We began our two year stint in Vanuatu on 13 July 2015. Now, in late July 2016, we are progressing through the final year with the end date likely to be 12 July 2017, unless something happens to make it sooner.

VSA required me to submit a 12 month report. The main points that relate to my VSA assignment were:

• Partner Organisation lack of support and engagement;
• Alignment of Partner Organisation to my VSA assignment and accountability of partner organisations to VSA as the ‘donor’;
• Delay in funding for the Value-add applied research work;
• Data access challenges when assembling an economic model.

The 12 month ‘Personal Report’ was far more positive – we’re continuing to enjoy living here with all its colour, freedoms, friendliness and contrasts.