2016 KIRIBATI TRIP:

Aerial view of kiribati

PURPOSE: 

In 2016, I partook in a Course at UNSW called ‘The island Innovation Lab’  which focused on researching and learning about the impacts of climate change upon the islands that make up Kiribati.  We learnt about how serious climate change is and how it truly impacts everyday living. As a result of climate change a ripple effect occurs causing problems to health, food, water and waste. I found this course very intriguing while aligning with my interests of culture, community, religion, and adventure. This first hand experience helped developed my understanding of harsh environmental impacts and how to work collaboratively with others to try and make a difference.

Through my blog I hope to share my experience, help raise awareness and promote chance to benefit Kiribati. Having first hand experience gives one the ability to make an impact on others around the world who can then contribute to the political debate and legislate on global warming. 

Houses 

Costal erosion on the island

ISSUES AND CONDITIONS

Kiribati, a low-lying Micronesian Island within the Central Pacific Ocean, is one of the most susceptible countries in world to climate change. The crux of this nation’s issues stem from extensive coastal erosion, which is forcing individuals out of their homes, destructing relied upon natural vegetation/water, such as coconut trees and papaya trees, and, narrowing the countries islands, resulting in intense overcrowding.

Among the Pacific Island nations, Kiribati has the highest proportion of households lacking sustainable access to improved water sources such as piped water, protected wells and rainwater.  Evidently, this climate related issue has an extreme negative impact upon the health of Kiribati’s population, a notion reflected through it’s high number of mortality rates related to avoidable secondary illnesses, such diarrhoeal diseases. Similarly, various health problems in Kiribati can be linked to climate related unsafe food. Kiribati constantly faces chronic food shortages, declining food aid and strains on natural resources. These pressures subsequently create challenges for the population to achieve a nutritionally adequate diet, especially when natural resources used for traditional crop production are being destroyed by natural disasters.

KIRIBATI REFLECTION:

Earlier this year, I travelled with a group of UNSW students to go explore and learn about the harsh impacts of climate change upon the islands of Kiribati. The crystal clear waters paint an image of Kiribati as a a tropical paradise, however despite this painted image it is a nation facing harsh environmental concerns threating the land and the people. It is important to note that this will be the first country to be completely destroyed by climate change. It is estimated it will be totally submerged, due to the rising sea level, by the end of this century. The government has purchased land in Tahiti and has asked for assistance from New Zealand and Australia to help with the inevitable migration. I feel blessed to have visited this beautiful country’s rich cultural, traditional lifestyle and foods. But more than that, the local people made this journey unforgettable.

The Team

I experienced and learned quite a lot about the islands we visited. Discovering new things, new foods, new people was an enriching and enlightening opportunity. I made many memories and meet many different people who truly touched my heart.

At the Airport 

The smile is a powerful tool: it very infectious and is the best disease to catch. By the end of the first day on Kiribati we were all completely infected. I was amazed by how welcoming and non judgmental all the people were. It's so different from Australian culture, and I loved and appreciated the fact that the Kiribati communities were unity and formed one big family. They smiled at you and always greeted you with a warm hearted 'Mauri!'. The boys and girls alike, would sing and hold hands or have their arms around each other despite the heat. They were never afraid of being judged because such a thing doesn't exist over there. It was such an inspiring atmosphere to be in. They're beyond friendly, considerate, generous, passionate, whole hearted and they are united in their love for one another and their culture.

Linked arm = friendship

THE KIDS 

The kids

My favourite experiences and memories were playing with the children. They were so energised and always wanted to be around you. After school we would see them running over towards us wanting to play, which was very heart warming to watch.

 Despite the language barrier they were interested in learning words in English and trying to figure out what we were saying to each other. Each island we went to we brought a few things like skipping ropes, puzzles and games which they absolutely loved. Teaching them skipping games such as ‘teddy bear turn around…’ was a lot of fun and it was a great way to introduce more physical exercise for the children. We also went to visit the primary schools and give the children textbooks, reading books and pencils.  It was rewarding to see them write their names and try to write ours in their books.  I sat in year 1, 2 and 3 class  trying to learn how to count to 10 in their language which was very difficult, however the children were so helpful in trying to teach me. After this they then started to read from the picture books we gave them, it was great to see their reading skills and their engagement with the books. All they want to do was learn, learn, learn.

