Ten retired teachers from Fiji are expected to be in Kiribati by the end of next month as volunteers who will be representing Fiji in various schools on the island.

This has been made possible through a Memorandum of Agreement between the governments of Kiribati and Fiji.

The MoA on the Fiji Volunteer Service Scheme was signed between Fiji’s Roving Ambassador and High Commissioner to Pacific Island Countries and Territories Ratu Tui Cavuilati and Kiribati High Commissioner to Fiji Reteta Rimon.

Ministry for Employment Permanent Secretary Salaseini Daunabuna said this was the first time a Memorandum of Agreement between the two governments was drawn up.

Ms Daunabuna said the retired teachers were sent to the Pacific region to share the wealth of skills and knowledge of their experience with Pacific Island neighbours.

“We have had other arrangements with other Pacific Island countries and this would further strengthen the bridge between the communities,” she said.

She said there had been some other initiatives that had been looked into and did not only involve retired teachers but also curriculum developers.

“We recently sent to Tuvalu some retired nurses and this showed that opportunities are made and is a stepping stone for the two countries,” she said.

Ms Daunabuna said the volunteers were encouraged to be the best ambassadors and they would utilise a lot of experience they had accumulated over their years of teaching.

“10 volunteers should be in the country by next month, we hope to expand in any other profession that maybe required in Kiribati,” she said.

Ms Rimon acknowledged the Fijian Government for expanding their co-operation to the country.

“This a unique opportunity in expanding in an area that is very important to Kiribati teachers and we know it has taken some time in agreeing to this so this is another stepping stone to strengthening not just the bond but friendship with the people of Fiji who would be working and serving in our schools,” she said.

Ms Rimon also emotionally acknowledged the support of the Fijian Government towards the Kiribati community for the loss of lives on board the Kiribati ferry MV Butiraoi last month.

“We acknowledge with much gratitude and appreciation the expressions of support extended to my government during a very difficult time in Kiribati, the sinking of the motor vessel,” he said.

“The death of more 80 people who perished is a lot for an island of 2000 population.

“We are heartened by the out pouring support and solidarity from the Prime Minister and the Ministers and people of Fiji.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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