47 women representing 12 women’s organisations affiliated with Aia Mwaea Ainen Kiribati (AMAK) in Tarawa received traditional Kiribati handicraft training as part of TAK’s 2020 World Tourism Day celebration on Thursday 24 September at the Tenimanraoi Maneaba in Betio.
The Tourism Authority of Kiribati recognizes that the unique I-Kiribati culture, heritage, and identity is upheld through traditional and authentic handicraft knowledge which have been passed down over many generations. Culture plays an important role in the Kiribati visitor experience and arts such as handicraft offer travellers an insight into life in Kiribati.
The one-day training workshop introduced the participants to the art of producing traditional shell necklace, shell turtle ornaments, shell jewellery, pandanus necktie and finely crafted shell fruit bowls.
To encourage the continuity and sustainability of their newly acquired skills, TAK will work with these women to supply traditional handicraft at the Bonriki International Airport Handicraft and Visitor Information center.
The training also included presentations from the Head of Biosecurity from the Agriculture and Livestock Division, MELAD and the Director of Trade, MCIC. Their presentations were based on biosecurity criteria as well as the importance of quality and pricing of handicrafts for tourism purposes.
