Tongaa Namai, Kiribati
With her passion for ensuring boys and girls have accessible learning environments, Tongaa supports the sustainable construction of new classrooms in Kiribati.
Women in Development: This series focuses on the inspirational Tetra Tech women that take strides to make the world a more inclusive place.
The following #TtInspires story is related to projects that are implemented by our Australia-based international development organization Coffey, A Tetra Tech Company and funded by The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Kiribati faces pressures and challenges such as a rapidly increasing population over a small amount of land, high unemployment, and climate issues due to its geography. With limited access to building resources as well as geographically dispersed schools, DFAT’s funded Kiribati Education Improvement Program (KEIP) aims to create a more comfortable and effective education for youth, and in doing so, lay the foundation for a qualified and skilled domestic workforce. New classrooms provide a more secure and accessible learning environment for boys and girls, including those with a disability. The program also improves WASH facilities in the selected schools and increases potable water storage.
Tongaa Namai is a graduate of the Kiribati Institute of Technology, where she earned a Certificate in Construction. Tongaa currently acts as the Architectural Assistant on the KEIP project, where she works closely with the Facilities Management Unit (FMU) of the Ministry of Education to use innovative techniques and sustainable construction features. With her qualifications and skills Tongaa — along with mentoring from the senior architectural team members — undertakes surveys and develops refurbishment plans using state-of-the-art 3D architectural software.
“I feel part of the team with my male colleagues, they respect me and my work,” said Tongaa.
Tongaa’s first project with KEIP was at Dai Nippon Primary School where she conducted a survey of the school office and drafted the plans for its repair. Tongaa reflects on her work with the school, saying:
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the transformation of the building, it made me beyond happy to have been a part of the project.”
The infrastructure program involves going through a communication and design process at each site, engaging with community male and female leaders to resolve any land boundary issues. Then working with domestic and international firms to secure the supply of materials, classroom fabrication and construction. Once the building plans are developed, the KEIP team works with the Ministry of Infrastructure & Sustainable Energy (MISE) to obtain the necessary building permits and ensure compliance with local building codes.
“I’m excited because the classrooms are durable, high quality and long-lasting. I see children in them now I will in the next generation too,” states Tongaa.
This program of school rehabilitation is not only improving the learning environment and opportunities for children, it is also supporting the Kiribati private sector, creating business, employment and skill formation opportunities for women in what has been traditionally a male dominated industry. To date, over 4,000 boys and girls are now learning in new or refurbished classrooms.
To learn more about the The Kiribati Education Improvement Program Phase III, click here.
