Aboard a local bus at the north of the main island of Efate where passengers and cargo are put together, I took off for a few days just to relax and find peace before continuing on my trips. The island Nguna is a half-hour crossing by boat. On the bus I met with the Natapei family, and the father who worked as a nurse in the local clinic offered to host me as long as I spoke English to their children. The couple was busy at work, so I spent most of my time with the mother of his wife Emma and their kids. The grandma spoke enough English to communicate, so I took the opportunity to ask some questions.

During my quick visit to your island, I remain amazed at the cleanliness! We may be in a village without much ease nor comfort, but the village is clean and neat. How do you explain that?

Historically the villagers organized a day of work for the community. Indeed every Thursday, the men gather and begin a community task such as cleaning the village, planting a field, build a house, etc. Tuesdays are dedicated to women who get together to discuss and propose ideas to improve their quality of life. There is also the day when the whole village would gather – which is every other Monday. The meeting takes place in the leadership appointed Nakamel, which is a large building constructed exclusively of local materials (leaves, branches and local coconut wood). This organization makes us peaceful and orderly people.