'Te Katiteuanaaki' Kiribati for Inclusion

Skills for employment for I-Kiribati living with disability The Government of Kiribati is committed to promoting employment opportunities for I-Kiribati with disabilities. This is in line with the recently approved Kiribati National Disability Policy and Action Plan, and commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Kiribati Institute of Technology with the support of the Australian Government, plays an integral role in realising this commitment by improving access to skills for employment training for people with disability. Teteuna Tione is one such student whose life was transformed at Kiribati Institute of Technology. “ Kiribati Institute of Technology is the most beautiful place to learn ,” said Teteuna. Teteuna is a tenacious I-Kiribati woman who makes the most of every opportunity. After graduating from King George V School in 2004, Teteuna spent a number of years gaining work experience in the government, private, and non-government sectors, as well as looking after her young son. Then, in 2016, she enrolled in Kiribati Institute of “It is good for people with disability to have opportunities for employment. It can help them and benefits the family.” Technology’s Certificate II in Community Services, followed by a short course in Business in 2017. “Kiribati Institute of Technology gave me a lot of support. Especially in communicating with others and computer skills, which help me at work. Through Kiribati Institute of Technology, I did a practical placement with the Disability Office at the Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs”. After completing her studies at Kiribati Institute of Technology, Teteuna returned to the Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs as a volunteer to help progress the adoption of the Kiribati National Disability Policy and Action Plan. She was then offered a paid position as an Assistant Maintenance Officer with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. When discussing the importance of employment for I-Kiribati with disability, Teteuna highlighted; “It is good for people with disability to have opportunities for employment. It can help them and benefits the family.” Teteuna described her Ministry of Internal Affairs colleagues as being very supportive and having positive attitudes towards the inclusion of people with disability but does note that; “ communities still need more awareness on how to include people with disabilities. ” Teteuna Tione working at the Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs. 9