Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: FIUTS UUTI-Kiribati 2024

Last month, I had the incredible honor of working as Camp Manager for the FIUTS UUTI Kiribati Camp. With an incredible team of colleagues, we welcomed 50 high school students from Kiribati for a month-long English intensive camp on the UW campus. These students traveled thousands of miles from their homes in the South Pacific to join us, bringing with them a sense of curiosity, resilience, and an eagerness to learn that was truly inspiring.

Over the course of the month, we watched these young leaders grow in remarkable ways. They practiced leadership and team management in our workshops, took part in games and group challenges, and gained skills that will not only help them in their future careers but also empower them to be change-makers in their communities.

Our program was designed to be immersive, offering the students a deep dive into both academic and cultural learning. They spent their days on the University of Washington campus, enhancing their English language skills and exploring professional and technical topics that are crucial for their future success. 

But the learning didn’t stop in the classroom. During their stay, the group connected with local high school students who served as youth ambassadors for our program, forming friendships and gaining a deeper understanding of cultural differences. They spent a homestay weekend with local families, and celebrated at a Culture Night where they performed traditional dances and songs and enjoyed performances from UW students representing the cultures and communities of the Pacific.

Seattle itself became a classroom of sorts, as the students explored the city’s many landmarks and attractions. Whether they were walking the pathways at Pike Place Market, taking in the natural and serene beauty of Bainbridge Island, or cheering on the Mariners at a baseball game in T-Mobile Park, they fully immersed themselves in the vibrant life of the city. These moments of exploration contributed to an incredible adventure, one that will not only serve to broaden their horizons, but also help them build memories that will last a lifetime.

As I reflect on the past month, I’m filled with pride and admiration for these students. They came here with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace every challenge and opportunity. And they did so with a grace and determination that was truly inspiring. Our team is so proud of their hard work and dedication to learning and growing.

These young people have the potential to make a real impact in their communities and beyond, and we are excited to see where their paths will take them. They return to Kiribati with new skills, new perspectives, and a newfound confidence that will serve them well in the years to come. We’re grateful to have been a part of this chapter in their lives, and we can’t wait to see the positive change they will bring to the world.

To our friends from Kiribati:

E aki onrourou ae matoatoa ni kam! We are so proud of you!

Sincerely,

Alex Radi, Camp Manager