Waan Aelon in Majel

Fire wrecks canoe center

Fire wrecks canoe center

GIFF JOHNSON Fires have long been the scourge of Majuro and Sunday’s blaze that destroyed the Waan Aelon in Majel (Canoes of the Marshall Islands) two-story offices and workshops proved that point.Firefighting equipment and know-how is rarely able to stop a fire in progress. The best that can be hoped for in Majuro is that […]

Exhibit showcases local artists

Exhibit showcases local artists

The US Embassy hosted an art exhibition at the Ambassador’s residence earlier this month, an event that brought together students from four Majuro high schools with NGOs Jo-Jikum and Waan Aelon in Majel. The students viewed both locally made works of art that were displayed in the outdoor ground floor deck area under the main […]

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.