Cultural Celebrations Part 2

For the Founding Day celebration, our Kitti pair reigned supreme -- the king appeared a bit late due to some late night celebrations the night before. . .





The pair led a half-time dance for who ever wanted to join in, but since this was also the break for eating, many of the students were indulging in the free food.






 The day held a number of races, relays, and displays of skills.  Our purple team (Kolonia's Pompei Campus) did surprisingly well in the distance running.  This is on an incrediably treacherous track with uneven surfaces and pits.  The times might be even more impressive were the track an even surface.




One of the exciting competitions was coconut huskings by the girls, followed by coconut shaving / grinding by the boys .    







Even staff and faculty were included in some of the events.   Students enjoyed watching the crafty out maneuver the fast.















Students roared as staff and faculty dizzily tumbled off course or stumbled drunkenly back to the start after performing the baseball bat spin.




 .The day ended with our purple team racking up the most points, trailed by National Campus.



 


 For the rest of the week, we volunteers had time for relaxing by the water, visiting islands, and indulging in feasts.

 While on one of those jaunts, I had an unexpected encounter with the waves.  One of the last pictures I took with the canon was off-shore a few miles from Kolonia.  Ah, the canon was so much better than the sony, but a working camera is better than none.




 Black Coral was delightful.  The entire island is perhaps smaller than of an elementary school campus, with about 4 huts and  a couple shelter.

 We brought our drinking water (and assorted other options) but the catchment was empty so showering was not possible.

What we did have was the little island to ourselves with a gorgeous  sunset and sunrise.

A little solitude does the soul a world of good!

 

Cultural Immersion . . . part 1

These two weeks have provide a trove of cultural experiences!




 The Kitti couple which represented our Kolonia PNI campus were crowned at National with intricately woven crowns.Our campus's efforts and fundraising surpassed the other campuses .

And as with most events, musical and dancing performances accompanied the festivities.








Friday's event was followed by National Culture Day.   A few pictures cannot provide just coverage for performances, the humor or the warmth generated by the many groups.








Groups from Pohnpei were joined by representatives from the other states of Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae.




Both young and old participated.  Unison dancing was enthusiastically received and the crowds clapped, shouted, and whistled their approval.

 Many performers brought offerings to the presiding chief and dignitaries.  Fish, food baskets, traditional fare were brought and shared.

 Whenever posible, audience members would sneak close-up views of the performances from behind and under the stage.












 Following the Cultural festivities, I was honored to attend a first birthday feast. 

Matteo first birthday was, indeed, a fabulous feast!  One that truly reflected the love, affection, and generosity that this young marvel had earned.





Of course there were pigs (6 in fact).




Everyone dressed!

When the food was severed it seemed endless.  There were meats, traditional foods, fruits, veggies,  spring rolls, rice, tapioca, breadfruit, taro, bananas, sushi, . . .






Laurie carried our tray which we heaped. . .








Once the guests were all served, friends provided dances and songs for entertainment.

Finally it was the children's time!  Children cam up to wish Matteo well and to receive a little birthday cheer of their own.  Happy birthday was sung and the cakes sliced and served.




Both mom and Matteo beamed!

 

Founders' Day Preparations, Fund Raising, and Royalty

Each week flies by leaving those ancient, recycled wonderings of where did it go and the mystery of time in flight. . .





This week was no different.  Founder's Day is on our heals and fund raising is now capped.



But during the week there were still options for snacks, drinks, lunch, and, of course, desserts!















 This is not to say that there isn't any teaching going on or tutoring or hands on instructions. 


 Marlin was the fish special for the Blue Plate lunch this week. As always, the students did the cooking, following recipes and garnishing the plates just so!  Presentation is everything!


Then there's the serving of customers. . .





This week is my 2nd week of volunteering to add a little conversation and writing to one of our ACE English classes.  The students are great and know how to enjoy a little humor!




George was busy tutoring a review of math functions.






 Cooper demonstrated memory upgrading to computer students AND tries to improve functionality of the instructors' computers at the same time.

But the real excitement was the determination of the school's King and Queen based on the funds raised. 


The Prince and Princess from each municipality were properly prepared and beautified for presentation.  Truth be told, none needed the beautifying for they were all outstandingly gorgeous and handsome!









They entered with flowers and fanfare.  And received standing ovations.












The Prince and Princess from each municipality took their places, awaiting the final call. . .















There were shouts and screams and tears. . . the passion!  But in the end, the dollars spoke!  Kitti had outdone all other municipalities!

Congrats to the Kitti effort!

A picture of me?

 Pohnpei reflects the rest of the world.  Students here are so like students any where.  Social interactions are primary and a camera is a great chance to pose with friends






I have the pleasure of teaching math and science and the biggest difference I see here, compared to in the States,is attitude.

I am always surprised at how delighted the students are to be doing activities.

Give them a simple data collection activity and they work quickly with a few jokes but never a "this is boring" or "why?"
















Although there may be chatting, the students manage to accomplish their assigned tasks without being off-task.

 As for presenting to other student, there are a few shy students, but they adjust.  And the students are positive with each other.

Our Campus has an excellent tourism program which includes all aspects of restaurant and hotel operations.




















Students learn the good, the bad, AND the UGLY of planning the food, cooking, taking orders, serving, and the clean up.






































  Even the dirty jobs are learned!








  
 With Founder's Day celebrations coming up, students are enthusiastic about fund raising.







Food is always in demand, particularly sweets!
















On weekends, students are involved in community activities.



 A 5K walk / run is great for competition and for raising money for scholarships. 






Posing with friends is not a problem, sweat and all!









No matter how you slice it, students are delightful where ever you go!




A picture of us?