Improving Water and Gardening on Ribono & Nuotaea Islets
Courtesy meeting with Abaiang Mayor Mrs Ua Ariera and Acting Clerk
From left to left: David (ALD), Tiebane (CFK), Nei Ua Ariera (Mayor), Okoro CFK), Raerae (Acting Clerk)
A team from ChildFund, ALD (Agriculture and Livelihood Development), and Green Living recently traveled to the Ribono and Nuotaea islets to help improve water access, promote climate-friendly farming, and fix water systems. The team worked alongside MISE staff and the ALD nursery officer on the islands. The activities went very well, and all of them were completed as planned.
1. Installing Solar Water Distillation Units
The team installed five solar water distillation units on Ribono. These units turn seawater into clean drinking water using solar energy. The installation was finished on time, and the units are now working well, thanks to the hard work of Green Living staff and help from the local community.
2. Gardening Training for Better Farming
To help the islands grow food in a more sustainable way, the team provided gardening training. The training focused on native plants that can be eaten and non-native plants that are strong and can survive in times of changing climate. Over 40 people from each islet joined the training, led by ALD staff. The team also helped set up community nurseries on both islets, where people can grow these plants in the future.
3. Fixing Water Systems
The team worked with MISE staff to repair three water systems on each islet. These systems had not been working well but are now fixed and providing clean water again. The repairs were done by the Outer Island Assistant Infrastructure Technician (OIAIT).
4. Testing Water Quality
The team also tested all households’ drinking water on Ribono and Nuotaea islets using Aquagenx testing kits. These kits test for any signs of E. coli and coliform bacteria in the water.
For this activity, the team aimed to make sure the water was clean and good for the health of the people on the islet.
ChildFund Kiribati wants to say a big thank you to all the partners and people who helped make this project a success. A special thanks goes to the teams from ChildFund, ALD, Green Living, and MISE, as well as the local communities on Ribono and Nuotaea. Your hard work and support made a big difference, and together, we are making these islands safer and more sustainable.
This trip was just one part of our ongoing efforts to help island communities in Kiribati. By working together, we can make sure these communities have what they need to thrive in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on our work!1