2007 Kerepua Village Project

Background Information

The village of Kerepua is located on the West Coast of the island of Espiritu Santo, the largest island in the archipelago nation of Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides). Until the1960's, the people of Kerepua lived in the upland bush at the base of Mount Tabwemesana, but moved down to the West Coast by missionaries or in pursuit of Western goods, such as salt and sugar. The village is currently home to approximately 75 people, representing 4 extended family clans. The people of Kerepua requested a Peace Corps Volunteer to help them with revitalization of the sandalwood trade, to identify alternate sources of income, to assist with environmental conservation, and to help establish a public water supply. In August of 2006, Matthew Drury, a Peace Corps Volunteer with a background in agro-forestry, environmental conservation, and agro-enterprise arrived in Kerepua Village for one year of service. These projects were conceptualized and will be implemented by the Kerepua Village Development Committee, Chief Aram Liu, and Matthew Drury in association with the people of Kerepua Village.