Kosrae State, FSM
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) consists of four states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. These entities were formerly part of the United Nations Trust Territory, but the FSM is now a semi-independent nation under a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. and receives financial benefits in return for providing exclusive free passage to U.S. military vessels through FSM waters.
Kosrae State, a volcanic island of 43 square miles with 8,048 people (est. 2006), has a wet tropical climate and many rivers and waterfalls. It is almost exclusively rural with a subsistence economy.
Culture
Kosraean customs have changed since first contact with European explorers, however, many of the attitudes and values still exist today. Missionaries discouraged certain traditional practices that they deemed inappropriate, nevertheless, some aspects of the culture still thrive among Kosraeans. For example, older people must be treated with respect when met. It is also customary to invite strangers to eat at mealtime. Feasts and food giving were once a common form of tribute to the king, but the practice has continued as a family custom. This cultural practice is especially important at weddings, a child's first birthday, and funerals. Kosraean children have a deep sense of pride that usually is hidden. The elders usually consider quiet children to be “good” children.
Language
Kosraean is closely related to the Micronesian languages of Chuuk, the Marshalls, and Pohnpei. It is spoken in the home, at work, and in other arenas. English is spoken in schools and government establishments and upon meeting foreigners. Kosraean belongs to the Austronesian language family, as do all of the Micronesian languages. Useful greetings are provided with English translations and phonetic pronunciations on Language Cards.
Education
Education is highly emphasized by both parents and teachers. Public and private education are offered on Kosrae with elementary being grades K–9 and high school grades 10–12. Kosraean children begin school at the age of six with Kosraean as the language of instruction until 3rd grade when basic English reading begins. Attendance at public elementary schools is free and compulsory while entrance into public secondary schools is determined by examination. Kosrae has seven public schools with an enrollment of 2,546 students.
PREL Service Center
P.O. Box 848
Tofol, Kosrae, FM 96944
Phone: (691) 370-3419
Fax: (691) 370-3419
Email: kosraesc@prel.org
Department of Education
Paul Hadik, Director of Education
P.O. Box 218
Tofol, Kosrae FM 96944
Phone: (691) 370-3008
Fax: (691) 370-2045
FSM Department of Education
http://www.literacynet.org/micronesia/doe1.html
Institutions of Higher Education
College of Micronesia, Kosrae Campus
P. O. Box 37
Tofol, Kosrae FM 96944
Phone: (691) 370-3191
Fax: 9691) 370-3193
Email: kosrae@comfsm.fm
www.comfsm.fm/kosrae
Government
Airline Service
Contact PREL
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning
Phone:
(808) 441-1300
U.S. Toll-free Phone:
(800) 377-4773
AskPREL
Phone:
(808) 441-1300
U.S. Toll-free Phone:
(800) 377-4773
AskPREL
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