projects
Media Project
TIV has recently commenced a project which involves the training of
journalists in investigative journalism and introduction of a radio
program on civic awareness. TIV maintains a ‘watchdog’ role in the
media and regularly issues press statements on issues concerning the
citizens of Vanuatu.
Provincial awareness project
80% of the population of Vanuatu lives in the outer islands. Because
of the spread out geographical nature of Vanuatu, it is crucial that
information reaches these people. In order to promote good
governance and awareness about corruption, TIV has been conducting
awareness raising workshops in the islands.
So far, TIV has conducted citizenship awareness workshops in Tanna,
the MALAMPA Province and SANMA Province. Further workshops are
planned for the remaining Provinces.
Business principles for countering bribery
On 28 April 2006, TIV launched its brochure “Business Principles for
Countering Bribery” at the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce. This
brochure is designed to be used as a practical tool to which
companies can look to for a comprehensive reference to good practice
to counter bribery.
Kindergarten-Year 6 Civics project
One of the principal objectives of TIV is the development of active
and responsible citizens through the introduction of a civics course
in the education curriculum. In December 2004, TIV launched its
first Civics Curriculum for Vanuatu for Year 7 and 8 students. This
has been enthusiastically welcomed by the Ministry of Education and
projects to work with the Ministry and the Kindergarten Association
to provide further curriculum - ‘Civics for Kindergarten to Year 6’
are in progress.
Coalition Building for Good Governance Role
Over the past year, TIV has been begun to form a coalition with
other NGOs to lobby for good governance and to present a united
front on these issues. An example of this was TIV’s work in
preparing and spearheading a petition (along with other NGO’s) for a
referendum on changes on the Constitution to present to the
Government and liaising with the parliamentarians to discuss the
issues and publicising them in the media.
TIV’s intentions for the coming year are to further establish this
coalition through developing regular contacts and discussions with
Members of Parliament who can be supportive of good governance,
NGOs, liaising with other NGOs on activities to do with good
governance, attendance of other NGO meetings such as VNCW & VANGO
meetings (TIV is a member of both these organizations) and
developing links with the RRRT.
Introduction and Support of new Legislation for Good Governance
TIV has been prevalent in following up on international commitments
in good governance including the UN Convention Against Corruption,
the Forum Declaration, Commonwealth report on Legislative and
related measures to combat corruption April 2004 (Report and
Recommendations) and participating in the Annual Conferences of the
ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia-Pacific.
TIV has recently received confirmation from the Ministry of Internal
Affairs that it intends to table the UN Convention Against
Corruption at its November 2006 sitting of Parliament.
TIV is also lobbying the Government to introduce legislation to
guarantee freedom of information.