In recognition of the first anniversary of our project in Kiribati, MAMA’s partner, the Kiribati women’s centre Aia Maea Ainen Kiribati (AMAK), organised a Library Day for over 300 pre-school and primary school students, parents, teachers and friends at their centre in Bikenibeu village.

The theme for the day “reading is knowledge” is a key part of AMAK’s initiative to promote reading to children and to commemorate the library’s one year anniversary.

Pre-School children from Buota village presenting their rhyme relating to the library day theme “reading is knowledge”.

The library and resource centre was funded by MAMA and is supported by the Australian High Commission in partnership with AMAK.

The library was opened in 2013 to help improve the access to books for the many mothers and children in the area. The library includes children’s books, toys, sports equipment and quality furniture.

At the first anniversary event, fun activities were organised for the kids including rhymes and actions relating to the library’s theme “reading is knowledge”.

As part of the fun, children form words with letters

The Australian High Commission thanked AMAK for its excellent initiative and efforts towards building stronger relationships with children from across the island. Australia also acknowledged the outstanding job AMAK has done taking care of the library.

“Congratulations to all who have played a part in getting this library to where it is today. I am sure the new Governor-General will be very pleased to learn that the library is providing young children with a safe place to enjoy reading books and a useful venue for students of the Bikenibeu area”

“As parents, teachers and communities, we all have the responsibility to make sure our teachers have resources to provide our children with the best tools for learning so that they are able to complete their education and then, one day contribute to the successful development of Kiribati”

The AMAK Resource Centre is a dedicated reading room and is open to all. This facility is placed within AMAK because it is seen as a place of respite for the mothers, where they can speak to other women in a secure environment while their children are entertained with educational resources.