Latest News
(Posted October 23 2008)
Minister for MISA urges I-Kiribati seamen to refrain from alcohol
THE MINISTER for Internal and Social Affairs Development has urged all I-Kiribati seamen working on overseas ships to refrain from taking alcohol while at work at sea and to spend more of their time doing their job as decent seafarers.
The minister’s message comes at a critical time when employment opportunities for I-Kiribati seamen on board foreign sea-going vessels are getting pretty low due to their excessive and violent drinking behavior and the involvement of some in the lucrative but illegal business of drug-smuggling.
Honorable Amberoti Nikora made the appeal when he delivered a strong keynote speech marking the official closing of a workshop on Sustaining I-Kiribati Seafarers Employment Opportunities at the KNYC Mwaneaba in Bairiki, Friday October 10.
He said the workshop, the first of its kind to have been organized and conducted by local authorities, to help find solutions for the seamen’s problem, is a timely undertaking that is in line with government’s policies and should be conducted on a more frequent basis in order to make the seamen fully aware and understand the implication and danger of their actions should they be involved in drug trafficking.
He said his government fully support and share the concern felt by the organizers in organizing and launching such a workshop and congratulated the members of the Kiribati Islands Maritime Support Committee (KIMSC) for their timely support and initiative.
The issue raised and discussed at the workshop, the minister said, is a “critical and important one and one that should be looked into very seriously” in order to make it work and pave the way for increased employment opportunities for our young men and women in future.”
The KIOSU-MISA co-funded five day workshop was organized and conducted as part of a broader framework to develop awareness of the current problem faced by I-Kiribati seafarers and to help educate and remind them of their important role as ambassadors for their country when they go back to work on their ships.
It also called for their collaboration to improve their work performance and conducts and how to control and minimize their drinking habits in order to avoid getting involved in drug-smuggling related offences and other serious crimes.
Workshop facilitators for this important KANGO coordinated program were drawn from different organizations on South Tarawa namely Kiribati Counseling Association (KCA), Alcoholic Awareness and Family Recovery Association (AAFR), AMAK, KANGO, MLHRD, HIV/AIDS Committee, FASO, MTC, FTC, NCL and Police.
It also included a woman victim of the recent drug-smuggling case on board an NCL vessel, and another I-Kiribati resource person living with HIV/AIDS.
At least 35 I-Kiribati seamen who were on holiday in Tarawa, attended the weeklong session which was held at Teuanete Conference Centre in Tebuniia, October 2 – 10.
Capacity Building Workshop for Bar Owners and Hotel Operators
(Posted October 14)
A ONE-DAY capacity building workshop for bar owners and hotel operators on Tarawa was held at Teuanete Mwaneaba, Taborio, South Tarawa on Tuesday October 14 2008.
The purpose of the workshop was to build capacity for bar owners and stakeholders on issues related to HIV/AIDS and STI’s and to discuss strategies to allow information and other prevention materials such as condoms place or distributed from site.
KANGO HIV/AIDS Project Officer Komera Otea says the Secretariat is implementing a project with Ainen Mataawa (formerly known as Korekorea) which aims to train these girls to be effective Peer Educators to their colleagues.
She says their role involves dissemination of accurate information and distribution of condoms.
Komera says that at the end of the day, they will come up with strategies that will contribute to the success of the project.
KIRIBATI TO BENEFIT FROM NEW AUSSIE’S SEASONAL WORKER PROGRAM
(Posted October 10, 2008)
But Pacific Non-Government Organizations have argued that the temporary labour mobility employment scheme should be developed as an element of migration and development assistance policy and not as a trading chip in the proposed negotiations for a regional trade agreement.
THE Australian government has named Kiribati as one of the main beneficiaries in the upcoming seasonal workers program expected to have commenced sometime earlier this year in Australia.
The announcement of a pilot study for a seasonal worker program follows years of lobbying by Pacific island governments and will look initially at employing around 2,500 workers over the next three years to work in horticulture.
But the good news about the new employment scheme, which has been warmly welcomed by three countries initially chosen to benefit from it, namely Kiribati, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea, will have to be evaluated after 18 months to determine whether or not it should be continued and expanded beyond the four countries already earmarked.
The move follows recent criticism by the leader of the coalition parties, Brendan Nelson, who came out in strong opposition against the scheme, claiming that very little was known about the Australian government’s proposal when in fact it has been on the table for sometime.
The Pacific Forum has discussed the issues for years, the benefits of temporary mobility were studied in a 2006 World Bank report, and the report of a 2006 inquiry by the Australian Senate openly noted that the “domestic political considerations” precluded a scheme introduced in the lead up to the 2007 Australian elections.
But despite strong opposition from the coalition parties, many see the seasonal workers program as an important investment opportunity for horticulture farmers as they can guarantee a regular source of labour, in an industry reliant on backpackers and people working cash-in-hand in breach of their tourists and student visas.
Like other Pacific island governments, Kiribati workers are attracted by Australian wage rates and there is much demand for employment opportunities from villagers, who are skilled at farming or fishing, but lack the trade and professional qualifications needed for urban employment or the chance to migrate to Australia and New Zealand.
And according to a recent article written by journalist and researcher Nic Maclellan Pacifi regional governments also recognize that remittances are an increasing element of most Pacific economies in its 2008 Pacific Economic Survey, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) estimates that on current trends, remittances to the Pacific will overtake aid by 2009.
Meanwhile, Pacific non-government organizations have argued that the seasonal worker program in Australia should be developed as an element of migration and development assistance policy, rather than used as a trading chip in the proposed negotiations for a regional free trade agreement.
A recent statement to Forum leaders by regional NGOs, including the Pacific Conferences of Churches (PCC), the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO), the South Pacific and Oceanic Council of Trade Unions (SPOCTU), states that seasonal works schemes should not be used as a bargaining chips in negotiations to create pressure for trade liberalization in the Pacific Island countries.
Its says labour mobility schemes, such as NZ’s pilot Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme (or any similar scheme in Australia), must be completely separated from PACER-Plus negotiations.
