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 born from the mists of time on these ancient shores.

In 2006 Vanuatu was again thrust into the spotlight when it was voted the Happiest Country on Earth, because of its environmental footprint.

Recently the grave of the last Paramount Chief of Vanuatu, Chief Roi Mata, was granted the status of a world heritage site. It is said more than 20 wives and some of his men were buried live with the king. It is thought the men drank a local calming drink, kava, which the women were not permitted.

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 of the importance of the towering slit wooden gongs, used to decorate 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 society.

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 specific 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 villages. Using a unique gong language, even difficult messages could be sent across long distances. If the atmospheric conditions were right neighboring islands could be contacted.

Many tourists to these tropical islands carry home hand carved smaller samples of the large musical instrument, as a momento. Most are totally unaware of its deep cultural significance.

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 ancient culture. They know the way of preservation of their ancient culture, is through the education of the younger generation. Many of the young people 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 in the desperately needed education of the younger generation, of this tiny South Pacific nation. Yet, formal educations is the more urgent need of Vanuatu, if the next generation is to stand in its rightful place in the 21st century.

Education in Vanuatu is not free. The government has finally admitted its inability to meet the educational needs of the people.

26% of the children will never go to school
18% will never go to high school
Only 56% will go over year 6.

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 condemned 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 quoted: ‘If you refuse to build schools you will have to build jails.’ It would be an absolute tragedy if the Happiest Country on Earth ended up walking 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 at http://winaresort.com. This is something you cannot afford to miss. It will change your life.