60th celebration in Kiribati
12 September 2011
AVI chose Kiribati to commence our international 60th celebrations as it is the first nation to greet the rising sun at the start of each new day.
On August 17, at the Australian High Commissioner's residence, Kiribati's President Tong was our very special guest, along with AVI’s development partners in Kiribati, AusAID and DFAT representatives, AVI staff and of course the wonderful volunteers from AVI and other international volunteer sending organisations.
In all around 150 people enjoyed an evening of song, dance and celebrations.
At left: President Tong (centre) with Australian and Japanese Volunteers, Kiribati
After literally tackling the high seas to be there President Tong expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work of the general international volunteering community in supporting the development of Kiribati organisations and AVI’s long-term commitment to Kiribati through both the Volunteer Program and the Pacific Technical Assistance Mechanism (PacTAM).
AVI Board member Alison Crook thanked the President for his kind words and spoke about the warm welcome and support AVI has enjoyed throughout its time working with the people of Kiribati.
The AVI volunteers, accompanied by teachers from the Kiribati School for the Disabled, also performed several songs including one very special tune written for the evening, celebrating the contribution of AVI volunteers and the relationships built between the people of Australia and Kiribati.
In the lead up to the event radio interviews and local news reports highlighted both AVI's 60th anniversary celebrations and the fantastic work of all international volunteers in Kiribati.
To learn more about AVI's work in Kiribati
For more details on upcoming 60th events