Empowering Educators in Kiribati

A Professional Development Journey

In the heart of the Pacific, the Kiribati School of Nursing and Health is nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. But behind every skilled nurse is an educator equipped not just with clinical knowledge, but with the andragogical tools to teach effectively. That’s where our recent professional development initiative came in.

As part of a broader capacity-building effort, I had the privilege of designing and delivering a short course on adult education best practice for the School’s teaching staff. The goal was simple but powerful: to strengthen local educators’ confidence and capability in facilitating vocational training.

The program was built around core principles of adult learning—respecting learners’ autonomy, leveraging their lived experience, and fostering active engagement. We explored strategies for inclusive facilitation, formative assessment, and reflective practice, all contextualised to the realities of teaching in Kiribati. Importantly, the course was co-designed with local input, ensuring cultural relevance and practical applicability.

What stood out most was the enthusiasm and openness of the participants. Many were seasoned clinicians stepping into teaching roles, eager to refine their approach and better support student learning. Through collaborative workshops, peer feedback, and real-time application of techniques, we saw a tangible shift in confidence and pedagogical clarity.

This initiative wasn’t just about delivering content—it was about building relationships, honouring local expertise, and creating a shared vision for quality education. It reaffirmed my belief that when educators are empowered, the ripple effects reach far beyond the classroom.