Date: 18 September 2024
Location: Kwataparen Adventist Secondary School, Tanna
Attendees: Correctional Officer Team, Public Solicitor’s Officer, Students and Staff of Kwataparen Adventist Secondary School

On 18 September 2024, Kwataparen Adventist Secondary School organized a legal awareness program as part of its school activities. The event featured the participation of three Correctional Officer from Isangel, who invited a Public Solicitor’s Officer to contribute to the discussions.

Due to prior commitments, Mr. Harrison Rantes, the Public Solicitor’s Officer, was able to fulfill all appointments while Mr. Regi Melsul Temankill joined the Correctional Officers’ team for the outreach.

Upon arrival at Kwataparen Adventist Secondary School, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and proceeded to introduce ourselves to the students, who were eagerly awaiting our arrival in the school chapel.

The session commenced with a Senior Correctional Officer from Isangel, who provided insights into prison life, outlining the realities and challenges faced by individuals within the correctional system. Following this, I had the opportunity to speak, focusing on various prohibited actions in Vanuatu as outlined in the Penal Code, the Dangerous Drugs Act, and the Family Protection Act.

Our presentation included an interactive segment where we invited questions from both students and teachers. We were pleased to engage with the attendees, addressing their queries and providing clarity on important legal matters.

At the conclusion of the discussion, one of the teachers offered closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the informative session. We then dismissed the gathering, marking the end of a successful legal awareness program.

This event not only enhanced the students’ understanding of legal issues but also fostered an important dialogue about the role of law in society.