KIT graduate Bwaraam Tominiko constructing a hand wash station

Bwaraam Tominiko, a graduate of KIT’s Certificate II in Construction Pathways and member of the Business Incubator Group (BIG), is working on the hand-washing station project in Tarawa. The project, which began in July, is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and managed by ChildFund Kiribati.

The main aim of this project is to help the local communities access hand-washing stations at their gathering halls (Maneaba). Bwaraam was appointed by his Coordinator from BIG, Mr Nanotaake Tenge to take on the job. ChildFund selected three Bridging graduates to assist Bwaraam with the task and promoted the team prior to their visit.

KIT Bridging graduate

In an interview with KIT Marketing & Communications Officer, Bwaraam stated that the communities they visited are so excited and satisfied with the project.

Each hand wash basin is made from recycled materials sourced from within Kiribati. Materials include the repurposing of forty-four gallon drums which are thoroughly cleaned, sealed and painted, as well as lumber (timber) and plumbing parts to form each hand-washing station

“There are 14 communities in Betio, four have got their hand-washing stations, so we’ve got 10 more to go. When we installed the stations at their Maneaba, they’re so happy and thankful. Their youth assisted us with the installation and I did get a chance to give them a few plumbing tips in case the stations jammed – they should know how to fix it themselves”, he said.

Each hand wash basin is made from recycled materials sourced locally

Bwaraam mentioned that the task does not only give him a chance to share his skills with the local youth of these communities but also gives him the opportunity and confidence on how to lead a small group of workers, and he is looking forward to leading a bigger project in the future. The three Bridging graduates who are joining Bwaraam on this task are constructing an average number of three stations a day.

The handwash basins raise important community awareness around disease prevention, including for COVID-19. This youth-led project demonstrates the types of training and employment opportunities that KIT has developed through key partnerships, as well as a broader community engagement approach towards sustainable project outcomes.