We talk to Dennis Uba from ChildFund New Zealand about his recent trip to Kiribati to review the implementation of critical water and nutrition projects and plan the next phase of projets to support children and young people. He enjoyed a week of learning and insights with the Kiribati team, along with lots of laughter too.
What are the most significant challenges communities face in Kiribati?
Kiribati is composed of close to three dozen atolls, many of which are low-lying, making the country at risk of inundation due to climate change-induced rising sea levels. While it has rich marine resources, there’s very little source of income making it poor and dependent on foreign aid.
There’s limited access to employment and essential services, including clean water, impacting on the health of the population particularly children. Kiribati has a very high mortality rate for children under 5-years old, more than double the average rate in the Pacific and more than five times the rate of New Zealand.
What projects has ChildFund implemented or are working on to address these challenges?
ChildFund New Zealand is implementing a climate change adaptation project in the outer islands of Kiribati to provide clean water and healthy food. Solar water distillation units are installed in the outer islands while also enabling the community to improve their home gardens using drought and saline water-tolerant crops.
In the capital South Tarawa, particularly in Betio which is one of most densely populated areas in the world, ChildFund is leading a nutrition campaign that seeks to promote a healthy start to infants under one year old by enabling new mothers to learn about better nutrition approaches for their children.
What was a highlight from spending time with the team and communities?
Our colleagues at ChildFund Kiribati are very passionate and full of joy!
They are closely connected to the communities we support and therefore have a deep understanding of the challenges they face and are fully committed to improve the lives of the people. They have varied talents and skills which allow them to effectively address the multi-faceted issues confronting the country.
Can you share a moment from your trip that has stuck with you?
During my visit, I joined ChildFund Kiribati staff as they met with local organizations, government agencies, and churches. I was struck by how these organizations all valued the work that ChildFund Kiribati is undertaking. They believe that what we do matters, and that our outreach to communities is transforming lives.
Out of school youth are given a second chance with life skills training, adults learn positive parenting approaches to give children a more secure future, and children are able to drink clean water that allows them to avoid sickness and go to school more regularly. The work of ChildFund in Kiribati really is making a difference.
Learn more about ChildFund New Zealand’s child-focused development programs in the Pacific.