Education Day in Madolenihmw – Sapwalap Elementary School January 28, 2021 – Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State, FSM

On January 28, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, continued Education week in Madolenihmw, at Sapwalap Elementary School to recognize, celebrate and commemorate the success and achievements of Pohnpei’s students and teachers

Iso-Nahnken of Madolenihmw and Administrator of the Office Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) gave the welcoming remarks, calling for unity and cooperation on this special occasion of Governor Oliver’s visit and Education Day in the municipality of Madolenihmw.

The keynote speaker for Education Day in Madolenihmw was T.H. Ricky Carl, Senator, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, and Luhk en Lengso. He shared a story from Enimwahn kousapw about a fish and a crab that highlights the importance of supporting and working with each other. To the students, he explained the importance of this day to join Governor Oliver and the Director of Education to celebrate, recognize and commemorate educational achievements across Pohnpei. To the teachers, who will be teaching the leaders of tomorrow, he encouraged them to include the teaching of respect, as well, explaining that even in politics respect is important to achieve and accomplish their goals. He further encouraged cooperation and unity, saying to those that understand, help those that don’t understand, those who are responsible, help those who are not responsible, those who can help those who can not. This way, he stated, we will all reach our goals together as one.

Special remarks were given by T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State. He noted the difference in this year in events for Education Week because of COVID-19, with events in each municipality. He praised the organizers of the event for bringing everything together, thanking Director Etse and the Awards Committee for their hard work, and trusted that their good work will continue in the future. He congratulated the students on their academic achievements and encouraged them to look forward to their futures and ask themselves how can they help their communities, state, nation. He shared the important virtues of respect, responsibility, and honesty to add to their academic achievements. For without these, he said, what good would good grades be? He thanked the teachers for their important contributions, for without them there would be no academic achievements. He acknowledged the importance of parents in the raising of their children and educating them first at home.

Closing remarks were made by the Board of Education member, Ms. Phyllis Silbanuz, congratulating all the students, teachers, and principals. Ms. Silbanuz asked the students, who play PUBG online or uses TikTok? She then asked, do you unite and cooperate for your team to win on PUBG? On TikTok, she asked do you work together/cooperate for the video to have many likes and followers? The concept is the same with school, family, youth and in government and private sectors, she said, working together, working responsibility and with respect to ensuring success and accomplishment. She closed with a famous American quote and challenge: Ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country, thanking everyone for their important work and contributions to Education Day from donors to the awards committee, students, and teachers.

Also joining Education Day in Sapwalap were 10th Pohnpei State Legislature Senators, T.H. Francisco Ioanis, T.H. Stevenson Joseph, T.H. Hudson Abraham, T.H. Herolyn Movick, T.H. Shelten Neth, Chief Justice of Madolenihmw Municipal Government, Kiumy Albert, Acting Meninkedehr John Rensle, Assistant Secretary FSM Dept of Education, Quincy Lawrence, Luhkpein Emy Musrasrik-Carl, Board of Education Chair, Mr. Grilly Jack, Board of Education member Mr. Diaz Joseph.