WAM graduates show success

A WAM trainee group, with WAM Director Alson Kelen (center), shown in April 2016. Photo: Karen Earnshaw.
A WAM trainee group, with WAM Director Alson Kelen (center), shown in April 2016. Photo: Karen Earnshaw.

Marshall Islanders who graduate from the Waan Aelon in Majel canoe building and life skills training program have a high rate of success, according to statistics provided by the program.
Nearly four out of five from last year’s training are either employed, in school or returned to an outer island.
Data on graduates from the 2015 training showed that one third of them are currently attending schools, while 28 percent are employed on Majuro, said WAM Director Alson Kelen.
Some have migrated, either to the US or the outer islands: 11 percent left to the US and are working, while six percent moved to an outer island in the RMI.
The balance, about 22 percent, are not employed. “Our life skills team is still as siting them with opportunities,” said Kelen.
WAM runs at least one six-month vocational training and life skills program each year for up to 25 youth who have dropped out of school.

Read more about this in the November 4, 2016 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.