I came across this note pasted as a screenshot in a Yumi Toktok Stret (YTS) discussion. While it is not officially confirmed, it appears to be written by Matevulu College students explaining in their own words why they walked out of their school and headed towards Luganville in the early hours of the morning.
Many assumed it was just about bad food or misbehavior, but according to the students themselves, this walkout was about deeper, long-ignored issues inside Matevulu College.
They Walked 22.3 Kilometers for Their Voices to Be Heard
Students didn’t just walk out of the classroom. They walked approximately 22.3 kilometers from Matevulu College to Luganville, a distance that takes 30 minutes by car but would take them 4–6 hours on foot. They walked through the dawn, carrying their bags, determined to reach town and be heard.
This was not an act of defiance for its own sake. It was a clear message: they were willing to walk for hours because conditions at their school had become unbearable.
More Than Just Food or “Joss”
Students clarified that their walkout was not only about:
- Poor-quality or expired food being served.
- Hard labor used as punishment.
- Being called “Joss” or “Joslyn” by others.
The immediate trigger was when the Deputy Principal banned students from going to the plantation and the blue hole, areas where they could gather fruits and coconuts and find moments of relief. This decision was made without consulting the Principal and came with threats of suspension for disobedience.
What the Walkout Uncovered
This decision surfaced deeper, hidden issues:
- Unsafe drinking water.
- Overcrowded, poor dormitory conditions.
- Year 11 students missing classes because they were being used as office runners.
- Rule changes imposed with no discussion, while real problems were ignored.
Why the Students Walked Out
The students walked out because:
- They were frustrated by leadership decisions that made life harder.
- They were tired of suffering in silence while their education and well-being were compromised.
- They wanted leadership change within their school for the sake of a fair and healthy learning environment.
Later, girls joined the walk to the Sanma Education Office to show solidarity, emphasizing that these conditions affect everyone at Matevulu, not just a few.
A Call for Change, Not Comparison
We often remind young people of how older generations walked long distances to school and survived on hardship. But these students remind us that education should improve with each generation, not remain stuck in the past.
They are not asking for luxury. They are asking for:
- Safe, clean, healthy learning environments.
- Fair, consultative leadership.
- An education system that supports growth, not just survival.
As their Principal once said, “Changes can lead to poverty, even when we don’t realize it.” Ignoring these issues will cost Vanuatu far more in the future.
What Needs to Happen Now
- Sanma Education and the Ministry of Education should investigate Matevulu’s conditions and leadership issues immediately.
- Parents, leaders, and education officers should listen and work with students to address these concerns.
- A plan to improve school facilities across Vanuatu, including dormitories and water systems, must be prioritised.
- The government should consider partnering with Australia, China, or others to rebuild schools, as seen with Malapoa and Onesua Colleges.
Final Word
These Matevulu students walked 22.3 kilometers because they believe education should be about building a future, not enduring endless hardship. They stood up because they know if they don’t, no one else will.
We owe it to them to listen, act, and build a Vanuatu where schools are places of hope, safety, and true learning.
Mattdotvu 
Leave a comment