Republic of Kiribati - (pronounced KIRR-i-bas), is an island nation located in the central tropical Pacific Ocean. The permanent population is just over 100,000 (2011), and the island nation is composed of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, dispersed over 3.5 million square kilometres, (1,351,000 square miles) straddling the equator, and bordering the International Date Line at its easternmost point. Kiribati is ranked by The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and the Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) as one of the least developed countries on earth.
As a low lying island state Kiribati is facing the effects of Climate Change. This video Anote Tong, the President of the Republic of Kiribati outlines the issues facing this small country. You can also read a report from The Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research on the climate change in Kiribati.
Rising sea levels has a direct impact on the Kiribati School and Centre for Children with Special Needs. After much discussion in the school community the school Executives and Management Committee have decided to use the funds (raised by us) towards a seawall to protect the school compound from severe erosion - the school fence is in danger of being washed away.