Reflections by Josh McKenzie – St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln and Tom Gilligan – St Mary Mackillop School, Wallaroo
After preparing for our journey over many months to an un-familiar destination to a coral attol in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it is safe to say everyone boarded the plane in Adelaide with nervous anticipation of what was to come.
Within minutes of landing in the idyllic destination of Kiribati, all anxieties were put to rest. The smiles and greetings from the locals and Sisters alike immediately made everyone feel a sense of welcome. On our first night, we were treated to an amazing welcome by a group of extremely talented young, local dancers. They dressed in traditional clothing and performed dances that ‘welcomed’ us to their homeland. This was a vibrant and stirring ceremony that gave us an insight into strong ties that the young people of Kiribati have with their land and traditions. The next day, we boarded our ski canoe and headed for our final destination, Abaokoro.
After placing all donated goods in the Early Learning Centre’s Maneaba, we were quickly ushered through a canopy of tropical plants to an idyllic white sandy beach. As we lined up on the beach in the hot equatorial sun with the ocean behind us, the Good Samaritan Sisters performed a Welcome to Country. Using oil, sand, and crowns made from jungle vines the Sisters blessed us, ensuring the ancestors gave us welcome and protection to their historic land. This part of the ceremony was concluded with the Kiribati blessing, Te Mauri (Health), Te Raoi (Peace) ao Te Tabomoa (and Prosperity).
To be able to enter the buildings of the early learning centre, we each had to throw our newly acquired crowns on the roof, this was not as easy as it looked and the Sisters assured us that the crown had to remain on the thatched roof for a lucky visit.
It was beautiful to see how Catholics in Kiribati have merged western Catholic traditions with their strong cultural heritage and background.
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.
