Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Student Take-Over Day at FSM Offices

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): July 4, 1997 –
On June 26, 1997, sixteen PICS High School students represented the
Talent Search Program (TSP) to participate in a student take-over day
activity that was held at various FSM National Government offices,
approved by His Excellency Jacob Nena, according to a TSP release.

“The National Government support this event,” the President
stated. A courtesy call was made on FSM Vice President Leo A. Falcam
by the students and TSP Director Heinrick Palik in which Palik
thanked the FSM Government for its assistance and support in
promoting student’s educational experience. Vice President Falcam
was pleased to have the students participate in the activity at the
government office and encouraged them to strive for the best.

Sixteen students involved in the take-over day and their assigned
offices were Stokichy Simram, Senior as FSM President; Francis
Silbanuz, Senior, FSM Vice President; Benjamin Ekiek, Senior, Special
Assistant to the President; Rotston Rott, Senior, External Affairs
Secretary; Joyce Edgar, Senior, Education Secretary; Marie Faye
Weber, Junior, Division Chief, Education; Natalya Peter, Junior,
Attorney-General; Genevine Mongkeya, Senior, Division Chief, AG;
Sunijiah Joel, Senior, Division Chief AG; Naimey Weilbacher, Senior,
National Planner; Wilfred Norman, Senior, Division Chief, OPS;
Berden Joel, Senior, Division Chief OPS; Mitzue Smith, Senior
Division Secretary; Ankey Elias, Senior, OPS Maintenance Chief;
Duane Hainrick, Senior, Chief Justice, and Oriana Gilmete, Freshmen
and the youngest of the participants played the role if the Director
of the Court Administration. Several students from various TSP
target schools were observing their fellow students in action.

The students were coached and assisted by Josaiah Waguk and Tony
Otto from the President’s Office, Mr. Kodaro Gallen from the
Department of External Affairs, Mr. Burnis Dannis from the Department
of Education, Mr. Emilio Musrasrik. from the Attorney General’s
Office, Mr. Bermin Weilbacher and Robert Hadley from OPS, and Ms.
Emiliana Musrasrik. from the Supreme Court.

Prior to the Student Take-Over Day, the students underwent
on-the-job training at their assigned offices from May 30th through
June 25th, to get acquainted with the functions of the government
including a workshop held on May 23, 1997 at the Pohnpei Campus in
which coaches and the TSP staff gave an overview of various
government department structure and functions.

The goal of the student take-over the government day was to
provide them the opportunity to learn and for a one day to experience
how decisions are made in the government. This experience is
believed to continue (to) motivate them to aim higher for their
educational goals.

The program was designed to assist the students to develop
academically and socially. The experience they gain through this
program will stimulate their interest to dream about positive goals
for their future.

Talent Search Program is a U.S. Federally funded program began on
Pohnpei in October of 1994. It involves tutoring and counseling
services to 11 participating elementary and high schools including
Kolonia, Ohmine, Sokehs Powe, Sekere, Wone, Wapar, Sapwalap, Saladak,
Nett, Seinwar and PICS High School.

The tutoring and counseling services are geared to assist students
to improve their ability in Math, Science and English, and to develop
self-esteem and social relationships. Students from low-income and
first generation families with the potential to succeed are eligible
to join this program.

The Talent Search Program staff include Director Heinrich Palik,
two Counselors Rita Harris and Patricia Pedrus, and Administrative
Assistant Cindy Lekka, and several teachers and tutors from PICS High
School and the College of Micronesia-FSM.