Saying farewell to an important member of the ChildFund team

Today, ChildFund colleague Rick Steele is leaving ChildFund Kiribati, after nearly four years as Country Director.

After registering the new organisation in January 2017, Rick set about forming the ChildFund Kiribati office. He appointed a bright, energetic and passionate young staff of nine to work with him on the Positive Places project in Betio, with funding from ChildFund New Zealand and the New Zealand Government. 

The project, which is now in its third year, has supported 418 young people within Betio to participate in a Bridging or Business Basics programme at Kiribati Institute of Technology and on ChildFund Building Blocks programme; runs basic numeracy, literacy, sewing and dance classes; and works with 1,700 households to improve drinking water safety, nutrition, fire risk, budgeting and parenting skills. 

As Rick heads off to new adventures, we wish to say “Ko rabwa ao tekeraoi” and “Haere ra,” Rick. Keep advocating for the Kiribati you have grown to know and love so much!