New Zealand's High Commissioner in Vanuatu has signed a 2.8 million US dollar grant for the Wan Smolbag Theatre Group.
A performance by Wan Smolbag in Vanuatu Photo: RNZI / Moera Tuilaepa Taylor
The 25-year-old theatre company produces educational plays, films, CDs, and television shows for audiences across the Pacific.
It has since gone on to establish health clinics, youth centres and other facilities.
Photo: Supplied
The High Commissioner, Georgina Roberts, says the group plays an important part in communities and the grant will help Wan Smolbag perform its activities for another five years.
"Wan Smolbag is an important part of the Vanuatu non government organisation community and it's important for the community to have a place to come and to work together to discuss issues that are topical, to get access to services, the theatre productions that Wan Smolbag delivers is important."
Ms Roberts says it's not easy to spread the kind of message Wan Smolbag does, but it has found its own way to get through to the people.