. The Television | | | | communicate between neighbouring villages. The use |
| hash up of the original classic, in 2001, never found | | | | of a unique gong language allowed the villagers to |
| favour with the viewing public. | | | | send complex messages, over long distances. If the |
| The world stage hosted Vanuatu once again, when it | | | | atmospherics were right, messages could be sent to |
| was voted the Happiest Country on Earth in 2006. | | | | neighbouring islands. |
| Recently Vanuatu was granted a heritage listing | | | | In an effort to arouse awareness of their ancient |
| through the grave site of the last Paramount Chief | | | | culture, the Chiefs of the nation made a decision to |
| of Vanuatu, Chief Roi Mata. Supposedly 20 of his | | | | release some of their sacred art to the world. They |
| wives and some of his men were buried live with him. | | | | know the urgency of educating the younger |
| It is believed the men were given kava, a local | | | | generation is the only way to preserve their ancient |
| calming drink, which the women were forbidden to | | | | culture. The young people, for the most part, have |
| have. | | | | lost the understanding of the intricate language of |
| The recent release of unique and traditionally secret | | | | the gong. |
| works of art from the northern island of Ambrym, | | | | It is hoped a desperately needed change in the |
| has once more thrust Vanuatu onto the world stage. | | | | education of the next generation, will occur through |
| The art centres of the world are agog with | | | | the sharing of the ancient secrets of this tiny South |
| excitement at this world first. Many pieces could | | | | Pacific archipelago. Vanuatu has an urgent need for |
| easily pass as contemporary artwork. | | | | formal education if the next generation is to fully |
| Searching the museums of the world, only one similar | | | | understand the language of the 21st century. |
| piece was found in a British museum. Nothing similar | | | | In a country where there is no free education. The |
| to the Vanuatu art was found in the museums of | | | | government admits it is unable to meet the |
| Europe and America. | | | | educational needs of the country. |
| A towering four or five headed slit wooden gong | | | | 26% of the children will never go to school |
| from Ambrym, is one of the largest free standing | | | | 18% will never go to high school |
| musical instruments in the world. They are so | | | | Only 56% will go over year 6. |
| commonly used as decoration in Vanuatu, they are | | | | Because many villagers live on under $1 per day, |
| barely noticed by visitors. Few people, placing their | | | | paying school fees, in the Happiest Country on Earth, |
| hand on the sometimes four metre high wooden | | | | is completely out of the question. Many of the high |
| drum, are aware of the connection to the secrets of | | | | achieving students will have to stop studies after |
| Vanuatu society. | | | | primary school. They will never have the chance to |
| The wooden gongs are carved in a stylized form of | | | | see the inside of a high school classroom without |
| an ancestor. The eyes representing the morning star | | | | outside assistance. |
| of a society which has traditionally kept itself well | | | | It has been said that for every school you do not |
| hidden from the eyes of the world. A vital part of | | | | build, you have to build a jail. |
| sacred ceremonies, the gongs were used at | | | | It would be a tragedy if the Happiest Country on |
| initiations, funerals and dances. Totally unaware of the | | | | Earth had to go down this pathway. |
| deep cultural significance, many tourists to the tropical | | | | You can show you care about this largely ignored |
| islands of Vanuatu, carry home hand carved | | | | group of people. You can take an active role through |
| miniatures of the large musical instrument. | | | | a unique world first Blue Moon Opportunity. This is |
| Beating the lip of the drum with a small wooden gong | | | | something you cannot afford to miss. It will change |
| club, multiple drummers carefully coordinated their | | | | your life and the lives of many terrific children. |
| actions. Informal village orchestras performing | | | | |