KIRIBATI
Key Facts
Population: 115,372
Capital: Tarawa
Main languages: Gilbertese, English (official)
Main religions: Roman Catholic 58.9%, Kiribati Uniting Church 21.2%, Kiribati Protestant Church 8.4%, Church of Jesus Christ 5.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.1%, Baha'i 2.1%, other 1.7%
Country Information
Geography
Scattered across a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Kiribati consists of 32 atolls and one raised coral island. That's an incredible amount of territory for a small nation, with its land area totalling a mere 811 square kilometres. This vastness is akin to the size of the contiguous United States! Interestingly, Kiribati's islands are flung far and wide, landing them in all four hemispheres.
The three main island groups are the Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands, and Line Islands. The majority of the land sits precariously low, with most areas less than two meters above sea level. This low-lying characteristic makes Kiribati particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. However, there's a giant in the island mix: Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in the Line Islands holds the title of the world's largest coral atoll by land area.
History
The islands of Kiribati, once known as the Gilbert Islands, were settled by Micronesians thousands of years ago. Evidence suggests these seafaring people arrived between 3,000 BCE and 1,300 CE, bringing their language and customs. Around the 14th century, Polynesians from Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji arrived, influencing the islands' culture and political structures. Notably, the islanders adopted a system of rule led by elders, known as a gerontocracy.
European contact came much later, in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers being the first to set eyes on some of Kiribati's islands. However, significant European influence wouldn't occur until the 19th century, when whalers and traders arrived, impacting the islands' way of life.
Culture
Kiribati culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from community, faith, and the rhythm of the sea. Family and communal life are paramount, with gatherings often held in the maneaba, a traditional open-sided meeting house. Here, residents come together for celebrations, feasts known as botaki, and simply socialize. Respect for elders is a cornerstone of society, and hospitality towards guests is warmly displayed.
The influence of the ocean is undeniable in Kiribati's cultural expressions. Traditional dances mimic the movements of frigate birds, and these performances are a cherished art form. Daily life is also deeply connected to the sea, as Kiribati people have relied on its bounty for sustenance for generations. Fishing techniques have been honed over centuries, and the building and racing of canoes remains a popular pastime.
Case Study - St Louis High School
St Louis High School was established by the Marist Brothers in 1984. The school is located on the island of Tarawa - a remote atoll located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is the capital of the Republic of Kiribati. Almost 60,000 people live on Tarawa which represents half the population of Kiribati. The highest elevation on Tarawa is just 3 metres which places it on the front line of the climate change debate and rising sea levels.
With aging infrastructure, rapid degradation of facilities due to environmental conditions, and a growing cohort, St Louis High School requires upgrades. The project has been broken down into two phases. Phase 1 was the construction of two toilet blocks, which are now complete and phase 2 is the construction of the administration building. It’s hoped Phase 2 can commence in late 2023, pending funding.
There are a total of 48 teaching staff at St Louis, without a dedicated administration block - staff are currently spread out across several converted classrooms. A dedicated space for teachers is essential for collaboration and increased teacher capacity. It has been noted that a confidential space is also required for both teacher-to-teacher and teacher-to-student meetings. The new admin building will be located at the school entrance and will be a two-story building to accommodate all staff and provide specialty rooms such as a library and computer lab for both students and staff to utilise.
The current library is shared between junior and senior students. Senior students have reported the resources are not adequate, often having to travel to the public library to obtain the resources they need. The journey is approximately 30 minutes by bus, although the transport system is unreliable. Having to travel out of school grounds is a safety risk. It is important to mitigate this risk by ensuring the students have access to the resources they need to complete their studies at school. An additional computer lab is also required as the current computer lab is shared with staff and students.
