Water Music was first composed and performed by Handel in 1771 to regain the favors of King George I. On a barge, stationed on the River Thames, 50 musicians performed the first recital.Europe is hearing finding a new Water Music, more than 230 years later.

Twelve ladies of Gaua wade into the sea up to their waist. They are dressed in traditional custom gear, including arm bands and headwear from flowers and leaves. These ladies are from the remote, northern tropical islands of Vanuatu, in the South Pacific.

A half moon formation is established. They lean forward over the water, waiting expectantly. The leader nods her head. The water begins to boil into a rhythmic churn as the hands lifted in unison, begin their beating. Their hands flash in unison away from their bodies and then closer again, as each passing wave is slapped rhythmically with their palms.

Unique Water Music fills the air with its thunderous noise. The occasional shout of glee from the women punctuates the music. To sit, eyes closed, on the shore, transfers you to a modern day concert hall, with a difference. But you are one of Vanuatu’s remote tropical islands. You have followed the ladies down a narrow, well worn track through a pristine bush wilderness.

The traditional customs of the friendly warm people of Gaua are on display – tourist experiences rarely seen, except by the occasional yachty who drops in from time to time.

For several minutes the performance goes on. The performers are soaked from head to toe. Silence follows as the stunned crowd look on in awe.
Water Music is again beating its way in Europe, but it’s not Handel’s.

The women of Gaua are performing in Europe. The chlorinated swimming pools of European resorts have replaced the wide open areas of the warm, Pacific ocean. The traditional setting has been replaced. The music is less explicit. The chlorinated water gives a different tone from the sea water. The simulated waves alter the wave patterns. The sounds are distorted by the unnatural environment.

Gaua is the only place to see it for real. You can arrange a visit to these people through vanuatu-hotels.vu, for an unforgettable experience. The unique place of these women in the modern world has come from their traditions. But for the next generation to be able to interact in the 21st century, an education is necessary.

On their island, the women have no means of raising the funds necessary for school fees. In Vanuatu education is not free. The government provides only limited resources and everyone must pay school fees.For these people living in a ‘no-cash-economy’, the school
fees are beyond them.

The result is devastating:

• only 55.8% of Vanuatu kids will get to grade 6
• of those only 18.2% will go to high school
• 26% will never go to school at all.

YouMe Support Foundation, Child Trust Fund, is one of the few foundations, dedicated to giving these children a high school education. You can help make a difference in the lives of these people and be part or an exciting project, through an exciting and unique Blue Moon Opportunity.