Thriving, resilient futures

Step 1 of 9

Kiribati has a small economy with few industries. That means few jobs, and most of them are with government.

Step 2 of 9

Every year many students finish school and university. There are not enough jobs for all of them, even for those who did well.

Step 3 of 9

Those who left school early do not have the skills for the jobs that do exist.

Step 4 of 9

Meanwhile the cost of living keeps rising. Food, fuel and everyday goods cost more, but pay stays the same. Every fortnight it buys less than the fortnight before.

Step 5 of 9

On top of that, families give to their community and their church, as they always have. These are important, and they come out of the same pay.

Step 6 of 9

So a family needs more than it earns. To cover the difference, they borrow from relatives or friends.

Step 7 of 9

When the next pay arrives, part of it is already owed. Less is left than before, and the costs have not gone away. Each time this happens the gap gets wider and harder to escape.

Step 8 of 9

Financial pressure takes a parent's attention away from important responsibilities, such as raising their children well and supporting their education. Children need help and encouragement to do well at school. Without it, many fall behind and leave early. They then face the same job market their parents did, and the pattern begins again.

Step 9 of 9

The harm does not stay inside the home. Where there is no work and no purpose, young people drift into groups that get into trouble, and pressure inside families can turn into violence against women and children.