Against the Current: Tuvalu's Rising Stars in the Pacific Games

Meet Lisaima Kavatia and Asaia Eliko, two determined 16-year-old athletes from Tuvalu with a strong passion for sports.

"I always ensure to train and dedicate myself to volleyball, and I feel incredibly proud to represent Tuvalu." Lisaima, an athletic youth who represented her island through mini-games around Funafuti, was recognized by her coach for her exceptional skills. She was handpicked to participate in tryouts and proudly recruited into the Tuvalu team for the Pacific Games.

As for Asaia, he shares that he has always loved playing soccer, "I want to represent my family, my homeland." Fueled by a deep desire to honor his homeland and make his family proud, he showcases his skills and dedication on the soccer field, embodying the spirit of Tuvalu with every kick and goal.

"The youth should polish their God-given talents," says Lisaima. She stresses the significance of dedication, understanding the game, and serious training before representing Tuvalu. Lisaima goes on to say that youths need to seize every opportunity, push their limits, and continuously improve their skills to represent Tuvalu with excellence.

Lisaima shares her dreams of a future beyond the volleyball court. Despite facing challenges from climate-related limitations on resources, especially in land space for training, her ambition is to become a doctor. Lisaima's strong spirit in sports is reflected in her love for learning.

She says, "I hope for better resources in schools, especially in my science lab for hands-on learning." She adds that she desires an education system that goes beyond note-taking, nurturing students' capacity to learn and providing hope for those aspiring to become doctors, chemists, or achieve dreams beyond existing circumstances.

“I want to become a professional soccer player” says, Asaia, aiming to make his country proud through soccer.

Every time he runs on the field, he carries the hopes and dreams of Tuvalu into a future filled with success on the international soccer stage. However, climate change is making Asaia's dream uncertain. The environment, especially in his home country, is affecting the resources he needs for soccer training. Despite the challenges, he holds onto hope that people around the world will do more to address climate change, creating a better and more sustainable future.

Lisaima and Asaia share that even though their dreams might face challenges, and they are always looking for ways to train with the limited resources available to them, they remain strong and hopeful. They believe that if everyone works together to reduce climate change, it will make it easier for young athletes like them to pursue their passions without obstacles.

Believing that every child has the right to grow up in a sustainable environment, UNICEF emphasizes the children's right to play and grow up in a safe, sustainable setting where their hopes and dreams can come true.

In working towards this objective, UNICEF collaborates with partners to raise awareness of General Comment No. 26 (2023), emphasizing children's rights and the environment. This statement highlights the considerable impact of climate change on children and stresses the importance to protect their rights, especially in the face of environmental challenges.