Sacred Heart High School, Kiribati
The urban centres of the Republic of Kiribati are found in south Tarawa from Betio to Bonriki. Tarawa, like all the other islands, is a coral atoll and the majority of agriculture is made up of coconut trees, pandanus and breadfruit.
A recent study into Education in Kiribati, commissioned by Palms Australia and carried out by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, identified a lack of confidence in English amongst teachers and students as a major reason for poor results and low numbers of tertiary entrants in Kiribati.
The Catholic Education Office of Kiribati has made requests to Palms Australia to provide experienced English teachers to help in mentoring and assisting local teachers in their schools.
Helena Charlesworth
Helena Charlesworth, from Tasmania, will teach English to Form 5 and 6 students of Sacred Heart High School. She will work closely with local teachers to develop their English and teaching skills.
Helena has previously volunteered through Palms Australia at Vunapope International Primary School, Papua New Guinea and Edmund Rice Sinon School, Tanzania. She has broad skills from classroom teaching, including teaching English as a Second Language, curriculum development and school administration. Palms Australia and Sacred Heart High School believe Helena is very well equipped for the task.
The value of a visit
November 25, 2011
Kernah Foster
The news of the early visit of Christine was a surprise, given she was not expected until July. And a most productive, pleasant and timely visit it was.
Many professional and personal issues were able to be discussed in person with Christine and I think the face-to-face contact helped in finding some solutions. Some issues may not have immediate solutions, but getting food for further thought was great. Christine also briefed us on the newly introduced ‘Strategic Planning’ tool and took us through the process of developing our plans.
Christine also came with a printer for my Pre-University students, who are so deprived by not having the use of a printer. To get assignments printed they have had to leave the college to go to the University, or the nearby shop. It was costly and time wasting. This printer will provide the students with the ability to produce better quality work, and in time a better learning outcome.
So the visit for me was both personally and professionally beneficial. Seeing Christine here was like seeing an old friend. We shared meals and long nights chatting. For me, it was most timely because I was missing all my friends and getting a little home sick again. Now I miss you, Christine, so do come back soon. Thank you for bringing a touch of Australia to me in this wonderful far-away land.
Helena Charlesworth
I’m always excited when I know that Palms is sending someone to visit us in-country. I find it’s like having a family member or very close friend come to visit, for always the visitor is friendly and caring, accepting and encouraging, and very, very understanding of what life is like for us here. By the end of the visit, I feel as if I’ve been thoroughly spoilt! The visit strengthens the bond created by contact during the rest of our time on the field.
On a professional basis, the visit is always worthwhile, for worries, misunderstandings, feelings of frustration or uselessness are ironed out. The visitor can be a go-between between volunteer and employer, or even between volunteers. This smooths many a rough path and is greatly needed at times as well as appreciated.
Once, many years ago, I would have thought the cost of such visits could be used in a more practical way to aid people who are beset by poverty; but since being a Palms volunteer and experiencing the value of such visits, my opinion has
changed and I am most appreciative of the help and encouragement these visitors give.
Helena Charlesworth’s CommUNITY News no. 2
December 14, 2010
I have my favourite spot outside for my early morning cuppa, watching each new day light up. And the moon over the lagoon at night is a sight to behold. At low tide at night I see people out in the shallows with their torches, catching small octopus or digging up shellfish.
Click here to read the full article
Kiribati: Field Trip Report
September 20, 2010
Palms Australia has three volunteers currently working in Kiribati. Theresa Murphy, at St Dominic’s Pre-School/Child-Care Centre ( Sacred Heart Parish, Teaoraereke), Marlene Rasmussen at the Diocese of Tarawa & Nauru office (Teaoraereke), and Helena Charlesworth at Sacred Heart High School (Bikenibeu).
Click here to read the full article
More articles
Write to Helena Charlesworth
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Or call us on (02) 9518 9551 to make a donation by phone. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR WORK!Kiribati
Population: 110,356
Area: 811 sq. km.
Median Age: 20.6
Literacy: 94 %
Languages: I-Kiribati, English
The Republic of Kiribati is an island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean. The country’s 33 atolls are scattered over 3,500,000 square kilometres. The isolation of Kiribati has led to a unique culture, rich in singing and dancing. Family and community are central to this traditional fishing society, but life does not always match [...]