The Last Week

Thank you to the many people who have supported both Peter and myself over our volunteer placements at KPC . It has been the most wonderful experience; learning from the local people as well as passing on our skills as best we can.

The people we met will remain in my heart forever, their patience and kindness as they guided us through some challenging times especially the staff of the Women's Centre... the amazing team pictured below.

May you continue the good work you are doing to empower the women of Kiribati.

Above, RAK Women's Centre Staff farewell photo and left Tabaina and me with farewell dress and gifts.

 Thanks to Tabaina and Teburenga for their support during my time at KPC, such good work they are doing along with staff in catering and sewing departments.



Below, staff farewell on Saturday evening, lots of good food, singing and speeches

Just a note to those who were impressed with the healthy eating and weight loss programme initiated at  KPC. Pete smugly thought he had lost some weight and eagerly jumped on the suitcase scales at the Bairiki airport and reeled off them at a staggering 108kg in shorts and Tshirt... a total of 5kg up from the start of the weight loss programme (though he grasped at straws saying maybe 2kg could be the shorts and T shirt!).
Hence he will now be placed on a frugal diet while in Fiji...in my dreams!

The Gender in Local Government three day workshop participants; a learning time about the problems and suggested solutions to equality issues in Kiribati.

Work

Maneaba in Temeiku Village

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Temeiku village health talk followed by a talk in Betio the next day; before we leave. Both sessions about three hours with interested
women listening and occasionally asking questions.

Pre School teacher training in 'healthy diet and nutrition for children' included a gift of a tooth brush and paste. Thank you to Hamilton Wesley Church for donations.
New volunteer Kim, assistant to the Pre School Co-ordinator, will continue the work of teaching children to brush teeth with the left over resources.


Last Trauma Teddy given to Kim, pictured below right, who will be taken to entertain pre school children as part of her health education talks

                  

Thanks to the Victorian Quit Program for information and pamphlets. This is the outside of our office window right where many visitors smokers enter the board room.
20 smokers working for KPC signed up to help cut down or stop smoking. Very difficult to do with no access to nicotine patches and counsellors.
Two local people have the opportunity to do the training to be Quit Counsellors. I hope this happens soon to keep the momentum up.