Alson Kelen

Japan backs canoe program

Japan backs canoe program

Japan Ambassador to the RMI Hideyuki Mitsuoka and the Director of Waan Aelon in Majel (WAM) Alson Kelen signed a contract last week for a “Project for Improvement of Transportation for Training Materials for Waan Aelon in Majel.” The grant of $65,050 is funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The […]

‘One Island’ attracts ROC interest

‘One Island’ attracts ROC interest

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce and the College of the Marshall Islands put out a great display of “One Island, One Product” under the Staff Sergeant Solomon Sam Sport Center Tuesday as part of the Marshall Islands program for ROC President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit this week. After speaking at Nitijela Tuesday morning, Tsai […]

WAM opens doors

WAM opens doors

GIFF JOHNSON A graduation later this month will recognize a group of young people who had few opportunities in their lives earlier this year but now have multiple doors open for their future. Last month, Waan Aelon in Majel (WAM) graduated a group of over 20 Marshallese following a six-month training on woodworking. On September […]

Vaka Motu visits Arno

Vaka Motu visits Arno

ISAAC MARTY The first service to the outer islands for the Okeanos Foundation’s Vaka Motu started last week with a visit to Arno. It departed Uliga Dock Thursday evening and arrived Arno the next morning. School supplies, medical supplies, and few passengers were delivered successfully to Malel Island. Some things were taken to Ul en […]

Iron Man highlights MIR’s 21st

Iron Man highlights MIR’s 21st

HILARY HOSIA Marshall Islands Resort celebrated its 21st anniversary Saturday with a full day of festivities, including the famed “Kone Jubar” or Iron Man race. Ten canoes signed up for the Kone Jubar competition. Each canoe had a team of two, with the exception of a bigger canoe that required three men to sail. To […]

WAM develop youth skills

WAM develop youth skills

Waan Aelon in Majel (Canoes of the Marshall Islands) is bubbling with activities with two training programs for young people ongoing at one time. In years past, WAM sponsored one six-month life skills and vocational training program centered around canoe building and carpentry. This year, opportunity arose to run a skills training in woodworking related […]

Majuro’s Christmas parade

Majuro’s Christmas parade

Majuro residents hit the streets in huge numbers to watch the Marshall Islands Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Saturday morning. Santa Claus (a.k.a. Alson Kelen) was busy sharing Christmas cheer along with the many parade volunteers who assisted. Dozens of floats took part in the two parades — one from Rita to the airport, the […]

Honoring Amata on President’s Day

Honoring Amata on President’s Day

The burial site of the nation’s founding father, first President of the Marshall Islands and paramount chief Amata Kabua, is rarely visited by the public, and only can be visited by invitation — such was the scene last Thursday during the commemoration of President’s Day. During the occasion, which was attended by government officials, families […]

WAM graduates show success

WAM graduates show success

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 […]