After the tragic earthquake that struck Efate in December last year — claiming 14 lives and leaving deep scars across communities — one local stringband has turned their music into a message of hope.

Saunewia Lokol Stringband has launched a heartfelt initiative to support a 6-year-old boy who lost his mother in the powerful earthquake that hit Vanuatu on 17 December 2024.

The band announced that 10% of all sales from their latest album will go directly toward helping the young survivor. The album serves not only as a tribute to the boy’s late mother but also as a meaningful way to provide support to a child who continues to face life without his mother’s care.

“Ten percent of our overall sales will go toward the young boy whose mother lost her life. The purpose of this album is to honour her memory and at the same time support her son, who now grows up without his mother. This is our small way of helping,” said Tama Gideon, lead musician of Saunewia Lokol Stringband.

The group’s initiative has been warmly welcomed by Chief Mormor Kalsau of Mangaliliu Village, the home of the late mother. He expressed his gratitude on behalf of the community:

“As a chief, I am very proud to see such a response. When death strikes, we are never prepared for it, and it brings many challenges. I thank Saunewia Lokol Stringband for their support to this little boy who is also now in school. What they are doing will help rebuild not just his life, but his family too.”

The Chief also called on communities across Vanuatu to follow this example of compassion and solidarity during times of crisis.

“I want to encourage other communities and chiefs around Vanuatu — when disaster strikes, it’s good for each of us to step forward and help. Don’t wait for government or organizations; every individual can make a difference,” he said.

For Saunewia Lokol Stringband, music is not just entertainment — it’s a tool for storytelling, healing, and unity.

“Music helps express what words alone can’t. Even if people in other islands or countries can’t experience what we felt, music can carry that emotion to them,” added Tama Gideon.

Nearly a year after the earthquake, efforts to assist families affected by the disaster are still ongoing, and Saunewia’s compassionate act stands as a reminder of Vanuatu’s enduring community spirit — where song, solidarity, and kindness come together to heal hearts.