Teoumaville Community Selected to Implement Save the Children's HAPI FAMILI Program

Teoumaville Community is pleased to announce that it has been selected as one of the communities in Vanuatu identified to participate in the implementation of the HAPI FAMILI Program, an initiative led by Save the Children Vanuatu and supported by the New Zealand Government.

The selection marks an important milestone for Teoumaville and reflects confidence in the community's existing leadership structures and ongoing commitment toward community wellbeing, family support, and child protection.

What is HAPI FAMILI?

HAPI FAMILI, meaning "Happy Family," is a long-term community-focused initiative designed to strengthen families, support children, and create safer and healthier communities. The program recognizes that children grow and thrive best when they are surrounded by strong families, supportive relationships, and caring communities.

Rather than focusing on financial assistance or material aid, HAPI FAMILI works alongside communities to strengthen local systems, build knowledge, and support people in creating safe and positive environments for children and families.

The program follows three key areas of focus:

Prevention

Helping families and communities develop positive parenting practices, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create supportive environments before problems arise.

Identification and Referral

Supporting communities to recognize early signs of concern and strengthening systems that help vulnerable individuals and families access support services.

Response

Ensuring families and children can access appropriate assistance and support through community structures and partner organizations.

Working Through Community Structures

One of the strengths of HAPI FAMILI is its commitment to working with existing community systems rather than replacing them. In Vanuatu, communities already possess strong traditional and social structures, and HAPI FAMILI seeks to build upon these foundations.

In Teoumaville, this includes:

The program respects kastom, church leadership, and community authority and seeks guidance from local leaders throughout implementation.

A Five-Year Journey for Teoumaville

HAPI FAMILI is planned as a five-year program running from 2026 to 2031. Over this period, Teoumaville may see various activities aimed at strengthening community wellbeing and support systems.

Possible activities may include:

The long-term vision is to help create stronger families, safer children, and more resilient communities.

Building a Community Roadmap

Following discussions and engagement with Save the Children Vanuatu representatives, Teoumaville Community leaders have begun developing an early community roadmap to help guide how local structures may align with HAPI FAMILI objectives.

The roadmap explores ways the community can strengthen family support systems while preserving traditional leadership and community values.

This process remains community-led and will continue to evolve through consultation and guidance from the Council of Chiefs and community members.

Looking Ahead

The journey ahead represents an important opportunity for Teoumaville. Protecting children and strengthening families is not the responsibility of one organization or one individual alone. It is a shared responsibility involving chiefs, churches, parents, youth, women, schools, and the wider community.

Teoumaville Community Council of Chiefs extends its appreciation to Save the Children Vanuatu, the Ministry of Youth, Justice and Community Services, and partner organizations for their commitment and support.

Together, we look forward to building stronger families, safer children, and a stronger Teoumaville for future generations.