Kiribati Students Boost Their Skills in Seattle

Robert Bertha

Alice Albright visits first cohort of 50 UUTI scholarship recipients from Kiribati.

Over the summer, 50 students from the island nation of Kiribati got an extraordinary opportunity to attend a month-long English immersion and workplace skills and readiness camp at the University of Washington in Seattle. This opportunity of a lifetime was part of the inaugural Uaiakinan ao Uarokoan Toronibwaia I-Kiribati (UUTI), an activity within the $21.9 million MCC-Kiribati Threshold Program, which aims to increase Kiribati worker participation in international labor opportunities.

The camp, run by the Foundation of International Understanding in partnership with the American Councils for International Education, focused on improving students' job prospects by providing intensive language training to enhance English proficiency and skill development. Students were introduced to concepts such as workplace behavior, and information and communications technology training. The UUTI activity - which means "to awaken," - also enhanced I-Kiribati students' work-readiness by building soft skills in leadership, working in teams and introduced students to different cultures. The UUTI activity also offers year-long high school academic scholarships for study in the United States for approximately 10-12 students per academic year for the next 3 years based on the qualifications of applicants.

Livelihoods in Kiribati

In Kiribati-a fragile constellation of atolls in the Pacific-rising sea levels, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events are jeopardizing livelihoods. Labor mobility has therefore become a lifeline for economic survival. The people of Kiribati often seek employment abroad and face a gap in the skills necessary to secure employment. The UUTI scholarship activity bridges the gap by helping I-Kiribati students overcome some of the greatest challenges to securing employment by providing lessons in English and workplace culture and behavior. Over the next four years, about 850 students-60 percent of all high school graduates in Kiribati-will embark on this journey, returning with new skills and broadened horizons, ready and empowered to navigate the labor market.

This activity is new for MCC, but for developing nations like Kiribati, migration is a lifeline for economic opportunity, new skills and ideas that are essential for progress. The World Development Report 2023 frames migration not as a movement, but as a force of nature that propels prosperity by increasing household incomes, improving education, health care access and remittances.

According to Grace Morgan, MCC's Director of the Kiribati Threshold Program, "It's about building bridges between the US and Kiribati and creating lasting impacts on the students, their families, and their communities. We're thrilled to welcome these young people to the United States."

A Life-Changing Experience

The students shared their excitement and how the camp had inspired them. 17-year-old Kaburoro said, "I want to become a lawyer when I grow up. This camp has been a great help to me with leadership skills. It taught me a lot about giving a great speech."

Ntenta, another student, shared her ambition: "My goal is to be the first girl president of Kiribati. There hasn't been a female president, so I want to be the first."

Molly Lynn Westrate

From left to right: Kiribati students Ntenta, Taate, and Esha

Taate, a 15 year-year old from the Kiribati capital of Tawara, noted the camp was an intense immersion into the English language and American culture. "I think [learning English] is important because it's the main language that can be used when you go to any other country. I've learned new words and how to communicate better with people from difference places. I want to share this experience with my friends back home."

Molly Lynn Westrate

Roote, 2024 UUTI scholarship recipient

The American teachers were also very encouraged by the progress students made. "I think they are leaving with many skills they didn't have before," said instructor Judy Tran. "In addition to confidence and an increased repertoire of vocabulary and grammatical structures in English, they have made strides academically, linguistically, and technologically."

"My students are also very fond of their computers," Daniel Humkey, another teacher added. "[In Kiribati] using computers is not an everyday occurrence. Most of their work is handwritten. But now we use PowerPoint every day and [the students] love it! Seeing their skills expand is very exciting."

FIUTS

Students learning new computer skills at University of Washington.

Overcoming Skepticism and Building Confidence

The journey from Kiribati to the United States wasn't without its challenges. Many parents were initially anxious about sending their children halfway across the world to a country they had only seen in movies. Inoke Tenanora recounted his mother's initial reaction to his selection for the program. "[She] was stressed when I told her the news. She didn't want me to go at first, but after some encouragement, she agreed to let me participate," he shared.

Teekoa Iuta, an MCC Consultant based in Kiribati noted, "the transformation in attitude has been incredible. From doubt and fear to excitement and pride. It's been a remarkable journey for everyone involved."

The camp left an indelible mark on the students. One of the students, Inoke shared that "the 'funnest' thing in this program is talking with other people - like the counselors. Talking in English is very fun for me because I can learn and improve my English more. I enjoy exploring new cultures and places because our country is very small." Another student added, "I've always wanted to go to college. Being here made me think differently and now I want to come back here and go to school."

FIUTS

"At first, I was nervous and scared to leave my family, but now I feel more happy because I'm starting to learn to live an independent life, - Tamoo"

A Visit from CEO Albright

A special highlight for all involved was a visit from MCC CEO Alice Albright. She participated in team-building activities, drawing energy and inspiration from the student's enthusiasm and spirit. "Keep pursuing academic opportunities," she encouraged the eager listeners. The students then honored her visit with a serenade of culturally important Kiribati songs, their voices weaving a harmonic tapestry of tradition and gratitude.

Molly Lynn Westrate

MCC CEO Alice Albright joins the students on the University of Washington quad for teambuilding activities.

There's No Place Like Home

As the first cohort concludes this journey, there is great anticipation for their return home. The skills they acquired, the confidence they have built and the dreams they, and the students that follow, will dare to dream will help shape the future of Kiribati. "Thank you MCC and UUTI," was a sentiment echoed by many students and it captures the gratitude and hope this program ignited in these young leaders.

Molly Lynn Westrate

Kaburoro, a 17-year-old student from Tarawa.

MCC's mission of expanding economic opportunities is reflected in the ambitions of our first UUTI alumni class. As these remarkable students return home with bright smiles, enhanced confidence and limitless hopes for the future, they offer the following advice for their classmates interested in expanding their own horizons: "Don't hesitate," Roote Mui Kwai Tong advised. "This program will change your life and you will see things you never imagined. It's an adventure you will enjoy and skills that will make a difference at home."

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