Kiribati (Commonwealth Union)_There are people in need everywhere, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeks to serve all of God’s children in the same way that Christ would. The Church wants to take part in initiatives that provide an uplifting “hand up” that promotes independence, engagement, and sustainability. The Pacific Island nation of Kiribati is now working on a similar initiative.
Tamana Natanaera, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ local self-reliance manager, was entrusted with identifying church members who had gardening experience and a love of growing things. Natanaera collaborated with local Latter-day Saint leaders to choose seven deserving individuals he calls “champions”. The tools needed to set up a nursery that would fit into each champion’s allotted room were handed to them. To keep and safeguard seedling trays as well as to provide shade when necessary, a straightforward greenhouse was provided. To develop healthy food like cucumbers, eggplants, capsicums, cabbage, tomatoes, watermelons, papayas, and rock melons, seeds were given out.
In Kiribati, a watering system is especially important. Although Kiribati’s 33 islands cover 3,500,000 square kilometres of ocean, pure water is extremely scarce there. As a result, each champion received a watering system that included a small solar pump for drawing water from a well, a water tank with a stand, and plumbing. The water system provided to the champions, according to Natanaera, is a significant help because it “greatly boosts their ability to generate more.”
The top gardeners are able to contribute thanks to these essential instruments. They have been sowing the seeds in the tiny trays and caring for them for the past two years. The champions start giving the seedlings away to their neighbours and friends when they are prepared to be planted in a garden. They might request that the pastor of their church inform the congregation that seedlings are available. Additionally, if their neighbours or co-workers are interested in raising their own food, they may donate the seedlings to them.
According to Champion Koruea Kaburara and her husband, they help roughly 100 individuals each month. She takes great care to guide individuals to whom she distributes her seedlings by offering guidance and oversight. She occasionally assists them by providing them with her own compost or dirt.
To those who are committed to following through, Kaburara sends her tender plants. “Many members, as well as individuals from my workplace and neighbourhood, come to me. I have the want to support them both. They are content to receive the plants,” she said.
