Our children are valuable and we have the responsibility to ensure that they are educated; that they have the basic needs to go through school.”
That’s the firmly-held belief of Vunilagi Book Club founder Mariana Waqa, who for four years has worked with a group of volunteers to bring high-quality books and literacy programs into a sprawling Suva informal settlement.
The settlement in which they work, Nanuku, is just three kilometres from Suva’s city centre and a stone’s throw from the University of the South Pacific. USP academics Nicholas Halter and Anawaite Matadradra have written of the challenges that face the people of Nanuku: most live below the poverty line and suffer social stigma and discrimination for that reason. Few residents have toilets, running water or electricity. “The settlement can also be dangerous,” they write, “with regular instances of substance abuse, violence and criminal activity. In some cases, families can leave the settlement suddenly, f
David Gordon Halter 1960 - 2021
David Gordon Halter, 61 years old, lost his battle with melanoma on February 13, 2021. David’s passing is an incredible loss to the Halter family and to the Salem community. His absence will be felt for a long time to come. The second of three children, David was born January 28, 1960, in Amity, Oregon, to Lorraine and George “Al” Halter. In 1980, he moved to Salem, Oregon, where he met the love of his life, Kathy Halter. Together they had two wonderful sons, Jared Halter and Nicholas Halter, who continue to keep his memory alive. David is also survived by his mother, Lorraine Halter; his brothers, Michael Halter and Dan Halter; and several nieces and nephews.
David Gordon Halter 1960 - 2021
David Gordon Halter, 61 years old, lost his battle with melanoma on February 13, 2021. David’s passing is an incredible loss to the Halter family and to the Salem community. His absence will be felt for a long time to come. The second of three children, David was born January 28, 1960, in Amity, Oregon, to Lorraine and George “Al” Halter. In 1980, he moved to Salem, Oregon, where he met the love of his life, Kathy Halter. Together they had two wonderful sons, Jared Halter and Nicholas Halter, who continue to keep his memory alive. David is also survived by his mother, Lorraine Halter; his brothers, Michael Halter and Dan Halter; and several nieces and nephews.