GARDEN GROVE KIWANIS
VANUATU SCHOOL PROJECT
The Kiwanis Club of Garden Grove, California has reached halfway around the world to give some help to children in Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean area. It all started when Ray Beaudoin, club member and his wife Alta told about their son Kim and his wife Judy who decided they wanted to join the U.S. Peace Corps and help deserving children in a foreign country. They sold their home in Oregon and prepaid their two children's college tuition and living expenses while they were away. They studied Spanish because it was believed that the assignment would be in Central America. However, the assignment turned out to be Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides) in the south Pacific. They flew to Vanuatu in October 2000 to undergo intensive training in the Bislama language and the local customs.
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When they arrived they found that the school that they were to teach at had been destroyed in a fire as well as their living quarters. Kim Beaudoin, a former Eagle Scout, was not to be discouraged and he formed some work crews to cut trees and shape the lumber with local hand tools. Their living quarters were provided by the school principal, which consisted of a thatch room with a small shower. There was no electricity or running water on the island. Also, there was no indoor toilets!
 Kim Beaudoin and Child |
 Vanuatu Students |
Kim Beaudoin estimated that he needed about $3,000 to build a new school for the local children. He and his wife sent word to friends and family asking for whatever funds could be made available. Mike Lancier, Kiwanis Club President in 2000/2001, decided that this could be a project for the Garden Grove Kiwanis Club. As Ray Beaudoin gave weekly updates, many members and friends donated money for the project. Member Jay Mastroianni, who has a local catering business, provided the food (for no charge) for a fundraising dinner. After this event and many generous contributions by the Club and its members, a total of $2,635 was sent to help with the building of the school. Before the school was constructed, the students had to meet under the trees for classes, which are grades 1-6.
 Construction of School Building |
 Construction of Classroom |
Vanuatu is an independent republic which is spread over 80 islands, with only 42 being inhabited. The capitol is Port Villa. Incidentally there is a Kiwanis Club at the capitol city and the members there have donated books for the school. The local inhabitants raise their own food. The most popular food item is yams. Meat is scarce and is only used for special occasions.
 Kim Beaudoin and School Principal |
 Judy Beaudoin and School Teachers |
Kim Beaudoin, 47, was formerly with Farmers Insurance Group and in charge of all of their computer equipment in the State of Washington. His wife Judy was a school nurse. They have two children who are attending colleges in California and Oregon.
 Completed School Building and Staff/Students |
 Vanuatu Students |
Kim and Judy got care packages from their friends and family which were greatly appreciated. Some of their favorite food items included: Vienna sausages, nuts, Twinkies, Fritos, licorice, beef jerky and hard candy (chocolate melts in their climate) to name a few.
(This article was written by Garden Grove Kiwanis member Tom Elliott.)
