When Emil Samuel joined Live and Learn in 2019 as a Project Officer, he was driven by a simple goal: to help communities in Vanuatu grow stronger and more self-reliant. Working closely with women in agriculture, he immersed himself in the rhythms of rural life, learning firsthand the challenges families face in a country ranked among the world’s most disaster-prone.
Everything changed when Cyclone Harold struck in 2020, devastating Northern Efate and Gaua; the very communities Emil was supporting. Homes and farms were destroyed, and families who once relied on root crops now faced uncertainty and hunger. Emil knew that recovery alone wasn’t enough; communities needed lasting solutions to secure their food and livelihoods.
Drawing on lessons from his Certificate IV in Resilience supported by the European Union and Government of Sweden funded, The University of the South Pacific component of the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership programme (USP PEUMP), Emil stepped in with practical and innovative ideas. In Kerepua, Western Santo, he helped families start backyard gardens, introducing vegetables and fruits alongside traditional root crops. Plates that once were monochrome with starchy roots became vibrant with variety – a change locals celebrated as “addem up kala,” meaning “more colour on the plate.” Emil also taught farming techniques like mulching, composting, and seed saving, giving families the tools to sustain their gardens long after he left. The success of these interventions quickly spread, reaching neighboring villages and igniting a ripple of resilience across the region.
But Emil’s impact went beyond planting and farming. With his Certificate in Training and Assessment, he learned how to design workshops, guides, and training sessions that truly connect with communities. He tailored content to local languages and contexts, making complex ideas accessible and relevant. More importantly, he learned to assess his trainees in real time, adjusting his approach to ensure everyone understood and could apply new knowledge.
By combining resilience strategies with effective training, Emil transformed how communities prepare for and respond to disasters. Families didn’t just recover, they gained skills, confidence, and hope for the future. His leadership and dedication were recognized with a promotion to Project Coordinator in 2023, a role in which he continues to guide, empower, and inspire communities across Vanuatu.
Emil’s story is a testament to the power of knowledge, empathy, and action. Through his work, he shows that resilience is not just about surviving disasters it’s about creating lasting change, vibrant gardens, and empowered communities who can thrive no matter what challenges come their way.
USP is one of four key implementing partners of the PEUMP Programme, a EUR 45 million programme that promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity.
It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to ocean fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation, and capacity building under one single regional action. The PEUMP programme is housed within the Centre for Sustainable Futures.
