This is the story of three months in the Republic of Kiribati in 2011 and two months in 2012, as a volunteer Health Worker, invited by the Kiribati Women's Fellowship. (UnitingWorld Placement Program).
A Volunteer Community Aid Project with UnitingWorld, Australia.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Life in South Tarawa
The yellow fin tuna was delivered to the KPC catering team to feed the guests at a meeting held by the Department of Foreign Affair in our Board Room that is hired out.
Every day fishermen are seen going out to see in the lagoon or deep sea fishing and they return late afternoon to sell fish at the street stalls or drive around to fill orders such as this KPC one.
A staff member brought her sick little girl to see me. She had been to the doctors and now on antibiotics for a sore throat.
The mothers of these boys were asked by them if they could have their photo's taken by me as we attended a meeting to arrange village talks at Eita Village
Two of the four women who do contract sewing in the RAK Women's Centre next to our office.
They work really hard each day and were the ladies who taught the sewing skills to the students in the Women's Skills Development Course recently.
Remains of Air Kiribati; RIP. Behind is the runway for the Tarawa International Airport.
We drove the truck down the runway this afternoon on our way back from Karea's Resort in North Tarawa, along with the locals, as a way of avoiding the pot holes in the road. There is an alarm that goes off when a plane is due, which wakes up the air traffic controller, and clears the runway of pedestrians and traffic I am told!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Assistance for the Finance Department
Peter arrived on Tuesday and is now working in the Finance Department teaching MYOB.
(He forgot to buy a new camera since mine broke in the second week but I've been reunited with my Iphone so poorer quality photos but convenient technology!)
Today he was given a traditional woven bag meant for bibles and the picture shows him in the transport that we used to go to church.
Sugar Blues Cafe is where we come to have a nice dinner and internet access all for $5.00 each.
The lagoon is opposite but unfortunately too polluted to swim in.
(He forgot to buy a new camera since mine broke in the second week but I've been reunited with my Iphone so poorer quality photos but convenient technology!)
Today he was given a traditional woven bag meant for bibles and the picture shows him in the transport that we used to go to church.
Sugar Blues Cafe is where we come to have a nice dinner and internet access all for $5.00 each.
The lagoon is opposite but unfortunately too polluted to swim in.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Women's Skills Development Workshop Graduation
The graduation was an amazing event.
All the dresses for the graduation were especially made for the occasion.
I taught the cooking class topics such as -
Health and Hygiene
Nutrition and Menu Planning
Diet Related Illness
I managed to throw in a bit of Women's Health as well for good measure!
The sewing group displayed all the garments they had made as part of the course and the cooking class provided a wonderful dinner after the celebrations.
All the dresses for the graduation were especially made for the occasion.
I taught the cooking class topics such as -
Health and Hygiene
Nutrition and Menu Planning
Diet Related Illness
I managed to throw in a bit of Women's Health as well for good measure!
The sewing group displayed all the garments they had made as part of the course and the cooking class provided a wonderful dinner after the celebrations.
| The Moderator - opening welcome speech. |
All the students provided entertainment for the guests including dance, singing and comedy skits.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Work
Despite public holidays all week and lots of celebrations I am still doing women's health talks at the Catholic Church Craft Centre each Saturday. I tend to talk about what they seem most interested in and this has included an overview of the menstrual cycle, fertility and infertility, women's cancers including breast self examination and discussing their own health issues. Tomorrow I hope to start on family violence but we will see how things go.
The Presidents Banquet

Along with others from KPC I was invited to the Presidents Banquet. This was a wonderful event whereby we were met and greeted by President Tong in the beautiful maneaba, lagoon side, with an amazing full moon. It was a very special evening with traditional dance, a huge feast and minimal speeches.
![]() |
| Amazing traditional dance was unforgettable! |
Independence Day 12th July
![]() |
The Independence Day Parade involved police, pictured above, marines, clubs and youth groups and ending with the little pre school children.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Independence Day Week Long Celebrations
The 12th July is Independence Day so we have a week off work and lots of celebrations in town.
First there were traditional dance competitions in Bairiki on Saturday
Monday was Gospel Day, an ecumenical day held at the Catholic Cathedral, with a service, morning tea, huge feast, traditional dance, choirs, and then speeches.
Picture of the inside the cathedral during the children's action song with Leaders guiding them.
Outside the church waiting with friends to go to the maneaba for the rest of the days programme.
My current work involves preparation for workshops, arranging health clinics and village talks continue.
I am currently looking at ways we can get some tooth brushes and paste to give away when I talk to parents about children's teeth.
The photo below is one taken at the Parliament House Restaurant where the monthly "Book Club" is held. We all swap novels and have a nice buffet lunch, including lobster, a lot of laughter and good food.
I am truly blessed to be in this beautiful country with such friendly and hospitable people to work with..
First there were traditional dance competitions in Bairiki on Saturday
Monday was Gospel Day, an ecumenical day held at the Catholic Cathedral, with a service, morning tea, huge feast, traditional dance, choirs, and then speeches.
Picture of the inside the cathedral during the children's action song with Leaders guiding them.
Outside the church waiting with friends to go to the maneaba for the rest of the days programme.
My current work involves preparation for workshops, arranging health clinics and village talks continue.
I am currently looking at ways we can get some tooth brushes and paste to give away when I talk to parents about children's teeth.
The photo below is one taken at the Parliament House Restaurant where the monthly "Book Club" is held. We all swap novels and have a nice buffet lunch, including lobster, a lot of laughter and good food.
I am truly blessed to be in this beautiful country with such friendly and hospitable people to work with..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)















