Pohnpei, FSM – May 19, 2025 The National Department of Education (NDOE) and state leaders came together at PICS High School to commend the school for its meaningful progress in strengthening vocational programs for students. The event also reaffirmed national and state commitment to advancing vocational education across the Federated States of Micronesia.
Marking the formal handover of equipment and the launch of renovation works, the ceremony celebrated key milestones under the FSM Skills and Employability Enhancement (SEE) Project – a World Bank-funded project implemented by NDOE to prepare students with practical, job-ready skills for the future.
“This project is not just another initiative – it’s a commitment to our youth, our workforce, and our future,” said Governor Stevenson A. Joseph in a keynote address to students, educators, and development partners. He urged teachers and administrators to lead with vision and purpose, reminding them that their words and actions can shape the futures of young Micronesians.
“Teach not only for the job but for life,” he said. “Inspire them to be builders of our economy – not just with their minds, but with their hands and hearts.”
The Governor, reflecting on his time in the legislature, acknowledged past underfunding of vocational programs and praised SEE Project’s performance-based approach. “This model demands results, and that’s what we need,” he said. “I hope this same approach can be replicated across other sectors.”
Investing in Hands-On Learning
Wayne Mendiola, Jr., Assistant Secretary of Education, echoed the Governor’s message and explained the importance of meeting students where they are.
“Too many of our students drop out after Grade 10, especially boys,” he noted. “That’s because many of them don’t see themselves in traditional academic paths. But we are Pacific Islanders – we learn with our hands.”
He also spoke of the challenges FSM citizens face when working abroad without vocational qualifications. “If we can’t stop migration, we must equip our people to thrive wherever they go,” he said, underlining the project’s role in creating opportunities both at home and overseas.
Assistant Secretary Mendiola commended PICS High School for its progress under the SEE Project Performance Grant Program, which rewards schools based on measurable improvements. He emphasized that this accountability model drives lasting change. “It’s not just about tools – it’s about impact,” he said.
World Bank Reaffirms Support
Representing the World Bank, Country Officer Suzanne Lowe Gallen congratulated the NDOE and Pohnpei State for their leadership and commitment to education.
“We are not just teaching young people how to fish – we are giving them the tools to innovate, lead, and succeed,” she said.
She highlighted advancements made in the first year of SEE Project implementation at PICS, including curriculum updates, teacher training, and infrastructure improvements. “These classrooms and tools will shape future careers. We’re proud to support FSM’s youth in building sustainable livelihoods.”
A Symbol of Partnership
The event was attended by senior officials including Stanley Etse, Director of the Pohnpei Department of Education (PDOE), and Attorney General Belsipa Miguel Isom. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic handover of equipment and a SEE Performance Grant trophy for Years 1 and 2, presented by Assistant Secretary Mendiola to Director Etse.
The handover underscored the strong partnership between the NDOE and Pohnpei State in delivering tangible, high-impact opportunities for FSM’s next generation.
