Tuesday's Speakers
Warwick and Shirley Brunton gave a fascinating and inspirational talk last Tuesday about their experiences with Volunteer Services Abroad, concentrating on their time in Kiribati. It was a question and answer type of presentation between Warwick and Shirley who are both well practiced in presentations.
Warwick and Shirley joined VSA shortly after Warwick's mother passed away and he had retired. VSA seemed a sound organisation and very professional, so off they went to Kiribati!
They faced many challenges as soon as they got there including the harsh climate, the food available, illness and hook worm.
Things did get easier when the drought came and the diet was great for the waistline!
Both Warwick and Shirley helped out on the island in many ways. Warwick was working in the school of nursing helping them with procedures and systems to make the school work better for Kiribati. Shirley was at first there to support Warwick but before long was teaching English and counselling in the Kiribati place of worship.
Challenges faced by the people in Kiribati include poverty, climate change (degradation of coastline and lack of air conditioning in buildings), poor diet, illness (diabetes), sexual and physical violence towards women and contaminated water supplies.
During their time there, Warwick and Shirley were a huge support and they described it as a rich and transformational experience. They can only hope that changes implemented will endure for the people in Kiribati.
