More students are turning to the Climate Resilience and Humanitarian Action (CRHA) course at the National University of Vanuatu (NUV) to gain practical knowledge in managing climate impacts as Vanuatu continues to face climate change impacts.

This ‘homegrown’ course focuses on equipping students on how to live with and adapt to the challenges of climate change and disaster recovery and is delivered by local experts.

Second-year student, Nick Laloyer explains that the course is one of personal importance. Nick surmised that  “we go through a lot of natural disasters and we are vulnerable, so it’s important for us to understand climate change,” he told VBTC News.

Another student, Pauline George, highlights the practical knowledge gained from CRHA.

“I’ve learnt ways to reduce the impacts of climate change and how we can adapt within our communities,” says Pauline.

Matthew Kensen, a support officer and one of the local experts in developing the course, said many students are already making an impact with the knowledge acquired through CRHA

“Some students have not completed the course but are already hand-picked and are working in NGOs and government agencies. We have to learn to live with disasters,” he said.

NUV plans to expand its climate education by launching a full degree in climate change by 2027. 

A similar postgraduate program is currently being offered by the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development in Fiji.