News
APTC GENDER and HIV/AIDS ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS IN VANUATU
The second annual Vanuatu APTC Gender and HIV AIDs Advisory Group meetings were held on October 28th and 29th at VIT in Port Vila. These meetings, which were attended by representatives from a wide range of NGOs and government agencies, provided feedback on the work undertaken by the College to date to improve gender equality and promote healthy lifestyles.
These meetings were organized by Berlinrose Dick, Country Program Coordinator for Vanuatu and facilitated by Colleen Peacock-Taylor from the APTC Coordination Office in Fiji. Jan Matheson, Vanuatu Country Manager provided a comprehensive overview of the College and outlined the specific work that has been undertaken in response to Advisory Group recommendations at the 2008 meetings.
These Advisory Groups also heard reports from local experts on gender and HIV/AIDS issues in Vanuatu and made a series of recommendations on how APTC can work in collaboration with other stakeholders to achieve common goals over the next year.
Special thanks as well to Mr. Pascal Gavotto (Vanuatu APTC Advisory Board Member) who did the opening remarks for both meetings and to Ms. Eslyn Kaltongga, Program Officer from AusAID for her attendance and helpful contributions.
Participating members of Vanuatu Advisory Groups included:
Health Department, Department of Women's Affairs , Tourism Development Office, Vanuatu National Training Council, Department of Education, Vanuatu Institute of Technology , Vanuatu Institute of Education, and NGOs representative from VREDTCA, IZA Foundation (Save the Children), Vanuatu Family Health Association, Vanuatu Society for Disabled People, Oxfam Australia, Pre Schools, Church and APTC Alumni representatives.
Each meeting ended with a delicious lunch prepared by VIT and APTC students at the training restaurant on campus.
Gender Advisory Group meeting in process
Members of HIV AIDS Advisory Group enjoying lunch served by APTC students