Breaking the Silence – Preparing to Launch Our Adult Literacy Program in Vanuatu

At Chains to Life Ministries, we’re excited to share one of the next steps in our mission to serve the people of Vanuatu: the upcoming launch of our Adult Literacy Program—a program that has already been approved by the Vanuatu Department of Education and is ready to roll out as soon as the Lord provides the right space and support.

This program isn’t just about learning to read and write. It’s about restoring dignity, opening doors, and giving people a voice.

Why Literacy?

Across many areas of Vanuatu, there are adults—mothers, fathers, grandparents—who’ve never had the chance to go to school. Some were raised in remote villages. Others had to leave school early to help their families survive. Today, many still carry the weight of not being able to read their Bible, write their name, or even understand simple instructions.

We’ve seen the need firsthand. And now, with this literacy program, we believe God is giving us a way to meet that need in a way that’s simple, effective, and full of grace.

A Simple and Accessible Program

One of the things we’re most excited about is how accessible this program is:

• No professional teaching qualification is required—just someone who speaks Bislama and has a passion to teach others.
• The lessons are designed for adult learners, using everyday language and culturally familiar concepts.
• The classroom won’t be a traditional one—it will be a place of patience, dignity, and hope.

Our heart is to see men and women empowered to read signs, write letters, understand medicine labels, fill out forms—and most importantly, read the Word of God for themselves.

When Will It Launch?

We’re getting everything in place now, but two major things need to happen first:

• The Church Plant in Port Vila – We need a base where people being released from prison, or coming from difficult backgrounds, can come and be discipled and taught in a safe, welcoming environment.
• The Teaching House in Teouma Bush – This will be our future hub for discipleship, community teaching, and programs like literacy training. Once it’s built, it will become a home for hope and learning.

Once these spaces are established, we will begin the Adult Literacy Program in full—with local volunteers trained and ready to walk alongside those eager to learn.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteer: If you speak Bislama and have a heart to teach, you don’t need a degree—just love and patience. We’ll train you!

Pray:That the Lord would provide the space, volunteers, and open hearts to receive this gift of learning.

Support: Help us with basic materials like notebooks, chalkboards, pencils, and teaching aids to prepare for the launch. Donate Here.

A New Chapter Is Coming

We believe the ability to read and write isn’t just a life skill—it’s a way to open up the Bible, understand God’s Word, and grow in faith and confidence.

Every person who learns to read…
Every adult who signs their name for the first time…
Every student who reads a verse of Scripture out loud…

That’s a victory worth celebrating.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
– Proverbs 2:6 (ESV)
(Bislama: “From we Jehova i givim waes long man. Save mo save gud oli kamaot long maot blong Hem.”)

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support as we prepare to launch this program in God’s perfect timing. We believe it will transform lives—one learner at a time.

With faith and expectation,
Bobby Smith
Chains to Life Ministries – Vanuatu