Opening Ceremony - VHW Course

Yesterday we had our big opening ceremony to welcome the students and thank all those who have made it possible. The preparations started in the morning once the marquee was erected, with flower arranging and then decoration with pot plants and balloons. All hands on deck for PCV staff.

Bowie and Morinda on balloon duty (several balloons were harmed in this process!)

 Jenita, Terekea, Sarafina and Yvonne also on balloon duty.

Beautiful work by Yvonne.

The caterers setting up. Not just an afternoon tea but a full hot dinner!

Each student was welcomed and given a bead necklace,

also all the dignitaries.

Melton was on camera duty.

Elder Jara was MC.

Elder Jonathan, standing in for Ps Allen who was on his way to NZ, gave a very entertaining speech.

Nicola got landed in it, being asked to give a speech about the course with about 5 minutes notice - she did it in Bislama and did very well!

The students performed a song written by Judy which they had only learned and practised that morning, called Mi Wokman Blong God.

The whole team plus dignitaries from Ministry of Health and DFAT.

Then after a small delay because the food hadn't arrived, we had our celebration meal.

It was a lovely spread.

A great kick off to the course 😊