Visiting my 3 little Children and Wife Back Home In Kiribati

Tarawa Taubo Start Date: Jan 11, 2024 - End Date: May 10, 2024
  • Kiribati

My Travel Story

by: Tarawa Taubo Start Date: Jan 11, 2024 - End Date: May 10, 2024
My name is Tarawa Taubo from the Republic of Kiribati, a remote atoll island nation in the South Pacific. I am currently pursuing my Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, United States, under the East-West Center ADB-JSP Scholarship Program.

Kiribati, being low-lying and severely affected by the impacts of Climate Change, faces unique challenges. Living away from my home country for the past 6 months, I am dealing with the difficulties of separation from my wife and three children.

Financial constraints, coupled with travel fund restrictions, make it tough for me to visit my family. I haven't seen my kids for almost 6 months, and despite my efforts to return during the last Fall 2023 semester break, financial problems prevented me.

Now, I plan to go back and see my family during the summer break after this Spring 2024 semester. However, the financial burden is significant, and I fear I won't be able to afford the trip.

I am not one to usually ask for help, but at this time, I am struggling and stressed. My wife's salary is insufficient, and she cannot afford to cover the cost of my fare to Kiribati. Despite my $800 monthly stipend, I find it challenging to save for the trip as I constantly send money back home to support my family's cost of living.

Your generous help would make it possible for me to finance my trip back home and spend precious time with my family.

Thank you so much, and May God Bless You Always.

Tarawa Taubo
  • Kiribati