| 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. |
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Some Quotes from our Technical Assistants
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
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
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