(For further reading on the above article please click on Views, Features, Analysis at left on the green column)
WORK ON NORTH TARAWA EDF9 COMMUNITY TOILET BLOCKS BEGINS
Already the EDF9 team have completed initial mission to Group[ 2 islands
(Posted September 19, 2008)
CONSTRUCTION work on Group 1 of the EU-EDF9 funded projects have begun in North Tarawa with appointed contractors assigned to their respective project sites this month to oversee and carry out the initial phase of work with local island communities.
The move followed the recent signing of contracts between the builders and the EDF9 team at KANGO boardroom, September 11.
EDF9 Health Project Support Officer Catherine Crane says the work to be carried out involve the construction of four communities’ toilet blocks that will be built at separate village locations in North Tarawa while monitoring of these projects will commence very shortly.
The officer told Kango News work on other EU-EDF9 funded community health related projects in Kuria, Aranuka, and Abemama will follow as soon as the project work on North Tarawa is completed.
Although there had been some delay in the shipping and transport of the materials and tools required for the projects, it is anticipated that construction work will be completed in time before the next phase of construction work for similar projects commences on other islands in the Southern Gilberts Group.
So far the EDF9 Project team in Tarawa have completed initial missions to Group 2 islands namely Banaba, Arorae, Tamana, Nikunau, Beru, and Onotoa.
87 proposals have been received following these visits and will be forwarded to the Working Group Committee for consideration and approval by the end of September.
Miss Crane says visits to Group 3 islands will also commence this month,
The islands to be visited include Maiana, Nonouti, and Tabiteuea North and South.
“This time four teams, led by EDF9 staff and supported by KANGO TOT staff, will be mobilized at once to visit the islands,”
But the officer pointed out that the method is due to delays encountered earlier in the year with cancelled Air Kiribati flights affecting the workplan schedule.
KIRIBATI NGOS LIKELY TO BENEFIT FROM FJD$4.5 MILLION FUNDING TO PIANGO
"The funds will be used to fulfill the mandate of PIANGO in strengthening the capacity of NGOs in the Pacific," says executive director
NGOs, Non-State Actors, and other Civil Society Organizations in Kiribati are likely to benefit from a FJD$4.5 million funding grants given to PIANGO by the New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) to implement programs in the Pacific region over the next three years.
Another FJD$370,000 was also given to the Suva-based Secretariat by the Australian Overseas Aid Program (AusAID) to finance PIANGO’s activities over the next 12 months.
Executive Director of PIANGO, Bakanebo Tamaroa, says the funds will be used to fulfill the mandate of PIANGO in strengthening the capacity of NGOs in the Pacific and to also implement activities in the PIANGO Strategic Plan of 2006-2010 for which member countries or NLUs are also covered.
According to the Acting NZ High Commissioner to Fiji, Carolin Mcdonald, the Australian fund will contribute to the strengthening of governance at the regional, national and local levels, including through building deeper relationships between governments and wider society.
Australian High Commissioner James Batley says PIANGO is ideally placed to have an impact on the leadership practice of current and emerging leaders in the civil society sector and is pleased to be partnering with the organization through such funding support.
KANGO CONDUCTS TRAINING ON BOARD DEVELOPMENT AND FACILITATION SKILLS
TWO important training workshops were conducted separately during the month of September to develop the skills and understanding of member NGOs/CBOs in Board Development and Management, and Facilitation Skill at BTC boardroom and KANGO boardroom respectively.
The board development workshop (September 9 - 12 2008) on the one hand looked at issues associated with the needs to improve the quality of work output of board members in any organizations, understanding the roles of the board chairs or CEOs, and how to effectively recruit responsible and good board members within an organization.
The four-day workshop also looked at and examined issues surrounding conflict of interest and how to effectively resolve them in a practical and professional manner.
The latter workshop on Facilitation Skills (September 15 - 17) enabled the participants to understand their roles as good facilitators when conducting workshops or village meetings etc, etc.
Participants to the two workshops were selected from different organizations who are current paid members of KANGO.
The two training programs were funded by KANGO under ANZAID core funding assistance.
KANGO WELCOMES HIV/AIDS PREVENTION PROJECT OFFICER
THE STAFF, Management and Board of KANGO welcomes the latest recruit to the workforce of the Secretariat.
She is Ms. Komera Otea, the new HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Project Officer.
Komera has had vast experience in health related and community development projects with FSPK and has also acted in her private capacity as a facilitator for numerous important KANGO in-country training workshops in the past.
The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Kiribati (KANGO) has contributed to the HIV response in the country since 2006 through support from the Pacific Regional HIV Project (PRHP).
KANGO received funding and technical support to facilitate two programs, the Capacity Development Program through the CDO Grant Program and a HIV Community Education Program through the Competitive Grant program.
Both programs have provided an opportunity for KANGO to contribute to the HIV response in Kiribati and also build it”s own capacity as an organization to expand it’s HIV program.
Ms. Otea was selected to the post because she has participated in a Regional Stepping Stones Cluster Training in May 2007 in Fiji, facilitated by PRHP and SPC and has been working with other trained SS facilitators from Kiribati in the implementation of the pilot SS community program in Takoronga, Betio, Tarawa.
Her wide experience, according to KANGO Development Officer Abana Ieremia whom she will reports directly to, will consolidate the Secretariat ‘s workforce in achieving its goals and objectives.
An initial grant of over $35,000 has been received from the Suva-based PRHP to support the project operations for the thrid quarter.
KIRIBATI GOV’T APPROVES RICE SUBSIDY PAYMENT
KIRIBATI Government has recently approved the payment of an immediate subsidy in the amount of 25 cents per kilo for rice grain.
The approval followed the recent public outcry over the rising cost of food supplies from overseas suppliers and this means that public consumers including civil society members will be saving 30 cents a kilo or 15 cents a pound when they buy rice from the store.
An article in the September 15 issue of the weekly government newsletter, RMAT, says the subsidy is applicable only to the recent rice shipment in August and for remaining rice stock only held by wholesalers and retailers throughout the country in sacks only.
The articles says this will be an immediate measure to the current stock of rice as government will be monitoring any further increase in the price of rice for the next shipment in September.
