'Te Katiteuanaaki' Kiribati for Inclusion

The Bridging course: unique education in the Pacific The Bridging community in Bonriki In 2018, Kaotan Teatau heard about the Bridging course during one of the community consultations with the police in the Bonriki village, which talked about how to engage the youth, reduce anti-social behaviour and increase employment outcomes. “I wanted to sign up for the Bridging course for I knew education is the answer to my problem. I am a father of two kids and I have no means to support the daily needs of my family. At times, as a young father I would worry about what my family will eat the next day. I enrolled for the course and wished to be lucky enough to secure my place as a student, which I did.” Kaotan started the Bridging course in August 2019 at Bonriki and finished in June 2020. From there, he went on to study the Certificate II in Construction at Kiribati Institute of Technology. Many Bridging graduates continue onto further skills training at Kiribati Institute of Technology and/or return to their communities with skills they can contribute. “I learnt basic skills in construction. I can fix things around the house and make things needed for the family such as making cupboards, chairs, and connect solar panels to resident’s homes. I have time to help my elder daughter with her homework, and we have time to study together. More importantly, I learnt to be more responsible for the family, and occupied my time to study so hard to gain my Certificate II in Construction this year, so I can get a good job in order to satisfy the basic needs for my wife and children.” Second chances to return to study are a rare opportunity in Kiribati. The Bridging course has been recognised for its unique contribution to education in the Pacific. Representatives from Kiribati Institute of Technology’s Bridging course attended the inaugural Pacific Skills Summit in Fiji in 2019. They presented at the ‘Innovation Spotlight’ session to share information about the delivery outcomes and lessons learned. About the Bridging course The Bridging course is a partnership between Kiribati Institute of Technology and ChildFund Kiribati, that provides an education pathway for early school leavers and youth without employment. Students complete a Certificate I in Bridging over a 12-month period, delivered by Kiribati Institute of Technology with support from ChildFund Kiribati Youth Workers. The Bridging course has been delivered ongoing since 2017 and has been delivered to communities in Betio, Bonriki and Abemama. From 2020 the Certificate I in Bridging is accredited under the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme of the Pacific Community. The course is quality assured through the Pacific Qualifications Framework. This provides students with the opportunity to gain a qualification, which is recognised both locally and regionally. The objectives of the Bridging course are: • To improve the employability and language skills of I-Kiribati youth so they can secure employment. • To enhance the opportunities for ongoing learning for disengaged young people. Abemama Bridging course students. 2