Waan Aelon in Majel

Marshallese canoes built in EU

Marshallese canoes built in EU

GIFF JOHNSON Marshallese style boats are being designed and built by skilled builders in the Marshall Islands, naturally enough, but also in places that one might not expect, such as Europe. Here in Majuro, Waan Aelon in Majel has designed and built what they call a “carro proa.” The WAM team built it in three […]

WAM trains its own

WAM trains its own

GIFF JOHNSONIn the consultant-dependent world of the Marshall Islands, the Waan Aelon in Majel (Canoes of the Marshall Islands) program stands out.“Everyone who works at WAM is Marshallese,” said Director Alson Kelen in a recent interview. “WAM is about training,” he said. “It’s what we do.” While the program has relied in the past on […]

WAM takes new tack

WAM takes new tack

EVE BURNS Waan Aelon in Majol (WAM) is working on new locally-designed catamarans and outrigger canoes to improve the movement of copra and people within atolls An ongoing challenge for copra collection in remote atolls is the time needed for government field trip vessels to stop at multiple islands within one atoll to collect copra. […]

WAM grads shine in Majuro

WAM grads shine in Majuro

EVE BURNS Nineteen students graduated last week Friday from Waan Aeloñ in Majel (WAM) vocational/ life skills training. It was a hot, beautiful day and many parents and friends came to witness the achievements that of the students and the awards they received. Biwij John blessed the event with the opening prayers. Rosana Ali, one […]

WAM shines at open house

WAM shines at open house

KELLY LORENNIJ The Waan Aelon in Majel (WAM) vocational and life skills program is set to graduate a batch of trainees next month. During their open house last Thursday, WAM showcased the handcrafted work of past and present trainees in full display including coconut graters, tables, pounders and riwut-style canoes. WAM Director Alson Kelen was […]

USP 50th features jaki-ed weavers

USP 50th features jaki-ed weavers

The University of the South Pacific Majuro Campus launched 50th anniversary celebrations Tuesday with a gala graduation event that recognized 33 graduates of various programs. Minister of Education Wilbur Heine hosted a dinner immediately following.

‘Shooting’ the Majuro scene

‘Shooting’ the Majuro scene

GIFF JOHNSON A series of photo shoot opportunities brought a Hawaii-based professional photographer to Majuro last month. Following a visit to the College of Micronesia in Pohnpei to open an exhibit of photographs of Micronesia, Floyd Takeuchi spent several days in Majuro taking photos of three seemingly unconnected subjects: actress and student Save Filolita Filemoni, […]

N-Commission sworn in

N-Commission sworn in

An administration of oath ceremony was held January 26 in the Cabinet conference room to formally swear in the three members of the Marshall Islands National Nuclear Commission. As provided in the law passed by the Nitijelã last year establishing the Commission, its primary duty is to develop a detailed strategy and plan of action […]