The articles says that with payment of the subsidy, the price of a 40lb bag of rice will be decreased by $4,54, the price of a 20lb bag of Island Sun will decrease by $2.27, and the price of a 20kg bag of Californian medium grain rice will go down by $5.00.
But retailers are asked to liaise with the concerned wholesalers where they buy their stock from for a subsidy on the remaining bags of rice they have on hand.
The article says a new price control order will be issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives to support the subsidy. RMAT
IMPACTS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN KIRIBATI
(Posted August 19 2008)
A FOUR day in-country training course, aimed at building capacity for managers or senior supervisors involved directly in wastewater/water monitoring and other related fieldwork, has ended at the Otintaai Hotel, August 19, with participants gaining more practical understanding on how to select, plan and finance municipal wastewater management systems.
Deputy Secretary for Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development Teborenga Tioti says the training aims to provide participants with analytical tools, substantive information and skills on how to plan and finance appropriate and environmentally sound municipal wastewater management systems
She says the course schedule was based on the earlier completed needs assessment and comprised of 5-day intensive specific training on wastewater management.
She explains day three of the training, which was August 15, was set aside as the stakeholder day, to show how different stakeholder groups may be impacted by the discharge of untreated wastewater.
The course was conducted by SOPAC’s Community Lifeline Programme, in collaboration with the Environment and Conservation Division and wastewater skateholders of Kiribati, the Institute of Applied Sciences, University of the South Pacific (IAS-USP), the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA/UNEP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation – UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education.
Senior officials from KANGO, KCC, FSP, tourism, fisheries and public health divisions attended the four-day training which was officially opened Wednesday August 13 by the Secretary for MELAD, Mr. Tebwee Ietaake.
KANGO SPEARHEADS EFFORTS TO CURB INFLATION
(Posted July 30 2008)
THE ASSOCIATION of Non-Governmental Organizations in Kiribati, KANGO, is spearheading moves to tackle the current crisis of rising fuel and food costs as well as finding alternative sources of energy, using solar, wind power, and coconut oil.
It is also concerned about other social issues emanating from sea-level rise and climate change as well as the increase in youth population and unemployment, executive director of KANGO Roko Timeon says.
She says the move comes as the effects of the global-wide crisis took its toll, by first forcing local bus owners on the capital Tarawa to raise bus fares and then prompting local retail businesses to inflate the cost of basic food commodities such as flour and rice by 10 percent.
And at a recent one-day Civil Society Organization Forum held at Te Itoiningaina Centre, Teaoraereke, July 18, NGO leaders and civil society representatives were made aware of the factors underpinning the causes of these issues and how to effectively curb them.
Roko says the resolutions and recommendations made at the meeting will provide the basis for KANGO’s inputs in the upcoming Civil Society Organisation Forum, scheduled for August 12 – 14 in Auckland, New Zealand.
The executive director says the consultation at Te Itoiningaina Centre generated a lot of useful and important ideas/suggestions that will be raised to the appropriate government ministries and agencies for their views and support.
She says the ideas and suggestions made will be tapped through development project activities of which KANGO has been requested to coordinate and seek funding for.
The Secretariat was also requested to conduct a survey to form the baseline information in the areas of local food production, consumption, prices and references; solar energy uses, its scope and its advantages and disadvantages; youth involvement on income generating activities, and training in local food processing and marketing.
Roko says this is the first time local NGOs, CBOs and Civil Society Organization leaders had met to seriously discuss issues of social, economic and political significant to them and how they may assist in the development of the economy at the national level.
More than 20 heads of NGOs and CBOs from around South Tarawa including Betio and North Tarawa attended the KANGO funded forum. I.Tabureka
KANGO approves $177,000 for 35 outer island projects
Posted July 10, 2008
AT LEAST $177,000.00 worth of building materials and equipment has been approved by KANGO’s EDF9 Working Group Committee to support and fund 35 health-related projects this year for different NGOs and CBOs on the islands of Abemama,Kuria, Aranuka, and North Tarawa.
EDF9 Project Manager Taiaki Irata told Kango News 80 percent of the money has been paid to a procurement agency in Tarawa to purchase materials and equipment needed for the successful implementation of the project from overseas suppliers.
The agency that has been awarded the procurement contract is Mary’s Kool, one of the hardware retail suppliers on the capital island.
Taiaki says the balance of the approved $177,000.00 will be paid out to the contractor as soon as all procured items have been shipped to the four outer islands concerned.
Already, two large shipping containers have arrived in the country with the material and equipment needed and more are expected to arrive in the next few weeks.
Taiaki explains funding approval for the 35 health projects is in line with the EU-EDF9 Outer Island Health Project Grants’ guidelines which the Committee strictly adhered to when considering proposals.
EDF9 Project Manager Taiaki Irata
He says the grants approval bring to a close the first phase of the Project for the four islands concerned. But the Manager explains there are still some work to be done in terms of shipping the procured items to the islands and assist the communities with the construction and installation of project equipments.
Taiaki says this task will be carried out very shortly, starting first with North Tarawa and then to the rest of the islands, depending on the success of the project work on North Tarawa.
Meanwhile, the material and equipment ordered by the procurement agency relates to water hand-pumps, sport equipments, gardening tools, rainwater catchment stands, sanitation and toilet blocks, and several others, the Manager says. I.Tabureka
PIANGO, ideal entity for coordination role in the region, Minister tells PIANGO Board Members
(Posted June 2 2008)
THE MINISTER of Internal and Social Affairs Development has told PIANGO Board Members their meeting in Tarawa is not only important for the work of their Suva-based Secretariat but also for KANGO and its members in Kiribati at large.
Honorable Amberoti Nikora made the statement when he officially delivered an opening remark on behalf the Kiribati government during the official welcome reception in respect of the PIANGO Board Members at the KNYC Mwaneaba in Bairiki, May 22.
He said the PIANGO board meeting in Tarawa is symbolic of the spirit of cooperation between “us, as members of the Pacific family, that will be beneficial to members individually and as a regional or international grouping."
“Many of our NGOs, whether they are on the mountains of Samoa or on a raised island of Niue, are similar in nature in their constitution, in their worries and concerns and even in the issues that face and daunt them every day.”
