On Thursday, February 11, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State received an update on the upcoming Student Takeover Day from Mr. Benjie Phillip of the Department of Education. Mr. Phillip briefed Governor Oliver and Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, on the current number of Offices/Positions involved in the Student Takeover Day, scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2021 :
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation
- Office of Transportation and Infrastructure
- Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Pohnpei Port Authority
- FSM Development Bank
- Department of Resources and Development
- Pohnpei Branch – FSM Social Security Administration
- Department of Land
- Department of Public Safety
- Department of Health and Social Services
- Department of Education
- National Oceanic Resources Management Authority
- State Budget Office
- Speaker, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Micronesia Conservation Trust
- Election Commissioner
Mr. Phillip also shared the proposed schedule for the day. The students will start their Takeover Day at the Governor’s Conference Room at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, where they will be briefed before going on to their respective office/positions. For the remainder of the morning and into the afternoon until 3:00 pm, the students will be taking over their respective offices/positions with the guidance of their host employers. An evaluation of the student/employer will take place at the end of the day and the students will be recognized in a short ceremony at the end.
The intent of Student Takeover Day, according to the Student Takeover Committee, is to “provide young people, especially high school seniors, the opportunity to experience the world of work and a chance to practice teamwork, decision making, and leadership skills.” Governor Oliver is delighted to see this program moving forward to help encourage and motivate our youth to one day take over, improve upon and lead our State and Nation into the future. Updates will be provided up until Student Takeover Day on February 23, 2021.