Reflections on their mission to Kiribati by Bridget Kennelly, St James’ School, Jamestown and Rahni Stephens, St Joseph’s School, Peterborough
During our time with the Good Samaritan Sisters at Abaokoro, we enjoyed being part of village life and the daily lives of the Good Samaritan Sisters. A typical day involved taking part in morning prayer led by the Sisters, followed by breakfast. After breakfast, we undertook activities around the centre in our duty groups. This ranged from cleaning the grounds (picking up coconuts, rubbish, pandanus leaves), cleaning the centre (sweeping, cleaning bathrooms and living areas) and preparing for the daily meals.
As the timing of our visit coincided with Independence Day celebrations, we were treated to a wonderfully rich cultural experience during our visit. The Independence Day celebrations were a spectacle of marching by the school groups from neighbouring villages, wrestling (both men’s and women’s), volleyball, a market and a Gospel day. We were involved in fishing for mantis prawns, attended the local market and were taught weaving by the local villagers.
We rode through the village on bikes we borrowed from the Good Sam Sisters. All the community gave us a cheery greeting and we often stopped to play volleyball or speak to the children and their families.
We were privileged to visit a Primary School and a Catholic Boarding School. It was humbling to see their lack of educational resources, but know that our donations would be hugely appreciated.
Due to the heat and the high humidity, we often rested in the heat of the day, spending time swimming in the ocean and reflecting in our journals. It was a time we could speak to each other over a game of cards and for networking with each other.
We gave workshops to the students, the Sisters and the local primary school staff. These included making playdough, teaching Indigenous Education, phonics, reading stories and games.
In the evening, a group was allocated the task of preparing the meal for the group. This was followed by presentations to the Sisters each night of our donated resources and time together afterwards in the Maneaba (meeting house). Here we enjoyed a variety of activities such as dancing, table tennis, hermit crab racing and singing.
We were fortunate to have been able to see and live the reality of Kiribati. We weren’t tourists, we were involved and welcomed into their community.
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