But the Minister emphasized the fact that PIANGO is an ideal umbrella non-government institution in the Pacific for the coordination work and development of its members and the National Liaison Units in over twenty countries and territories.
He said he has no doubt the PIANGO Board deliberations in Kiribati will result in clear, positive and progressive decisions for further development and advancement of the members.
The Minister said his Ministry is also keen to know the part that they can and must do to assist and support both KANGO and PIANGO today and in the years to come.
He expressed his gratitude to PIANGO for its work in elevating the status, profile and recognition of NGOs nationally, regionally and internationally and to reiterate his government support for the organization.
“Both PIANGO and KANGO have provided useful and essential links between our government and the donor partners and agencies, which he compared them to “bridges that join our countries to our partners and friends all over the world.”
The visiting PIANGO team was led by Chairperson Ms. Adimaimalaga (Samoa) and seven other board members namely Drew Havea (Tonga), Douglas Ngwele (Vanuatu), Sitiveni Turanganaibura (fiji), Madeleina Ayawa (New Caledonia), Ahohiva Levi (Niue), Bakanebo Tamaroa (Executive Director of PIANGO), and Katabwena Tawaka (PIANGO Programme Manager, Information Sharing). I. Tabureka
NGOS ARE INTEGRAL PART OF GOVT’S WORK, SAYS MINISTER
(Posted May 25 2008)
NGOs in Kiribati are an important integral part of government’s work and services to the people. They are also critical development partners of the government and communities.
And in most cases, they are the first and most direct contact with the grass roots people because they draw membership from them and know and understand the real issues behind the people’s need.
At least that was how the Minister of Internal and Social Affairs Development, Hon. Amberoti Nikora, described the role of NGOs and Civil Societies in Kiribati when he officially addressed the gathering of NGO dignitaries at a reception hosted by KANGO to welcome the PIANGO Board Members at the KNYC Mwaneaba, Bairiki, May 22.
He said many NGOs in Kiribati have proven their worth and usefulness through the work they have carried out and performed.
He said NGOs have contributed to and assisted with services to the public and development on the capital island of Tarawa as well as the outer islands.
“I have praise and admiration for many local NGOs which have been very successful in handling sensitive issues and challenges despite constraints and restrictions,” the Minister said.
And one of the good example which he cited on NGOs’ valid involvement was the row between an Old Men Association and some families on one of the islands which involved violence and fatality but was quickly put down when the Churches and Civic Society Groups worked together with the Government to resolve the contentious social issue.
He said KANGO has an important role in nurturing the development of NGOs in the country and “is a close partner of my ministry.”
“We have worked together on several major projects, such as the EU EDF9 and the Pacific Skills Link project, which have been successful and valuable.”
The Minister said some of the major donor partners for Kiribati and other countries in the region, such as the Global Environment Facility, have integrated KANGO into their grant procedures, which he viewed as a major responsible role but he urges that this is carried out properly so that the people of Kiribati do not lose out on assistance from these major world organizations. I.Tabureka
PIANGO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SET FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
NEWLY appointed PIANGO Executive Director Bakanebo Tamaroa has set his focus on the consolidation of the Suva-based Secretariat in relation to the PIANGO Board’s and National Liaison Units’ specific role and responsibilities.
An article in the January-March 2008 edition of PIANGO Link quotes Bakanebo as saying that numerous innovations and initiatives need to be addressed in terms of strengthening and fostering closer relationship between the Secretariat, its Board Members and NLUs.
Bakanebo says he will also implement suggested reviews for PIANGO to “improve the Secretariat’s role in strengthening its members and the NGO sector at large.”
The former head of KANGO, who joined the PIANGO Secretariat as its new Programme Manager- Capacity Building in 2006 prior to being promoted to his current post, says over the years PIANGO has established its image on the regional and international front in voicing the needs of NGOs and NLUs.
The article quotes him as being “very keen” to see that PIANGO staff are accorded the opportunity to share and learn from NLUs by actually visiting at least one or two members countries. I. Tabureka
PIANGO ASSISTS IN STRENGTHENING KANGO’s INFORMATION SHARING SERVICES
THERE IS a need to develop and strengthen KANGO’s specific role in the distribution and dissemination of useful and vital information for its member associations at the national level.
At least that was the view expressed during the consultative meeting between PIANGO’s Programme Manager (Information Sharing) and KANGO’s Information Officer Iaram Tabureka held at the KANGO Boardroom in Bairiki, Tarawa from May 27-28.
The two-day meeting was initially organized by PIANGO as part of a move to develop and gain better understanding of how the two organizations can work effectively together to improve communications and information sharing at the regional level.
The discussion focused on a number of important key issues ranging from explaining and understanding the organizational policies affecting information sharing by the two organizations to such topics as to how to improve publications, newsletters, reports, press releases and websites, and understanding PIANGO’s information sharing methodology.
It also looked at ways of improving KANGO’s Information Resource Centre and how it can be incorporated in a regional e-library.
Katabwena was in Tarawa as part of the PIANGO board members who were here for their quarterly meeting. I.Tabureka
Government supportive of initiatives that will help develop outer islands communities
Posted April 17 2008
THE GOVERNMENT of Anote Tong strongly support and encourages local NGOs to develop initiatives that will assist in the development of their own communities now that the second phase of the European Union funding assistance program, through the EDF9 outer islands health project, gets underway.
And in his opening address which marks the start of a two-day EDF9 project orientation workshop at the Otintaai Hotel, Tuesday April 15, Minister of Internal and Social Affairs Development, Amberoti Nikora, says his ministry fully support this kind of initiative which develops and strengthens the capacity of rural non-state actors to help develop their own communities.
He says NGOs are the strong pillars of outer island councils and the national government which work together to help and support one another.
He explains the purpose and objective of the EDF9 project is to assist develop and improve the livelihood needs and health of outer islands people.
He says this support has been made possible through the strong initiative of the present government to negotiate a package deal with the European Union which sees the subsequent establishment of the KIR-EU outer islands infrastructural development project, and the disbursement of $1.5 million to KANGO for the development and support of small outer islands health projects.
