Handwashing stations and hygiene kits protect against COVID-19 in Kiribati, and build skills

Above: Bwaraam, 30, a graduate of the Kiribati Institute of Technology, is part of the youth-led team from ChildFund Kiribati installing new hand washing stations in Betio, Tarawa. Photo: ChildFund Kiribati

While Kiribati has so far remained COVID-19 free, the community is still making efforts to prepare should the pandemic reach its shores. With islands scattered over a vast area of the Pacific Ocean and limited access to health services, increasing community access to hygiene facilities and supplies is an important step to keep the people of Kiribati healthy.

In the Betio area of South Tarawa, the country’s capital, Australian Humanitarian Partnership NGOs have been supporting the construction of handwashing stations and distributing hygiene kits through the COVID-19 response.

While this work has benefits for health and safety, it also provides opportunities to young people looking to use their skills to support their community.

Bwaraam is 30 years old and has been working with ChildFund Kiribati to install the handwashing stations. He recently gained a certificate in construction from Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT), however his path to tertiary education was not straightforward. Before completing his final year of school, Bwaraam went to work for six years on his uncle’s passenger ship. But when he heard on the radio that KIT offered courses to finish school, he jumped at the chance.

After he graduated, Bwaraam learnt about the opportunity to work with ChildFund Kiribati. With his certificate, he knew he had the skills required to construct and install handwashing stations.

Bwaraam recalls that he was very excited about this opportunity because, not only did he get to use his technical skills, he also had the opportunity to work as a mentor with three graduating KIT students.

“Teaming up with these three incredible young men was so much fun and educational, not just for them but for me as well,” Bwaraam said.

Bwaraam and his team completed the construction of 16 handwashing stations within three months. They then installed them at 15 maneabas (traditional meeting places). One was also installed at Te Toa Matoa, Kiribati’s national disabled persons organisation.

“It was a long process, making new adjustments and changing strategies, but in the end, it was all worth it and rewarding to see them being installed and getting a lot of compliments from the communities and the people of Betio. I am also very proud to be able to do something useful for the disabled community,” he said.

“I would like to thank KIT and ChildFund for the opportunity this project has given me, it has had a great impact on me and helped me to reach my goals. I also would like to encourage my fellow youths; we can do anything if we set our minds to it and it is never too late to try.”

In addition to the handwashing stations, ChildFund Kiribati distributed hygiene kits to every household in Betio, some 2200 homes.

Above: Teburenga, 29, her family of five were one of 2200 households in Betio that received assistance under the AHP Kiribati COVID-19 response. Photo: ChildFund Kiribati

Teburenga’s family was one of the households to receive a hygiene kit, which included a homemade mask, hand sanitizer, soap, and an information pamphlet about COVID-19.  

Teburenga and her husband Karanteiti are both 29 years old and not currently working. They have three children, aged between two and nine.

“When one of my children is sick, I feel so weak inside. So, at this time, I always try to do my part as their mother, reminding them to be hygienic, and especially to always remember to wash their hands,” Teburenga said.

When the ChildFund Kiribati team visited their home, Teburenga agreed that she would save the hygiene kit to be used if COVID-19 enters the community. Teburenga said she would also collect more supplies to protect herself and her family against the virus.

The visit and the hygiene kit brought her joy because she gained important information on how to maintain her family’s health and wellbeing, Teburenga said.

ChildFund Kiribati is the local implementing partner of Plan International Australia under the Australian Humanitarian Partnership’s COVID-19 response in Kiribati. In partnership with ChildFund New Zealand, Plan International Australia leads one of three projects in Kiribati as part of the response, which is funded by the Australian Government. The Plan International – ChildFund partnership is an example of a youth-led initiative helping communities improve their hygiene practices and understanding of COVID-19.