They loved Snap Chat 

ARCHITECURE

Construction of a roof 

Due to my personal interests and studies of Architecture I have grown a deeper love for culture, communities, travelling and environments and the co-exisiting relationship between them all. It was such a wonderful opportunity to explore a new culture and learn more about how they build and construct their homes. Before travelling to Kiribati I envisioned a place that would benefit from development and infrastructure, thus helping improve their way of life and living standards. However, this was not entirely the case they taught me a lot about using natural resources such as pandas leaves and coconuts to build structures. Even in harsh weather conditions the structures still stand tall and remain dry which was very impressed to see as an architect.

Sea Wall

Australians strive for sustainability through a range of things for example solar panels, however it can be achieved through other natural ways such as using the skin of a coconut for string, pandana leaves for roofs etc. Talking to the locals and understanding more about their way of life I learnt that they don’t want a change it, but improve upon it. Some of the island have seas walls which aren’t completely finished, and the locals believe it does help

protect the soil and their food sources. Therefore, a way to help is provide funding to finish the sea wall or install more water tanks so that their water doesn’t become contaminated.

Inside the Maneaba

Each island had a maneaba, which is a place where the community can gather to have meetings, parties and relax at during the day. Like all the structures on the island the roofs are made with pandana leaves and logs which is then held together by coconut string. The design is very clever as it allows natural ventilation, protection from the rain, and a nice shadowed area during the day. We spent a lot of time under the maneaba for dinner, parties, dancing and even sleeping. One night the locals preformed for us, showcasing their traditional dances which was very entertaining. The maneaba is a way of showing how close the community is binding together in one spot.

ACTIVITIES

The trip was full of different activities such as being greeted and welcomed to the island by spirits, crab and worm hunting, learning traditional dances, weaving, swimming, talking to locals, visiting the schools etc. As you can see the list goes on and on and on. Iam going to explain a few activities in more depth so you are able to gain an understanding of the islands rich culture and the experiences I gained.

Worm hunting:

Nice and early on morning, while the tide was low the group ventured out to go learn how to catch sea worms. We were accompanied by three local woman who were experts at catching them. They showed us the process they used to catch them which looked fairly simple. They put a stick in the sand pile next to the worm’s hole and would started to dig around until something rubbery attached itself. You have one when you feel the worm attach to the stick. After my many attempts I still wasn’t having much success in catching a worm. So the lady gave me a bit more assistance, and not long after I caught my first worm!!!!

Searching for Worms

After collecting lots of worms and gutting them we headed back to start the cooking process. I helped in the making of the coconut cream which was a bit of a physical work out.  I had to shave the coconut using a small tool, which looked like a bike. Once the whole coconut was shaved it was then squeezed and turned into a liquid cream. Finally, the worms were placed in to the coconut and smoked over a fire. Everyone loved the flavor the coconut added to tasty worms!!

Shaving the coconut 

Dancing and Bokati

One our first and last night on each island we were invited to a celebration involving the whole community. They would start off with speeches which were given by the old men on the island welcoming and thanking us for coming to learn about their culture and climate change. We would then respond by standing up and introducing ourselves, telling them about what we studied and our experience so far.  

Community Traditional Dancing 

After dinner we would then watch them preform traditional dances native to the island. They would wear traditional clothing made from natural resources. This was a fantastic experience watching how they collectively form a community while dancing. Each of the islands we visited varied slightly in dance styles and costumes.  For example, on Makin it was very traditional. The Elders would sing songs passed down from generation to generation, this would then be followed by dancing. They were very impressive as they only rely on their voices and bodies to make music. Such as clapping, stomping and singing which was produced great sounds. I loved watching the way their costumes would move with their dancing showing a strong a sense of community and unity.

Traditional Costumes

We then played a dancing game which was called the bicycle dance. We all sat in a circle and one person would start off by holding this stick and create a dance move similar to riding a bike. After that person dances you then pass the stick to someone else. It is all about doing the craziest moves that you can think of and trying to out dance the person before. One memorable experience was when I had the stick and someone from the community came on the stage area to dance with me and then did a back flip. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves which made this experience one I wont forget.

THEIR WAY OF LIFE

I loved being part of their lifestyle for two weeks, embracing a new culture was very engaging. They live such a simple happy life which I believe needs to be more apart of Australian living. They taught me many lessons which I hope to try and uphold in my own life, such as the idea of ‘time’ they don’t have strict time schedules because they know it will be eventually done. Everyone had their jobs and they work collectively to get it done. In Sydney it is very individualized and our sense of community is lacking. Happiness was also a big lesson I learnt over there, being away from the internet and my phone put everything into perspective of what’s really important and that is friends, family, community and sharing. Through all the activities we participated in I was truly happy as I was surrounded by the important things in life. I am so grateful for the time I spent on the islands of Kiribati and can’t wait to revisit one day

School Children