He told the participants the underlying purpose of the EU-funded orientation workshop is to familiarize and prepare them for what is to come and expect when the project finally arrives in their respective islands.
About 40 outer islands council delegates, including social welfare group representatives, from different islands in the Gilberts Group, were amongst those invited to attend this important community development workshop.
They included chief councilors, island council clerks and chairmen of village welfare groups from the islands of Makin, Butaritari, Marakei, Abaiang, Maiana, Nonouti, Tabiteuea North and South, Onotoa, Beru, Nikunau, Tamana and Arorae.
According to the Manager of the EDF9 Project, Taiaki Irata, these are the islands that have not yet been visited by KANGO EDF9 team and there is a need to “inform and educate them about our activities and services in regard to the funding assistance that we can provide to them.”
Previous islands that have been visited and benefited from the project were Kuria, Aranuka, Abemama, and North Tarawa.
The official opening was witnessed by the President of KANGO Mr. Teekabu Tiikai, Executive Director of KANGO Roko Timeon, who also gave a welcoming and introductory statement on behalf of the KANGO Secretariat, and some senior government officials from the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs Development. I.Tabureka
Gender and domestic violence awareness on Makin
Posted April 4 2008
OVER 600 family members including wives and husbands on Makin are now more aware of their rights as individuals to seek court redresses or to resolve their own family problems/differences by themselves over domestic issues as a result of a recent KANGO’s awareness workshop on gender and domestic violence conducted on the island from March 25 – April 1, this year.
Assistant NGO Development Officer Loria Kamauti, who led a three-man team to the island, says the response and feedback received from the workshop participants was overwhelmingly “positive and encouraging” in that spouses are now better informed to handle their domestic problems and exercise their legal rights once they have been abused or mistreated by their partners.
Loria Kamauti (right) and Ann Kautu during their visit to Banaba
Not only that, says Loria, but husbands and wives (especially parents) have expressed their gratitude to have had this kind of workshop because it shed new lights and helps them to understand and curb violence in their own homes.
Loria says that before their arrival on the island spouses, in particular wives, were not aware of their rights under the law to seek redress or assistance from local authorities because of the traditional belief that men were the “bosses” in the homes and that they should not be questioned about their actions whether they are right or wrong.
But this belief, according to Loria, appears to have now been thrown aside as KANGO shed new lights and created awareness about gender issues and domestic violence to the people who have had no idea or any legal understanding about such issues and how to effectively combat them.
Loria explains that married women on the island, more so than men, are now aware of their legal rights and obligations and are ready to defend themselves in a court of law or to resolve their problems with their husbands outside the courts when they have been unfairly treated.
The one week awareness workshop was conducted as part of KANGO’s ongoing program for NGOs/CBOs capacity-building exercise and is the second in a series of awareness trainings to have been launched by KANGO in three years time with funding support from NZAID.
And on the issue of gender awareness, Loria says the participants were taught the skills and knowledge of using or speaking the language of the virtues, how to recognize teachable moments, offer spiritual companioning, honor the spirit, and set clear boundaries.
She says the roles of a parent are like facets of a diamond where in each role, they can call on one of the strategies mentioned above as their primary tool.
“The Language of the Virtues provides a tool to be applied in all the roles a parent can play,” the officer adds.
Accompanying the officer to Makin were two other members of the Kiribati Gender and Domestic Violence Taskforce who also assisted with the workshop presentations. They were Mr. Namakaina Nauoko and Ms Anne Kautu, a legal Rights Training Officer with AMAK.
The Gender and Domestic Violence Taskforce was established in 2005 by KANGO to try to create awareness and understanding of issues associated with gender and domestic violence and to also help minimize the rising number of families breaking up because of such violence at homes.
The Gender and Domestic Taskforce is made up of representatives from various government and independent organisations namely Police, MISA, AMAK, AAFR, KCA, MBM, Kiribati Girl Guides and Kiribati Scouts. I.Tabureka.
Thumbs up for NZAID
Posted 28 March 200
THE KIRIBATI Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (KANGO) continued to receive core funding support from NZAID to cover expenses and cost of its operations.And as the official umbrella organization for the 52 local Kiribati NGOs, KANGO aims to support and empower the local NGO community and to achieve their development goals through their own initiatives, working in partnership with government, donors and other regional bodies.Core funding meets the basic running costs of the organization such as core staff salaries, administration costs and the cost of KANGO’s core activities, newsletter production, holding meetings, workshops and training sessions for KANGO staff and staff from local NGOs, strategic planning sessions and the fees for external consultants who will assist KANGO.
KANGO Board Director urges adoption of PIANGO's teaching methods
THERE IS a need to introduce and maintain PIANGO’s so-called Project Cycle/PIMER teaching methods by KANGO’s staff when conducting local workshops for NGOs and CBOs in Kiribati because it is much more effective and easy to understand, says KANGO Board Director Raion Bataroma.
Raion made the statement in his official report to the Executive Director of KANGO, Roko Timeon, on the eve of his return from Banaba where he accompanied the EDF9 Project team on their 10 days visit to the island to conduct and carry out the Training of Trainers and Needs Assessment workshops as well as the selection of a new Project Liaison Officer for the island.
Raion says the workshop was not only a success in itself but it is a highly commendable undertaking which reflects the EDF9 Project team’s high level of professionalism in organizing and carrying out the training program.
Mr. Raion Bataroma, KANGO board director
Raion says PIANGO’s teaching methods PIMER stands for what he refers to as Planning, Implementation, Evaluation and Reporting.
In all there were more than 60 local representatives from different NGOs, church groups, youth and other members of the community attending the two workshops.
The two workshops were conducted from February 25 – March 1 2008 with funding provided from the European Development Funds under the EDF9 Project funding assistance. I.Tabureka.
Abortion on demand in Kiribati is illegal
A REPORT received by KANGO on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Situation Analysis for Kiribati has stated that abortion on demand in the country is illegal.
But it says that the penal code offer protection for medical officers to perform an abortion to safeguard or save a woman’s life if the woman’s physical health is in danger.
The report says the interpretation of the law surrounding abortion is conservative with a penalty of life imprisonment.
