Kiribati Youth Day

Kiribati Youth Day

August 7

The Republic of Kiribati is a group of 33 coral islands in the central Pacific Ocean, about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. The islands of Kiribati are divided into three groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. All of the islands, except for Banaba in the Gilbert Islands, are atolls (ring-shaped islands with central lagoons). Most of the Kiribati atolls are just over 19 feet above sea level and surrounded by barrier reefs. This makes an ideal setting for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and other water sports.
The constitution of Kiribati requires children between the ages of 6 and 15 years old to attend school. Primary school includes grades 1 through 6, and Junior Secondary School (JSS) includes grades 7 through 9. Once students complete JSS, they may choose to continue on to secondary schools or to pursue vocational or technical careers. Students must successfully complete secondary school in order to attend a higher education institution.
August 7 in Kiribati has been declared Youth Day. The purpose of this national holiday is to promote healthy lifestyles among the youth in Kiribati. Like Health Day in Kiribati, some of the main events of the day center on sports competitions—soccer, volleyball, boxing, tennis, basketball, and other traditional games such as local wrestling and more. For those youths not participating in the sporting events, there are also local dancing and singing competitions. Youth from the different districts and islands in Kiribati compete in these various events. Afterwards, a youth beauty pageant is held.

CONTACTS:
Kiribati National Tourism Office
Ministry of Communication, Transport & Tourism Development
P.O. Box 487
Betio, Tarawa Republic of Kiribati
www.visit-kiribati.com

Celebration day: Aug 7