'Te Katiteuanaaki' Kiribati for Inclusion

Staying connected: skills development in outer islands Staying connected to the population of Kiribati presents a geographical challenge. Made up of 32 low lying atolls and one small island, Kiribati covers a vast oceanic area in the Pacific. Approximately half of the I-Kiribati population is located outside the atoll capital of South Tarawa. The Kiribati Facility through the Kiribati Institute of Technology, works towards creating inclusive education opportunities with the outer islands of Kiribati. These opportunities create employment pathways for I-Kiribati youth and benefit communities. The Certificate I in Bridging course is offered in Abemama, one of the Gilbert Islands, to I-Kiribati youth who did not complete their schooling or who are not currently employed. The first completion of an outer island Bridging course was acknowledged in a graduation ceremony in 2019, with the first female Abemama cohort graduating in 2020. Successful completion of the Bridging course enables graduates to access further education pathways through Kiribati Institute of Technology, as well as contribute their skills training within their communities. The graduation ceremony is an important milestone in signifying these opportunities for outer island young people. Access to education for the youth of the Line and Phoenix region is offered at Kiribati Institute of Technology’s third campus on Kiritimati Island, which opened in 2019. Kiritimati Island is the second most populated island in Kiribati. The campus opened with support from the local Kiritimati Island community, council, and government representatives from the region, and the Government of Kiribati’ Ministry of Employment and Human Resource. Prior to the opening of the new Kiritimati Island Campus, Kiribati Institute of Technology was delivering training by fly-in-fly-out trainers providing customised short courses. The short courses were so well attended, that the need to establish a permanent presence on the island became evident. The campus is now able to offer certificate courses to outer island communities in English, Business, and Accounting. Outer island delegates meet at Kiribati Institute of Technology. Certificate I in Bridging students in the ‘kiakia’ (hut). Kiritimati Island Campus classroom. Certificate I in Bridging students in Abemama. 12