Vanuatu, the Unique Tropical Island Jewel of the South Pacific Shares Some of its Secrets.

The 83 tropical island archipelago of Vanuatu is the birth place of Extreme Sport. The tradition of the Pentecost land dive being birthed from the mists of time on these ancient shores.

The original story for the classic musical and 1958 Rodgers and Hammersteins film South Pacific was forged by James A Michener in Vanuatu. The Television rehash of the original classic, in 2001, never gained favor with the viewing public.

In 2006 Vanuatu was again pushed into the spotlight when it was voted the Happiest Country on Earth.

Recently the grave of the last Paramount Chief of Vanuatu, Chief Roy Mata, was given the status of a world heritage site. It is thought more than 20 wives and some of his men were buried live with the king. It is believed the men drank a local calming drink, kava. The women were not permitted to partake of the 'man only' drink.

Now, Vanuatu is storming the art world , with its recent release of unique and usually hidden art work, from the northern island of Ambrym. Many of the pieces could easily be taken as being contemporary artwork.

There is nothing like the Vanuatu art in the museums of Europe and America. Only one similar piece was found in a museum in Britain.

Many people visiting Vanuatu are {{{unaware|have no knowledge}]} of the importance of the towering slit wooden gongs, used to decorate|garnish so many places. The island of Ambrym is the home of what are the largest free standing musical instruments on earth.

Most people touching the, sometimes four meter high gongs have no understanding of the connection to the secrets of Vanuatu communities.

The wooden gongs are carved in the form of a stylized figure of the ancestors. The eyes representing the morning star of a society which has traditionally hidden itself well away from the eyes of the world.

The gongs formed a precise role in the sacred ceremonies of initiations, funerals and dances. Multiple drummers hit the lip of the gong with a small wooden club in carefully coordinated actions. The informal village orchestras could perform rhythmical ensembles of immense variety and complexity.

The gongs were also used as a means of communicating between neighboring communities. Using a unique gong language, even complex messages could be sent across long distances. If the weather conditions were favorable neighboring islands could be communicated with.

Many tourists to these tropical islands carry home hand carved miniatures of the large musical instrument, as a memento of their tropical island holiday . Most are totally unaware of the gongs deep cultural connections.

In releasing some of their secret and sacred art to the world , the Chiefs of the nation hope to bring a new awareness of their age old customs and traditions .

They know the way of preservation of their ancient culture is through the education of the younger generation . Many have no knowledge of the art of the intricate language of the gong.

Hopefully the sharing of their ancient secrets will be the signal of a new day. The desperately need is the education of the younger generation, of this tiny South Pacific nation, if the they are to take its rightful place in the 21st century .

Education in Vanuatu is not free. 26% of the kids will never go to school. 18% will never go to high school. Only 56% will go over year 6. The government has finally admitted its inability to supply the educational needs of the people.

Many villagers live on under $1 a day, in the Happiest Country on Earth.

Paying school fees is totally out of the question. Many of the high achieving students will be forced to finish study at the end of primary school. They will never have the chance to see the inside of a high school classroom.

Someone once said: 'If you refuse to build schools you have to build jails.' It would be an absolute disaster if the Happiest Country on Earth ended up following this roadway.

You can take an active part in helping educate the next generation of these beautiful and ancient people through a unique world first Blue Moon Opportunity. This is something you cannot afford to miss. It will change your life and the lives of some really great kids. Dr Wendy and her husband Richard are the Founders of YouMe Support Foundation, supplier of non-repayable education grants . Over the past four years they and their guests have provided desperately needed teacher's resources and school supplies to remote island communities in the far north of Vanuatu through Seachange Lodge,Seachange Lodge YouMe Support Foundation in partner ship with Win a Resort is giving away Seachange Lodge on the Internet. All funds are placed into a Trust Fund to provide education for children who will never enter the 21st century without assistance. You can assist by making a donation to the children by going to or Win a Resort.