Waan Aelon in Majel (Canoes of the Marshall Islands/WAM) started a six-month training for youth Monday with 20 trainees ready to go. The two-part training includes Life Skills classes in the morning and vocational training in the afternoon.
Classes include basic English, math, and computer, which are all taught by Berlyann Labija. In previous years WAM brought in different teachers for each subject. However, since last year they have been using the recent college graduate to open yet another opportunity for younger people.
Trainees are also required to work with youth counselors, one of which is WAM Director Alson Kelen, on skills such as money management. Vocational classes delve into canoe building, traditional sailing, and various wood-making projects led by Ijikar Abraham.
Read more about this in the April 26, 2019 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.