A new climate-resilient classroom built using container architecture has been opened in Vanuatu, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, to ensure children can continue learning even during emergencies. The initiative comes amid increasing climate-related risks such as rising sea levels, desertification, cyclones, earthquakes, and other extreme weather events that directly threaten children’s rights, including access to education, health, and protection.
The classroom is part of a pilot project developed by the Vanuatu Ministry of Education and Training in partnership with Save the Children Vanuatu. It is designed as a fast-deploy, low-disruption solution that can keep education services running while permanent school infrastructure is rebuilt after disasters. The facility includes modern features such as solar power and satellite internet connectivity, making it more resilient and functional in crisis conditions.
Vanuatu’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly vulnerable to natural disasters, and recent years have seen repeated emergencies including earthquakes and tropical cyclones that have damaged schools, homes, and essential services. The new classroom model addresses the need for quicker, cheaper, and more durable school infrastructure compared to traditional urban classroom designs.
The project was made possible through a fundraising effort in 2025 by two adventurers from New Zealand and Australia, who raised funds by undertaking a 4,000-kilometre journey across New Zealand. Additional support came from partner organizations and donors, including contributions of shipping containers and other resources used in construction.
At the inauguration, Vanuatu’s leadership emphasized the importance of investing in resilient and future-ready education systems that can withstand climate shocks while ensuring continuous learning for children. Save the Children also highlighted that climate-resilient schools are essential to safeguarding education and protecting children during crises, especially in vulnerable island nations like Vanuatu, where disasters frequently disrupt normal life.
