TARAWA, Kiribati — Government, faith, and community leaders recently gathered at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tarawa for a series of workshops focused on strengthening addiction prevention and recovery efforts across the country.
The initiative was sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with UNICEF, to support the Kiribati Government as it evaluates ways to improve national prevention strategies and treatment pathways.
The sessions were led by John Larkin, an experienced addiction counsellor and Associate Clinician at The Banyans Addiction Rehabilitation Centre in Brisbane. Leaders in Kiribati have expressed growing concern about the impact of alcohol, kava, tobacco, cannabis, and kouben on families and communities.
Broad Participation
Representatives attended from government ministries, including Health & Medical Services and Social Affairs, law enforcement, UNICEF, and multiple faith communities, demonstrating a strong commitment to collaborative action.
Focus on Youth
One workshop was tailored for 25 youth and young adults, providing valuable information and practical tools to understand addiction and how to avoid harmful addictive behaviours.
Practical Outcomes
A key outcome of the interactive workshops was a detailed report outlining low-cost recommendations for the Kiribati Government, including improved youth education, specialised training for counsellors, social workers and community police officers, standardised addiction screening tools, new educational resources, a national support hotline, and an evaluation of the World Health Organisation's SAFER initiative.
A Shared Commitment to Care
Latter-day Saints believe that all people are beloved children of God, our Heavenly Father, and that following the teachings of Jesus Christ leads to hope, healing, and personal growth. Guided by these beliefs, the Church seeks to support individuals and families facing life’s challenges—including addiction—through compassion, service, and community partnership.
These workshops reflect the Church’s ongoing commitment to work alongside governments and community organisations across the Pacific to strengthen families and promote healthier communities.
From 2016 to 2019, John and Robyn Larkin served as mission leaders for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission, giving them a deep, personal connection to the people of Kiribati. Today, in addition to his employment as an addiction, trauma and relationship counsellor, John serves as a lay leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, currently serving as bishop of the North Lakes Ward (congregation) in Brisbane, Australia.