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Sometimes travel involves alternative routes, as Gerda Pentinga, currently volunteering in Kiribati found when she went for a weekend away in Tabuki. Read Gerda's blog.
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Country focus
Kiribati
VSA's association with Kiribati (pronounced ‘kee-ree-bus’), dates back to 1967 when the first of 34 volunteers took up an assignment there. The Republic of Kiribati, formerly the Gilbert Islands, is located in Micronesia and made up of 32 atolls and one raised coral island: Kiritimati (Christmas) Island. Kiribati has just over 100,000 inhabitants, most living in densely populated areas. An estimated one-quarter of the population live in the capital, South Tarawa, on the atoll of Tarawa.
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The Sisters of Nazareth, the powerful women behind the Nazareth Rehabilitation Programme,one of VSA's partners working to End Violence against Women in Bougainville.
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Issue focus
Ending violence against women
November 25th was the International Day to End Violence against Women. Events took place around the world:
Watch a short film about VSA's work with women in the wider Pacific. Or read about some of VSA's work to help End Violence against Women:
- Liz Hicks is working alongside the Sisters of Nazareth (pictured above) who have established and run four safe houses that offer safety and advice for women and their children escaping violent homes.
- Learn about the Bougainville Family Support Centre which a number of volunteers have been involved with.
A recent Radio New Zealand national interview highlighted how violence against women can contribute to broader issues such as child poverty. Listen or read the full transcript.
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Development focus
The song 'Do they know it's Christmas?' has been re-released by Band Aid 30 to raise money to fight the spread of Ebola. Commentary, both positive and negative has exploded. A particularly interesting article was produced by Aljazeera, "We got this, Bob Geldof, so back off". For an alternative song, check out this production by a collective of African musicians "Africa stop Ebola".
Another innovative way that art has been used to raise awareness is a stunning project called Chasing the light documenting the changing Arctic landscape in large soft pastel drawings by artist Brooklyn-based artist Zaria Forman.
November 19th was World Toilet Day, with the rather poignant tagline "we can't wait". Events occurred across the world. Visit Facebook to see Volunteer Roslyn Clarke's photos from the event in Kiribati. Or take the Guardian's quiz to see if you are an expert on the loo.
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