Pohnpei 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.
Pohnpei State consists of six inhabited atolls and Pohnpei Island, which makes up most of its 133 square miles. With 34,889 people (est. 2006), Pohnpei State is the national capital of the FSM and the site of the College of Micronesia (COM-FSM). Agriculture is important to the economy of this beautiful and fertile state.
Culture
Pohnpeians live by three kinship units: the nuclear family, the extended family, and the clan. In a Pohnpeian home, the father is the dominant head. He takes the lead in everything. Pohnpeian adult social life revolves around traditional customs. Most Pohnpeians socialize when they gather in the evenings to consume the traditional beverage—sakau (kava). The sakau plant is very significant in the lives of Pohnpeians, and it is used for many occasions whether formal or informal. Pohnpeian children are taught to do what their parents say without question. They are also expected to participate actively in responsibilities of the household. Furthermore, courtesy is very much a way of life for Pohnpeians, who also have a deep sense of pride that cannot be expressed openly. When individuals are praised, they often refrain from acknowledging it publicly. Quiet dignity is a characteristic of Pohnpeians.
Language
Pohnpeian is the dominant language of Pohnpei. Although there are two Polynesian languages spoken by two groups of outer islanders, it is Pohnpeian that permeates the lives of residents on the main island of Pohnpei. In public schools, the language is taught in the 1st grade and maintained through the 8th grade. It is not taught in high school because of the assumption that students have already mastered it. Private schools teach Pohnpeian at their own discretion. Useful greetings are provided with English translations and phonetic pronunciations on Language Cards.
Education
Both public and private schooling are available in Pohnpei. Elementary education is from grades 1 to 8, is compulsory in the public schools, and children are required to begin 1st grade at the age of six. Graduating from elementary school doesn't necessarily mean entrance to high school, as this is determined by passing an entrance examination. It is estimated that about one-third pass the examination and make it into the public high school. The rest may attend public institutions or join the workforce. Pohnpei has 34 public schools with an enrollment of 10,990 students.
PREL Service Center
P.O. Box 1919
Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941
Phone: (691) 320-2112
Fax: (691) 320-4989
Email: pohnpeisc@prel.org
Department of Education, Pohnpei
Mr. Joseph Villazon, Director of Education
P.O. Box 250
Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941
Phone: (691) 320-2102/103
Fax: (691) 330-5510/3864
Email: jvillazon@pohnpeidoe.fm
http://www.literacynet.org/micronesia/doe1.html
Institutions of Higher Education
College of Micronesia, Pohnpei Campus
Mr. Spensin James, President
Pohnpei Campus P.O. Box 159
Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941
Phone: (691) 320-2480
Fax: (691) 320-2479
Email: presoffice@mail.fm
www.comfsm.fm/pohnpei
Government
Airline Service
Continental Airlines
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
News