Diocese of Tarawa and Nauru, Kiribati
The Diocese of Tarawa provides services to over half of the 112, 000 population of Kiribati. This tiny Pacific nation faces many challenges over the coming years.
As rising sea levels reduce the already meagre land area of its coral atolls, the population calling this nation home is steadily increasing. Kiribati’s limited agriculture may also be affected, leading to poor nutrition as the dependence on imported goods increases.
The growing population has lead to increased pollution in their lagoons and reduced the sustainability of its subsistence fishing industry. International fishing interests are also damaging limited fish resources, as well as increasing prostitution among girls desperate to reduce their poverty. The HIV infection rate is increasing steadily as a result.
The Catholic Diocese of Tarawa in Kiribati runs a variety of education, health and social welfare services for the people of Kiribati aimed at reducing the impact of the above problems. As the major religion of the population, it has the capacity to educate, care for and support a great number of people.
Palms Australia received a request from the Bishop of Tarawa & Nauru for an experienced and qualified person to train and assist in the role of a Diocesan Bursar.
Marlene Rasmussen
Marlene, from Toowoomba, will work as a Bursar at the Diocese of Tarawa and Nauru. She will work closely with local staff in sharing financial management skills.
Marlene had previously ran a business of her own, and was deeply involved in her community through various activities. She had also been Treasurer of her community Neighbourhood Watch for the past 15 years and has previously volunteered as a community teacher for 12 years in her local school. She was also President of the District Girl Guides.
Amongst the many wonderful things that referees has said about Marlene are that she is ‘an inspiration to people’ and that she is ‘very caring’ and ‘generous’.
Six months to go
November 25, 2011
I had to work hard, as the Diocesan Office was in a real muddle. I worked as the bursar for the first 18 months, balancing tax, wages, petty cash, provident fund (super), reconciling bank statements, etc. The office staff have been supportive and caring and keen to adopt processes to maintain efficient and effective systems.
I set myself the task of writing projects to improve the bank balance and ultimately the capacity of the diocese to undertake more ambitious development projects. This proved very successful; hence, the Diocese Office will be healthier when I leave in May 2012 and with the training provided there is every hope that this health will be sustained into the future. Thanks must be extended to the many countries of the world who offer such assistance.
I have been rewarded with many social engagements with the church, government, private people and at the Australian, New Zealand and Taiwan High Commissioners’ residences. I have also cherished the opportunity to visit some of the outer islands. Thank God I have had good health and it will be a very sad day when I leave Kiribati in May 2012.
We would like to extend our congratulations to Sisters Margaret Sullivan, Eileen Kennedy and Aileen Crowe on their Order of Australia Medals for services to the people of Kiribati. Many Palms volunteers and returnees have benefitted from their generosity and wisdom over the years.
We would also like to express our sadness the recent passing of Sr Tiura Kaiuea. As previous director of the Catholic Education Office, Sr Tiura was a close friend and colleague of Palms Australia and our many Kiribati volunteers.
Letters from Kiribati
September 20, 2010
God only knows how and why I put my name on the Palms list to become a volunteer. It has been the happiest time of my life and a very rewarding challenge.
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Kiribati: Field Trip Report
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).
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More articles
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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 [...]