Thank you very much for sending so many footballs all the way to Vanuatu. On Ambae Island, volcanic eruptions occurred in 2017 and 2018, forcing all 11,000 islanders to evacuate to other islands twice for a period of one year. The children feared volcanic eruptions; were concerned about leaving the island and living in a new environment; and faced hardships living in tents with shortages of food, water and daily necessities. Primary school children were evacuated with their parents, being separated from friends and teachers. Many children were unable to go to school under these circumstances.
Last year, the volcanic alert level finally returned to Level 1 from Level 3, but only half of the residents have returned to the island. The sport competition this time cheered up the islanders by encouraging more of them to come back. The footballs that you sent to us were used for all the football games. I’ve heard that they were donated to a nearby school after the games. The islanders were cheered up by your support. Thank you so much again.