Oceania Zone Coordinator visits Vanuatu
Mike Moore during his visit to the St Michael Conference.
The SSVP Oceania Zone Coordinator, Mike Moore, visited Vanuatu from 29 – 31 May 2026 to meet with Vincentians, familiarise himself with the operation of the Society and explore opportunities for international cooperation. There are currently 59 SSVP conferences in Vanuatu, with many of these being established over the last year.
After meetings with the President, Olivier Tabibang, and Vice President Sizai Tanguy, Mike met with the National Council of Vanuatu. Later, a courtesy visit was made to the Bishop of Vanuatu, Jean Bosco Baremes SM, along with the National President and Vice President. Visits were made to a number of Conferences in Vanuatu where Mike met with the Presidents and members.
Mike was welcomed to the St Jean Paul 2 Conference in Bladinere by President Renata Rory Rolten. The conference has some 20 members and operates a pre-school. President Renata Rory is also a Director of the school and spoke of the need to provide “play structures” that would assist kids motor development and balance skills.
St Jean Paul 2 Conference
At the Sainte Rita Conference located in the Anabrou area, Mike was welcomed by Vice President Flora Awarkon and her members. The conference has 25 members who support the mission of SSVP in the area.
Next was the Sako Conference in Freshwater area where Vice President Mary Pascale Yaruen introduced Mike to members of this Conference that was established in 1996. It has some 30 members who meet each Wednesday evening to pray together, discuss visitation calls and plan the coming week. It was also opportune to meet with several Vincentians who were visiting from Tanna Island (24 hours by ship).
Sako Conference
The next visit was to the Saint Mikael Conference located in the Tassiriki area where President Jean Marc Teilemb and Vice President Therese Teilemb welcomed the visitors. The 20 Conference members meet every Friday for prayer and to organise visitations, with communication by word of mouth. They visit families in hospital taking food and water and pray for them. The conference also supports a school where they share the teacher costs with government and parents.
The final visit was to the Sacred Heart Conference which is located in the Teuma Valley area. Mike was welcomed by President Eric Molbaleh and Vice President Paolo Molbaleh and heard of their support for the local people in need. The conference has 15 members.
The General Council congratulates our brothers and sisters in Vanuatu for their outstanding social work in service of the community and thanks Mike Moore for his visit to the Conferences across the archipelago.