But the legal situation with regards prostitution in the country is not clear and so far there has not been a case to confirm the interpretation of the law.
The report comes in the wake of recent studies undertaken by UNDPF to identify gaps in knowledge and evidence among adolescences with a view to improve these young people’s sexual and reproductive health and therefore be able to formulate and implement appropriate long-term strategies and polices.
Prostitution is a criminal offence in Kiribati and penalties range from fines to imprisonment.
“Procuring sex and managing brothels in order to earn an income from prostitution is illegal while obscene or indecent behavior is banned,” the report says.
But the law does not prohibit sexual harassment, although it sometimes occurred, it generally was not regarded as a major problem. I.Tabureka
Increase in submission of EDF9 funded project proposals
OVER 60 health related project proposals have now been submitted to KANGO’s EDF9 Outer Island Project Office in Bairiki for funding consideration and approval.
EDF9 Project Manager Taiaki Irata said more submissions are anticipated and prioritization may need to be done at the time of grant disbursements around March this year.
The submissions, according to the project manager, followed a series of successfully conducted workshops trainings, awareness raising and training of trainers by the EDF9 project team on the islands of Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, and North Tarawa recently.
Most applications relate to water supply and sanitation, while a lesser number are associated with various activities such as vegetable gardening, and sports activities.
Taiaki provided the above information at the recent meeting of the Advisory Project Steering Committee (APSC) when he gave a presentation on the overall performance of the European funded project held at the ministry of health conference room in Nawerewere, October 30.
He informed the APSC meeting various community-based groups are involved, including women, church, youth, and sports groups
The manager said that whilst the current scheme requires groups to obtain technical certification prior to submission, he admitted that this was sometimes difficult as the level of technical expertise on the islands is limited.
He said grant requests are mostly very small, mostly up to AUD1,000 up to a maximum of around AUD50,000. I.Tabureka
KANGO gets new AVI Health Project Support Officer
KANGO has a new Health Project Support Officer from the Australian Volunteers International.
She is Catherine Crane, a Bachelor in Applied Science (occupational therapy) and certificate holder in International and Community Development from the University of Sydney and the Deakin University in Victoria.
Catherine will work with KANGO’s EU-EDF9 NSA Outer Islands Project for the next 18 months, commencing from January 16.
Catherine had previously worked as a senior occupational therapist at the Royal Prince Afred Hospital in Sydney for three years.
Asked about her first impression of the country she says it is a “tropical paradise and the people are lovely and beautiful.”
She says she is looking forward to working with KANGO and learning more about the Kiribati culture. She says her family are very excited about visiting Kiribati later in the year.
Miss Crane replaces Tiana Fermingham who has left the country at the end of her 2 year contract with KANGO in late November last year. I.Tabureka
Government reaffirms its commitment to freedom of expression in Kiribati
BERETITENTI ANOTE Tong has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to freedom of expression, saying it would vigorously defend and uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual I-Kiribati citizen as guaranteed under the national constitution.
His latest propaganda message comes as he delivered and outlined his government’s 2007-2010 policies which he said is based on the principles of good governance.
The head of state was addressing the Second Meeting of the Ninth Parliament which was attended by newly elected MPs, church leaders, members of the diplomatic corps in Kiribati, and community leaders, in Ambo, South Tarawa Monday December 10, 2007.
He said good governance will continue to underpin the objectives of his newly appointed administration and he will do all he can to “defend and uphold” those democratic rights and freedom as enshrined in the constitution.
The beretitenti said the media in Kiribati plays an important role in informing the public about what is happening in the country and within the government and encourage them to play their part in nation building.
But the 56-year-old politician who holds a masters degree in economics from the London School of Economics strongly pointed out that the freedom enjoyed by the media and the public must be exercise responsibly.
“We cannot exercise those rights without limitation and without due regard to its consequences,” he said.
“To do so would not be conducive to the maintenance of peace and order in society,” he told parliamentarians.
Opposition MPs have however brushed aside the beretitenti’s good governance policy statement as nothing more than a political ploy to win more supporters and it is something that should not be taken seriously, they said.
They told Kango News the beretitenti and members of his political party had made many promises to the people in their first term of office but many of these promises have not been fulfilled.
Said one senior government official soon after the beretitenti had delivered his policy statement: “It is like giving empty promises to young children when in fact these young children know the beretitenti is not telling them the truth and will not fulfill his promises.” I. Tabureka
I-Kiribati national takes on directorship post at PIANGO
THE ASSOCIATION of Non Governmental Organizations, PIANGO, has a new executive director.
He is Bakanebo Tamaroa, PIANGO Programme Manager for Capacity Building and former Coordinator of Kiribati Association of Non Governmental Organisations (KANGO).
Mr. Tamaroa took up the position of ED January 25, 2008. The Secretariat was without an Executive Director since December last year after the previous ED Cema Bolabola completed her contract of three years.
Drew Havea, PIANGO Board deputy chair, said that it was a significant day for PIANGO as the Board fully supported the new ED in taking the Secretariat forward.
“From the Board’s perspective, we are confident that Bakanebo with his experience can bring about NLU members to participate and move forward PIANGO’s vision and mission. Bakanebo stood out in both exercises of the interview, where management skills, understanding of national NLUs and their issues, working with donors and other partners, internal workings of the Secretariat and leadership styles made him the best candidate”.
The panel for the selection included a PIANGO Board member, a PIANGO Fiji NLU Board representative, a PIANGO consultant and a representative from NZAID. Mr. Tamaroa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Management & Public Administration and Educational Administration in 2001 at USP. He has also gained training in MYOB Accounting Software, and International program for Development Evaluation Training.
He has worked with the Peace Corps Volunteers from 2000 to 2001 as a Language and Cultural Instructor before joining the Kiribati Technical Institute as a Management Trainer, training private and NGO workers on communication and management skills. Bakanebo Tamaroa tremendously contributed to the Graduate Diploma Programme (GDP), a course for NGO coordinators managed by PIANGO in collaboration with Unitec of New Zealand.
