Robo Livo, may not be able to attend his wedding ceremony due to the actions of one very upset swordfish.

The 31-year-old man, living on one of the tropical islands of Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, had his left hand amputated, following a vicious swordfish attack.Though swordfish attacks are very rare, it is a serious business when a human being is attacked, as Robo found out while swimming with his friends.

The deep waters between the main island of Santo and Tangoa were known to be dangerous, but recently the area had been declared safe. The villagers believed the curse had been lifted.

Robo was rushed to the Northern District hospital where microsurgery is in the same sphere as cyber space - unattainable.

Mr. Jeffrey Vutilolo explained, “Rob is lucky to have survived the attack. We believe that when fish escapes from the bait, it will one day return and attack the person that once tried to catch it. The attack was a sign, meant for Rob.”

Swordfish do not like company, keeping a distance of 10 meters away from others, attacking only when provoked. Once aroused, it becomes very dangerous, slashing is long sharp beak from side to side, to destroy its enemy, or render its victims senseless.

The villagers will once again live in fear of the deep stretch of waters between the two islands. Rob may miss his long awaited wedding ceremony. An occasion that only happens after the bride has proven she is capable of bearing at least two children and the groom has managed to scrape together the bride price. 80,000 vatu or three month's wages.

For just a moment put yourself in a tiny dug-out canoe, crossing deep ocean water between the tropical islands of Tangoa and Santo. Imagine believing, like the rest of your village, that the fish you failed to catch and kill is going to attack you and seek its revenge.

This whole idea might sound crazy when you are driving in a fast car along a six lane highway, or flying 30,000 feet in the air in a comfortable, pressurized aircraft. But what if:

• You have never ridden in a car?
• Planes are nothing more than a silver streak in the sky.
• You have never had the opportunity to have an education because you have lived all your life on one of the remote tropical islands in the South Pacific.?

What if the fishermen of the world believed that every fish that got away, would come back and ‘get them’? The ever stretching tale of the ‘big one that got away,’ would suddenly wither-up and disappear.

The ancient myths and beliefs die hard in an oral society, in spite of having embraced Christianity for several generations. Good fear is healthy, but we have all experienced groundless fears. Most of us have learned to overcome them through education.

Vanuatu, a Lesser Developed Nation, has received a lot of donor aid from more affluent nations. Yet the statistics reveal a horror story of epic proportion:

• Only 55.8% of kids will get to year 6;
• Only 18.2 % will go to high school;
• 26% never go to school at all.

Dedicated primary school teachers introduce children to the exciting world of learning. Yet for the most part, the kids will never know what it is to go to high school.

The opportunity to take an active role in the 21st century will bypass most of the them. Custom lessons will be all they have.

You may ask the question, “Why not leave these children to their ancient customs. Why do they need to enter the rush and bustle of the 21st century?”

Would you still feel that way if you had to sit helplessly by and watch you child die from 'nothing?' Many times a loved family member dies of ‘nothing’. Or was that black magic?

Things happen from time to time in the villages, which modern knowledge could have prevented. In the world of the villager there is no such thing as a brain tumor, or burst appendix.

Do we have the right to stop high achieving students progressing forward? Do we have the right to condemn them to an island way of life and ignorance of modern technologies, if we could help them improve their way of life?

What would you say if you were told that your child could no longer go to school, just because you could not pay the fees?

Humans have three major needs for a full and rich life.
• Security;
• Adventure;
• Freedom of Choice.

The extended village family provides all the security the children could want. The beautiful untouched wilderness and surrounding ocean, provides the children with adventure.However, the freedom of choice dwindles, when high school education is unattainable.

Do we have the right to walk away from people like Robo, because we live in a more affluent society? We can help Robo and his children understand that swordfish do not take revenge. Had Robo lived in a modern environment, he would probably have still had his hand. He would have arrived at his wedding ceremony as pre-arranged and would not be condemned to live the rest of his life with a disability .

Rick and Wendy Tendys are raffling Seachange Lodge, (a private holiday home, plus 6 luxury holiday apartments) on the Internet, to raise funds for non-repayable high school education grants for the children of the outer islands of Vanuatu.

You can help them through a Blue Moon Opportunity. Your donation can make a difference in the lives of these people and YOU might WIN the boutique resort, in Port Vila.

"Lasting change comes only through change on the inside. Change through education," Anonymous Quote