Children in Vanuatu face significant risks from violence, abuse and neglect. More than 80% of children experience violence in the home, while many are also vulnerable to sexual abuse, neglect and emerging online harms.
Save the Children's Hapi Famli programme works with children, families, communities and government services to prevent violence, improve child protection systems and ensure vulnerable children can access the support they need.
Why children in Vanuatu need support
Many children and families are unaware of what constitutes abuse or how to seek help when concerns arise. Child protection services remain under-resourced, particularly in rural and remote communities, making it difficult for vulnerable children to access support.
New risks are also emerging. Increased digital connectivity has created challenges including cyberbullying and online exploitation, while climate-related disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes place additional stress on families and child protection systems.
Although the Government of Vanuatu is strengthening child protection services, many frontline responders require additional training, support and coordination to effectively protect children.
Save the Children's Hapi Famli Programme
The five-year Hapi Famli programme aims to reduce violence against children and strengthen systems that protect them.
The programme focuses on three key approaches:
Strengthening families and communities
Families in six communities will participate in group sessions that promote positive parenting, non-violent discipline and conflict resolution.
Empowering children
Children will participate in dedicated sessions that build confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, understanding of rights and knowledge about where to seek help.
Strengthening child protection systems
Frontline responders across all six provinces will receive training and support, while government and community protection systems will be strengthened through improved coordination and service delivery.
The programme will also provide funding support to help vulnerable children access essential services such as transport, temporary shelter, medical care and counselling.
How we know we'll make a difference
The programme strengthens every step of the protection process, from identifying vulnerable children to supporting recovery and long-term wellbeing.
By improving coordination between communities, service providers and government agencies, children experiencing violence or abuse will be able to access safer, timelier and more effective support.
The programme promotes a structured case management approach that ensures vulnerable children receive personalised support tailored to their needs.
Jayson, 13, and his younger brother Rave, 9, walk to school in Efate Island, Vanuatu
Impact snapshot
- 600 survivors and at-risk young people supported through referrals.
- 200 frontline workers trained and supported.
- 1,200 individuals provided with assistance to improve case management outcomes.
- 630 children and parents participating in violence-prevention group sessions.
- Child protection systems strengthened across all six provinces.
- Financial barriers removed to improve access to support services.
Steps to protect vulnerable children
Save the Children supports case workers and child protection partners through a structured process:
- Identify vulnerable children.
- Assess the child's and family's situation.
- Develop a response plan.
- Implement the agreed support plan.
- Review progress and ongoing needs.
- Close the case when concerns have been resolved.
This approach helps ensure children facing complex protection concerns receive the support they need at the right time.
Who makes our programme possible
This programme is supported by the New Zealand International Development Cooperation Programme and made possible through the generosity of donors and partners who are committed to creating safer environments for children across Vanuatu.