He was a school teacher by profession with vast knowledge of NGOs and their development needs before joining PIANGO as its Capacity Building Programme Manager. PIANGO Link
Government pledges to assist outer island communities improve income earning activities
GOVERNMENT has given its words to work more closely with people in the outer island communities to improve current income earning activities and identify new opportunities for them on income earning.
Beretitenti Anote Tong made the pledge as he announced his government’s four year policy plan on rural development which he said will be firmly grounded in the further enhancement of equitable distribution of development benefits to the people of Kiribati. He said over 50 percent of the total population of Kiribati resides outside the main island of South Tarawa and Betio.
“The residents of these islands face acute difficulties in meeting their needs and obligations where the cash economy is becoming increasingly prevalent,” he said.
Anote explained that it is the responsibility of his government to provide on-going development programs and explore new initiatives to address the needs of this sector of our population.
The development of the outer islands is a key element of his government’s objectives, he said.
“Our people residing in the outer islands should also benefit from the developments taking place in our nation.”
Beretitenti Anote Tong was addressing parliamentarians and a group of high ranking government officials and members of the diplomatic corps during the Second Meeting of the Ninth Parliament in Ambo, Monday December 10, 2007. I.Tabureka
Increased incidence of family breakup in Kiribati
THERE IS an increasing incidence of families breaking up in Kiribati.
And according to recent reports published by the UNFPA Office for the Pacific based in Suva, Fiji, there is increasing occurrences of domestic violence and disagreements over child maintenance.
The reports say that traditionally, brothers have looked after their sisters if they have been abandoned by their husbands.
But now women are increasingly turning to welfare agencies and NGOs as this support is weakening.
These changes are even felt in villages in the outer islands as men migrate to South Tarawa looking for work, sometimes abandoning their wives, the reports say.
Alcohol is often an aggravating factor for domestic violence and increasingly there is an expectation among women, government and church leaders in society and the police, that the situation must change now. I.Tabureka
KANGO board director attends consultation workshop on Safeguard Policy in Sydney
THE KIRIBATI ASSOCIATION of Non-governmental organizations (KANGO) is sending a representative to a one-day Pacific Consultation for ADB’s Safeguard Policy Update workshop (SPU) to be held at the Swissotel, Sydney from January 30-31, 2008.
The representative is Timau Tira, a current board member with the KANGO Executive Board.
Executive Director of KANGO Roko Timeon says the consultation workshop will involve group work sessions to enable focused discussion on major features of the Safeguard Policy Statement.
Roko says this is the first time a representative from a non-government organization has been invited to such a consultation and it is expected Mr. Tira will focus his presentation at the meeting on the role of indigenous peoples. I.Tabureka
Previous News
KANGO members assist in reducing coastal threats vulnerability
COMMUNITY groups on South Tarawa and Betio, which included members of the Kiribati Association of Non-Government Organizations, KANGO, were among 26 other government ministries and organizations invited to a workshop on coastline protection held at the Otintaai Hotel from March 12-13, 2007.
Called “Caring for our coastlines; Protecting lives and Livelihoods in Kiribati,” the workshop looked at issues affecting coastal vulnerability in the country and what can be done to mitigate their threats.
Member of KANGO Executive Board of Directors, Aako Ritema Betaia, who represented the mother NGO in the two-day discussion, says the aim of the workshop, which was funded by SOPAC and the European Union, is to help improve planning and management of the country’s fragile coastal areas, especially those of the main islands of South Tarawa and Betio.
She says the discussions were centered on the development of integrated planning and management in three key focal areas namely hazard mitigation and risk assessment, aggregates for construction, and water resources supply and sanitation.
Aako says the discussions were interactive, providing a two-way communication between the workshop presenters and participants and provided a forum of greater understanding for NGO on how to deal with coastal threat issues.
The KANGO board director explains some of the key issues raised and discussed at the workshop included the dangers of removing material and sand from the beaches and how this will contribute to long term coastal erosion on the islands.
The workshop also looked at the prospect of setting up a lagoon dredging company which may resolve the problem of beach sand mining and shoreline erosion, and carried out cost-benefits analysis of lagoon dredging.
The workshop was conducted by the Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) based in Fiji in close collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development (MFMRD). I.Tabureka
Paper examines human rights issues in Pacific
THE SECRETARY General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Greg Urwin, has urged Pacific leaders to make use of the paper Pathways for Pacific States as an important guide for how the recognition of international human rights conventions served to improve governance.
He said the paper is a tool that will help Pacific states “achieve the goals of sustainability, quality governance and the observance of human rights as outlined in the vision of the Pacific Plan endorsed in 2005.”
The paper found that the Pacific region faces significant human rights issues which included discrimination, protection and equal treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS, violence against women and children and how substandard housing and water supply threatened the right to health.
Mr. Urwin explained that at the same time the effectiveness of existing human rights mechanisms was hampered by a lack of funding and coordination, communication problems and the need for more awareness of international human rights standards.
But New Zealand Human Rights Commissioner, Joy Liddicoat, said there are already national human rights institutions in the region that meet international standards.
She said there is a good foundation to build on and to ensure that organizations reflect the traditional strengths of Pacific cultures.
She said these included the importance of family, a cooperative approach to economic and social activitiy and the resilience gained from living in small populations spread over vast distances.
The Pathways for Pacific States was published by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat with the assistance of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, based on visits to Tuvalu, Niue and Samoa recently.
How big is corruption in the Pacific
THE QUESTION of how big corruption is in the Pacific was a major point of discussion at the recent half-day roundtable meeting in Suva by representatives of the UNDP Pacific Centre, EU, AusAID, ADB, USP, NGOs from the region, and UN agencies.
A paper presented by UNDP Pacific Centre official Manu Barcham discussed the findings and recom
mendations contained in the draft report with the final report to be released before the end of the year.
The findings and recommendations focused attention on the preliminary report on corruption in the Pacific region.
Mr. Barcham told the meeting the definition used by Transparency International, defines corruption as the misuse of entrusted power for private gain
But the officer pointed out that UNDP is concerned that corruption directly impacts on human development and in the Pacific there is a lack of understanding about the extent of corruption in the region and that further more corruption is contextual.
The draft report identified linkages between corruption and foreign investment and sometimes foreign aid.
