The Tourism Authority of Kiribati joined international volunteer organization Australian Volunteers Program (AVP), Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to celebrate International Volunteers Day on Friday 04 December 2020 at the Dreamers Lodge in Ambo, South Tarawa.
Hosted by AVP, the program was attended by selected organizations across Tarawa that have benefited from international volunteer assistance.
In welcoming guests, AVP Regional Director, David Jones, who connected via zoom from the Solomon Islands, acknowledged and thanked beneficiary organizations, their families and the people of Kiribati for their warmth and generosity in always making their volunteers welcome in Kiribati.
COVID-19 has affected the 3 volunteer organizations ability to assign volunteers in-country, however their commitment to extending valuable technical assistance to local organizations remain intact and they look forward to resuming these once borders reopen.
In thanking the event hosts, TAK CEO Petero Manufolau acknowledged that COVID-19 presents a unique opportunity for volunteer organizations to look at ways to embrace the new normal. To this note, he confirmed that TAK is currently in discussion with AVP to engage an offsite volunteer to assist the organization in areas such digital marketing.
The event concluded with beneficiary organizations sharing their experiences and a sumptuous lunch catered from by the Dreamers Lodge.
