NICE

Noda International Care Exchange (NICE) as Care Exchange began as a first aid and health promotion project in 2014 after a visit to Ambae Island where this concept was identified as important to the locals and developed alongside local health workers and village elders. In 2017 Care Exchange grew into Noda International Care Exchange, an organisation that seeks out specialists in health, education and training to share their knowledge with the locals of Vanuatu. Noda is a Havai word meaning ‘our’ and was shared by Mr Joe Mala from Ambae Island. International was added to Care Exchange and here we have NICE as we know it. NICE has a special interest in the outer islands of Malampa, Penama & Sanma Provinces. Close links are established with Ambae Island in Penama Province and the island of Espiritu Santo in Sanma province.

Healthy families and well educated children are a concern for all communities. Volunteers who can teach families about health and education will be well embraced by the Ni-Van people. Teaching the young men and women useful skills is always welcome. Be this health and hygiene or other important practical skills such as dress making or building. Any technical skills by tradies such as electricians and plumbers will win you hearts and warm yours. Any thing you contribute will be well received with gratitude.

NICE doesn’t send  just anyone at any time. Skills are matched with needs and by request of the locals. The extended family model is a key element in the culture. Children receive a primary school education from the government but high school, college and university is user pays (although see Articles). NICE is establishing a scholarship fund (please see Sponsor). We are regularly requested to assist with funding students to high school, trade schools and tertiary education.

We can easily set up contacts and you can sponsor a child’s education and even adults who would benefit from a trade or college place. Just one family member assisted into an education has enormous, long-term positive impact on a family and a village. For example, one young man was recently assisted by a generous  group of friends and completed his mechanic training. It only took $250 AUD per year for three years. A little goes a long way. The difference to families and communities is unbelievable.

We look forward to partnering with you!

NICE has a special interest in and an association with Charles Christopher Godden Memorial Hospital at Lolowai on Ambae Island in Vanuatu.

https://www.vanuatu.travel/au/provinces/penama-province/ambae/ambae-map