June 23:
On our second day in South Tarawa, the ‘main land’ of Kiribati, the most densely populated of the Kiribati Islands, we were invited to observe the Police Day Celebration.
The impressive march by the police forces was intermitted by some dance breaks, where we learned that dancing is a must during Kiribati celebrations. We think these dance breaks could lift up celebrations in Germany and should surely be introduced there as well.
As we all know, the dance floor is where you meet people. On this day, we met Hon. Taabeta Teakai, the only female minister in the Kiribati cabinet, while stepping it up to some nice electronic Kiribati music. Ms. Taabeta is the Minister of Employment and Human Resources.
Ms. Taabeta was immediately excited upon seeing The Ball and was ready for signing The Ball and making a pledge; a pledge who is really inspiring for all women and girls out there. She said:
I pledge to the women all around the world. Women, let’s pledge to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and to be successful. I urge women all around the world, not to be afraid, to speak up their truth and to stand up for their rights and what they believe in.
As the President of Kiribati, H.E. Taneti Maamau, was also present during the ceremony, Ms. Taabeta was so kind to introduce us. Not knowing if we would have another chance to meet the President, we seized the moment to show him The Ball and explain our project. Through Martin, H.E. Taneti Maamau knew about The Ball’s activities in Kiribati, and, being a football fan himself, is very supportive of it. He headed and signed The Ball and assured his support of
One Ball, One World for our climate action.
After a great lunch buffet featuring all the seafood you can think of, we went to Tenimaraoi Maneaba, a meeting place in the town of Betio. There we met the Betio Town Council and Betio Island Football Association (BIFA), as well as the local girls football team and the dancing group. The girls showed some football juggling skills and there was a traditional Kiribati dance performance. We thank everyone present for the great opportunity to visit Kiribati and everyone was invited to sign The Ball.
