This week, I witnessed something truly special in Toak. The whole community came together to build the rafters of the new Unity Hall building, and they did it all in just one day. From early morning, the men gathered with hammers, nails, and timber, working side by side to prepare the rafter frames. Every piece of wood was measured, lifted, and nailed with care, getting everything ready so the tin roof could be installed soon.

While some men focused on the rafters, others started putting on the first layer of plaster inside the hall. It was beautiful to see how naturally everyone found a role: no one stood around waiting everyone just helped where they could.

The women also played a big part. They spent hours collecting coconuts to send to Port Vila for fundraising, helping the committee raise more money to support the construction. It wasn’t easy work, but they did it with strong spirit and a smile, knowing that every coconut adds to the future of the community.

All around, there was laughter, conversations, and encouragement. People shared food, tools, stories, and jokes. The atmosphere was full of pride, not just because the building was taking shape, but because it was being built by the hands of the people who will use it.

I honestly have never seen a community work so hard and so determined to complete something together. There was no complaining, just teamwork, love, and the feeling that everyone is building something much bigger than a hall.

At the end of the day, as the sun began to set behind the hills, you could see the rafters standing tall a strong symbol of what unity looks like.

All I can say is: respect to the people of Toak.