Ewannah Kilataru Tanabose Amos grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of Vanuatu, but her childhood was marked by profound loss and hardship.
At just seven years old, she lost her mother, and in the years that followed, two of her sisters passed away from the same illness.
Raised by a resilient father from the Solomon Islands and later a stepmother from the Banks Islands, Amos learned early on the value of perseverance, compassion, and community.
Her upbringing, rooted in the village life of Malekula and shaped by her family’s unwavering support, laid the foundation for a life dedicated to learning and service. Despite challenges, Amos thrived under the guidance of her late sister, Dr Olive Tanabose Tapo and the steadfast support of her sister Sallyann Tanabose, who helped fund her education.
Her journey through education was anything but easy. While pursuing her studies, she became a mother. She juggled sleepless nights, assignments, and the overwhelming pressure of being far from home.
Amos undertook a degree programme in Environmental Science from The University of the South Pacific (USP) after hearing about the career pathways whilst she was still in high school.
“USP was my first choice because it is a leading institution in the Pacific and known for academic excellence and its focus on Pacific issues,” she shared.
“A highlight was meeting students from diverse cultural backgrounds, engaging in enriching academic discussions and participating in hands-on fieldwork.”
“I firmly believe that USP provides quality education, fosters regional collaboration and empowers students with the knowledge to address different challenges, especially in the Pacific.”
“I will always cherish my uni ‘sisters’, Derelyn, Valma, Genevieve, and Mary. They played a key role in helping me adapt and succeed during my undergraduate studies, and I am very grateful to them.”
In the final semester of her degree studies, just as graduation was within reach, she suffered the heartbreaking loss of her father, her mentor and source of strength. Yet, even in her grief, Amos kept going, and her determination never wavered.
She also progressed to attain a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change with a focus on Disaster Risk Reduction through a Vanuatu government scholarship.
Amos credited her husband and two daughters as a constant source of motivation.
Today, she is a dedicated teacher at Epauto Adventist Senior Secondary School in Port Vila, Efate.
“Every day, I bring science to life in the classroom, equipping young people with the knowledge to understand their environment and confront the realities of climate change.
“My role involves educating and inspiring students about the natural world and its challenges. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing students develop a genuine passion for environmental issues,” she highlighted.
“My goal is to equip students with a solid understanding of Earth Science, enabling them to make informed decisions as citizens about critical issues, such as the sustainable extraction and use of non-renewable resources, environmental management and protection, and preparedness for natural disasters.”
Her passion lies in helping students see that their small island homes are not isolated but are part of a larger global system facing urgent challenges.
From playing marbles under bamboo trees and swimming along coral reefs in Malekula to now mentoring the next generation of Pacific leaders, Amos’s story is a testament to what is possible when courage meets opportunity.
She believes the Pacific’s greatest strength is its people, and that education is the tool that can unlock their potential.
Her message to youths is simple yet powerful: “No matter where you begin, no matter the obstacles, your dreams are valid. Keep pushing forward. Let your story be your strength.”
