'Te Katiteuanaaki' Kiribati for Inclusion

Beia Temango grew up going to school in Butaritari, until he lost his vision suddenly at the age of 15. Beia’s drive to succeed was never deterred. He made the most of all the opportunities that have come his way and became Board Secretary with Te Toa Matoa. In this role he has travelled across the Pacific representing Te Toa Matoa and the rights of I-Kiribati with disability. Through the partnership between Te Toa Matoa and Kiribati Institute of Technology, Beia was also able to access Information Technology training in Non-Visual Desktop Access – a computer screen reading program that enables people with vision impairment to work with computers. Beia was supported to enrol in the mainstream course, Certificate I in English, as a stepping “I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity. It was the best news for me when it was confirmed that I will be part of the course.” stone to undertake other courses at Kiribati Institute of Technology: “I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity. It was the best news for me when it was confirmed that I will be part of the course.” English trainers worked to ensure that the class materials were made accessible for Beia. He also received support from his wife, Taangai, who studied alongside Beia. Taangai recognised this opportunity as starting a new milestone for something more meaningful in their future. The Kiribati Facility remains focused on enabling students with disability to study in mainstream courses at Kiribati Institute of Technology, and actively works with local and international organisations to support graduates with disability to seek out employment opportunities. Study support for I-Kiribati living with disability [Left to Right] Beia Temango, Taangai (support person/wife/fellow student), classmate and trainer Namona Uering in a group work discussion. 8

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