Youth Learning Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
The groundbreaking lead by Tangko and accompanied by President Taneti Mwamwau, KIT Director Jason and a Youth representative.
It was a blast and a wonderful day in April 2024 as we gathered to witness and celebrate the groundbreaking establishment of the new Youth Learning Center Building.
The new Youth Learning Centre building will become part of the KIT (Kiribati Institute of Technology) Betio Campus and will link the youth and community work of ChildFund Kiribati with the outreach and skills development work of KIT.
Honorable Minister from Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Mrs Taabita Amuera Teakai gave her speech during groundbreaking ceremony.
The building was funded by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), New Zealand, in partnership with KIT and the Kiribati Ministry of Employment and Human Resources.
“This relationship has been a strong one since 2017, providing an important second chance for those who left school very early and a pathway to further education at KIT through the Bridging program,” said Honorable Minister Mrs. Taabita Amuera Teakai from the Ministry of Employment and Human Resource.
“The purpose of the building itself is to deliver a culturally relevant facility that meets the need of local youths and enables Child Fund and KIT to deliver high quality youth learning programs,” said Mrs Teakai.
She went on to thank EGIS and Reeves International for employing KIT graduates who were given an opportunity to work for an international company and experience new and innovative building techniques firsthand.
Leading the groundbreaking digging was Tangko, a well-known groundbreaker in Kiribati, accompanied by His Excellency President Taneti Mwamwau, Director Jason of the Kiribati Institute of Technology, and Obeta, a youth representative.
Acting New Zealand High Commissioner Nigel Ewels during the ground breaking ceremony.
The ceremony began with KUC Reverend Tateti Taumwa offering an opening prayer, followed by introductory remarks by Bwatetaake Taatoa, director of the Ministry of Employment and Human Resources.
The program included a keynote speech by Mr. Nigel Ewels, the acting High Commissioner for New Zealand, speeches by Honorable Minister Mrs. Taabita Amuera Teakai from the Ministry of Employment and Human Resources, and a closing statement by Teima.K. Onorio, Country Director of ChildFund Kiribati.
Joining us for the groundbreaking ceremony were His Excellency President Taneti Mwaamwau, Australian High Commissioner Mrs. Karen Pray and First Secretary, Minister from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honorable Dr. Tinte Itinteang, Chinese Embassy representative, Betio elders (Unimwaane and Unaine), Kiribati Institute of Technology Director Mr. Jason and staff, Reeves construction teams, and ChildFund staff.
A special thank you to everyone who helped plan and coordinate this significant day, especially to those who received recognition for their efforts in making the day even more remarkable.
Enjoy some highlights of the Youth Learning Center groundbreaking ceremony
