Steve Roberts is working with Rotary to rebuild schools in Tanna

He lived there for four years, has been involved in aid work through the local Rotary District for the past 15 years and is seeking like-minded tradies to join him on the island of Tanna in April. Steve is the project manager focused on rebuilding schools impacted by cyclone Pam in March 2015.

“Pam sat over Tanna for 48 hours. It was a category 5 cyclone which pretty much flattened the island,” Steve said.

According to UNICEF Pam delivered wind gusts of up to 320kph and left two-thirds of the population in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. 

Rotary is one of the key groups helping to rebuild hospitals and schools. Steve is part of the new RAWCS committee (Rotary Australia World Community Service).

“We did our first reconnaissance trip in January with Vanuatu government officials from the department of education and health to coordinate the work needing to be done,” Steve said.

“With funding from Rotary we have inspected three schools, two of which we will be repairing by rebuilding walls, replacing roofs, re-cladding the buildings and refurbishing the inside.

“Currently the 100 school children are being educated in tents provided by the UNICEF.”

Laurieton Rotary Club will host a presentation on March 13 at the Laurieton United Services Club 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Call Steve on 0475 516 090 for more information or to book your place at the meeting.

When asked why he was so generous with his time for helping the people of Tanna, Steve said simply, “Everyone should be trying to do good deeds. When you do a good deed, like helping out in Tanna, it’s not just helping one person, you’re helping a whole village and the reward of personal satisfaction is multiplied. It’s really fun too.

“Education is the only way to get the country out of poverty.

“Giving these kids a good building to be safely educated in, I think will flow on to make the world a better place.”