Kiribati's World Children's Day 2021

The first ever World Children's Day event happened on Betio in Kiribati in November and was organised by ChildFund Kiribati and local preschools.

Fourteen preschools from all over the island participated in celebrations at the Betio Sport Complex.

Over 1,000 people including children, parents, relatives and community members attended. Including the Betio Town Council Mayor and a Representative from the New Zealand High Commission.

The event started with a parade to the Betio Sport Complex, and that was led by the Kiribati Police Brass Band and followed by children and teachers from the preschools and Childfund Kiribati staff.

ChildFund Kiribati Acting Country Director Teima Onorio spoke about ChildFund's child-focused approach to all its work, the importance of understanding and upholding child rights and the importance of this event to the community.

Children spoke about their rights, there was a performance by ChildFund staff and even a beauty pageant. With a bouncy castle and other fun activities.

There were also gave speeches given by some local elders who expressed how happy they were to be invited to the event. The Police Brass Band became our accompaniment from the beginning to the end who played music not only during the march but also as an interval after each speech.

A representative from each preschools took part in a pageant and gave a speech to the audience on the theme "nurturing children will be fruitful to our beloved society” and took part in a quiz on the convention of the child.