March 27, 2025 – Nett, Pohnpei – Vocational students from PICS High School hosted an exciting and inspiring Exhibit Showcase, welcoming students, teachers, and families from neighboring high schools, including Madolenihmw High School. The event, funded by the World Bank FSM Skills and Employability Enhancement (SEE) Project held at PICS High School’s Agriculture Shop, Carpentry Shop, and Auto-Mechanics Laboratory, celebrated student achievements in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), highlighting their creativity, practical skills, and dedication.
The showcase featured hands-on displays, interactive demonstrations, and finished projects from students specializing in Agriculture, Mechanics, Construction, Carpentry, and Auto-Mechanics. Visitors enjoyed exploring impressive works created by the students, gaining insight into the vocational training offered at PICS.
“Today’s event provided a valuable opportunity for our talented students to showcase their abilities and accomplishments,” said Mr. Rolter Olter, Assistant Principal of PICS CTE. “We are proud to see their hard work and commitment come to life, and we appreciate the collaboration and support from other high schools who joined us to celebrate vocational education.”
Parents attending the event expressed pride in their children’s achievements and the importance of vocational studies. “Schools should teach realistic skills like how to balance a checkbook, sewing, or cooking. These skills help manage the economy of the household and prepare students for practical life.” said Marstella Jack, Attorney of Law and Board Chair of PIANGO. “Parents sometimes tend to be overprotective, preferring traditional classrooms with shade over practical work under the scorching sun of Micronesia. But vocational education is about supporting our kids’ genuine interests and strengths”. Her daughter is the only student in the Auto-Mechanics class “I told her, do whatever you want to do. The most important thing is that you do it the best way you can. You give it your best.”
Carpentry students Hector Seminer (17) and Sean Isaac (16) also reflected enthusiastically on their experiences at the exhibition. Hector expressed excitement about the day, noting, “Everything today was new and very exciting. Seeing people genuinely interested in our work felt good and was motivating.” Sean highlighted the value of teamwork and the practical challenges they overcame while showing the new tables they made, mentioning, “Working on these projects is challenging, especially using tools like the jigsaw, but teamwork makes everything easier.”
Both students stressed the practical value of vocational training. Hector noted, “Whenever my dad needs help to build something, I already have the knowledge. It’s useful for my family and gives me confidence.” Inspired by the work of older students, Sean added, “What inspired me to choose vocational studies was seeing older students building amazing projects. It motivated me to learn and do it myself.”
Their reflections highlighted not only their pride in their work but also the broader significance of vocational education in preparing them for future success.
Two representatives from the Chinese Embassy, also attended the event, further highlighting the international recognition and community support for vocational education. Additionally, Ms. Hyunjeong Lee, the Project Manager of the FSM Skills and Employability Enhancement (SEE) Project – funded by the World Bank and implemented by the FSM National Department of Education – was present to support and acknowledge local vocational initiatives. The SEE Project supported the organization of the vocational exhibit at PICS as part of its broader goal to enhance equitable access to quality vocational education across FSM by strengthening existing vocational schools, developing relevant curricula, and providing targeted training for teachers and apprenticeships for students.
For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
Rolter Olter, Assistant Principal, PICS CTE, PICS High School: rolter@pohnpei.doe.fm
Ms. Hyunjeong Lee, Project Manager, FSM Skills & Employability Enhancement Project (FSM SEEP, FSM National Department of Education: hyunjeong.lee@national.doe.fm
Mr. Alvaro Hoyos Ramos, Communications Specialist, Central Implementation Unit, FSM Department of Finance & Administration: alvaro.hoyos@dofa.gov.fm