It also called for better practices in foreign aid and its monitoring.
It says trends in corruption were directly linked to the use of resources in the country.
But in Melanesia, the report explains, corruption was linked to the extraction of natural resources as in mining and timber industry.
In Polynesia and Micronesia corruption was seen in the use of fisheries resources.
Executives warn against imprest outstanding
THE KIRIBATI Association of Non-Government Organizations Executive Committee has issued a strong reminder to staff members of the Secretariat, who traveled abroad on official business, to retire as soon as possible any outstanding imprest that they may have taken out for their travel expenses in the past.
And it warns that those who do not comply with this directive will not be issued with any further imprest when traveling abroad on official business and may face disciplinary action or likely dismissal as a result.
The warning comes following an independent auditor’s report findings on KANGO’s 2006 financial accounts which reveal that a substantial amount of cash imprest was advanced to certain staff members of the Secretariat prior to taking overseas trips for business have not been retired.
There were also other issues of discrepancies and irregularities discovered by the independent auditor but the auditor, Kab Beriki and Associates, has advised the committee through management to write to each staff concerned with the view to collecting the proceeds of the un-retired money.
He also advised the committee to exercise more stringent control over imprest’s entitlements and payments.
He pointed out that the reliability of the accounting records is directly related to the effectiveness of the organization’s internal controls.
“Strong internal controls enhance the accuracy and reliability of financial records,” says managing director of the firm Mr. Kabunare Beriki to the committee.
Mr. Beriki says there are several basic principles which must be followed if sound internal control is to be achieved and these includes separation of duties, competent personal, proper procedures for authorization, adequate documents and records, and independent checks on performance.
KANGO Executive Chairman Karawe Teroroko told Kango News the details of the auditor’s findings will be disclosed to KANGO members as this part of good governance, accountability and transparency in a democratic workplace like KANGO.
But he pointed out that members have the rights to put forward questions on this issue at their next Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 29 at the KNYC Mwaneaba. I.Tabureka
A case for change: Domestic issues in Kiribati
A NATIONAL report on the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme in Kiribati has been completed by the PPDVP baseline research team which visited the country in June 2007.
The report list the data presently available on domestic violence and related issues, perceptions of the extent and nature of domestic violence and people’s reponses to this including public and media debate.
PPDVP research officer Dr. Denise Lievode, who visited Kiribati in March this year, says the focus of the first section of the report is on police understandings and responses to domestic violence and the second is on government, NGO and community understandings and responses.
But a major finding was that despite the fact that Kiribati had made a national-level commitment to address domestic violence, there is still a lot to be done to raise community understanding that domestic violence is not acceptable behavior.
The report noted that a small group of police on Tarawa and a small but growing number of community members are starting to look at domestic violence acts within the context of human rights framework.
Dr. Lievode says the stance was supported through national networks like KANGO, and AMAK with regional organizations such as the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) and the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) programme.
Dr. Lievode pointed out that they were often challenged by the level of gender-based violence and apparent social acceptance of this.
“But this feeling has been well outweighed by the rewards of raising these issues for discussion and contributing to such a worthwhile and groundbreaking project,” the doctor adds. I. Tabureka
Kiribati, safer place to live
THERE IS a need to promote Kiribati as a safer place to live in the wake of increasing domestic problems associated with road traffic accidents, HIV/AIDS, family violence, gender and children issues among many others.
And it is for this reason that the national government, through the Kiribati Police Service, set up a steering committee comprising of selected representatives from different NGOs and other public sector organizations to oversee this problem.
Their task is to create awareness and understanding by members of the public of the impending problems associated with those issues and how to effectively combat them.
And on Wednesday August 15 the committee launched a two-day roadshow program featuring live talks and presentations by members of the committee to members of the public on those common issues at selected locations starting from Betio to Buota village in North Tarawa.
KANGO Assistant NGO Development and Project Officer Lolia Kamauti, who is also on the committee, told Kango News the live presentation covered a wide range of social and health issues which were presented by resource persons from the Police Service (Traffic and FASO), AHD, MEYS, HIV/AIDS Task Force, Unicef, KANGO, Ministry of Health, AMAK, and FSPK.
But the major highlight of the two day PRP (AusAID) funded show, according to some spectators in Bikenibeu who watched the performance, was the presentation made in person by Mr. Buraaua Itimwemwe, the first brave I-Kiribati HIV/AIDS positive who openly declared his infection status to the press and the nation in 2004.
Many have heard or read in the local newspaper about Burauaa’s ordeal when he first contracted the disease but have never met or seen him in person.
“We were amazed at the courage and sincerity of this young gentleman to come forward and talked about his own personal ordeal and sufferings from HIV/AIDS but he did manage to convince us of the dangers and adverse impact of the pandemic on society if you know nothing about it before,” says Biromina Bakeeua, a Bikenibeu woman who is married to a seaman working on SPMS ship in Germany.
“He was the focal point of interest for most people who came to watch the show and he actually boosted and improve the group’s presentation and performance with his presence.
“Indeed the show was a success in terms of creating awareness and understanding of the specific issues raised and discussed by resource persons involved,” says a Buota man who also watched the show when the group performed in his village.
“My only advise and suggestion however is that it would have been more effective if the road show is organized and conducted on a more regular basis, say every three months so as to refresh people's memories,” says the gentlemen.
“People tend to forget easily what they hear and see today so they need to be reminded,” he advises.
KANGO premiers “Love Patrol” video film on Tarawa
ABOUT 100 invited guests turned up at the Otintai Hotel, Friday evening September 3, 2007 to attend the Kiribati premier of “Love Patrol,” a production from Wan Smolbag Theatre.
“Love Patrol” is a mini TV Series for the Pacific that also aims to look at the causes for the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region.
Co-hosted jointly by the Pacific Regional HIV/AIDS Project (PRHP) based in Suva, Fiji and KANGO, the Association of Non-Government Organisations in Kiribati which is also supported by PRHP in its programme to combat the spread of the pandemic in Kiribati, the premiership was witnessed by MPs, senior government officals and other important guests and was later followed by a cocktail party involving cheese and wine. I. Tabureka
......more to come.
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