This program was closed in 2001. Please see the Contact Us page regarding any questions you may have.

Micronesia and South Pacific Program

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The Micronesia and South Pacific Program was established in 1988 at the University of Oregon to assist with the development of sustainable communities in the Pacific islands.The university affiliation faculty development program linked the University of Oregon with the University of the South Pacific and the College of Micronesia-FSM, Palau Community College, and the College of the Marshall Islands. The program was closed in 2001. Information can be obtained from Maradel Gale at the contact below.

The technical assistance program transferred technical skills to counterparts in public agencies and nonprofit organizations in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. A library development program worked with public and school libraries throughout Micronesia.

Micronesia and South Pacific Program

What our technical assistants think

What agencies are saying

What the island does not say

Some Quotes from our Technical Assistants

IMG0001sm.jpg (24703 bytes)My best experiences were everyday ones: waking up to the mangrove in my backyard, swimming when I felt like it, spending time with the people at work, feeling a part of the community.... - Technical Assistant, Community Planning, Pohnpei

Living on Yap this summer was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to live and learn in an environment unique in the world. It may be a truism, but I learned as much about myself and my country as I learned about the people and their island. In a nutshell, my summer cleared away many cobwebs and gave me a much wider perspective on my career, politics, and worldview. I hope I was able to initiate a program with my counterpart that helped Yap move toward a sustainable future. - Technical Assistant, Architecture, Yap

Some Quotes from Agencies

The Technical Assistant was quick to adapt to the working environment and to understand our culture. These personal qualities enabled her to work in close cooperation and harmony with her counterparts and to complete the assignment without difficulty. The transfer of skills was evident. - Chief, Division of Agriculture and Mineral Resources, Palau

Without a doubt, the two Technical Assistants that worked with us this summer had a positive impact on our island. Their efforts will be seen by many residential, business, and government customers in reduced power bills due to energy conservation. - General Manager, Kosrae Utilities Authority, Kosrae, FSM

palm.gif (58291 bytes)We are peoples of the islands and the islands are of us, indivisible, a single whole. The islands are embodied in our songs and our dances and in our total way of life. If we look after our islands they will look after us.

For the island does not say: Do not walk on me.
The yam does not say: Do not roast me.
The fish does not say: Do not catch me.
The water does not say: Do not drink me.
The coconut tree does not say: Do not use me.
But they all say: Do not spoil me.

- Francis Bugotu (1937 - 1992), former Ambassador of the Solomon Islands to the United Nations


Experts
clnthos2.jpg (39945 bytes)

Stand by me
not over me
to guide

Support me
to stand upright
not dominate
or yoke me
to buckle under
the weight of obligation

Help me
help myself
After all you
are there
because I am here

- Noumea Simi

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Micronesia and South Pacific Program
c/o Maradel Gale
239 Parfitt Way SW #2A
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
ph: 206/842-5133
mspp@uoregon.edu