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Its busy times for WAM as the GEF trainees learn valuable skills in advanced carpentry and carving. Their first few weeks in February involved logging large Lukwej trees, and then milling them. This beautiful local wood was cut into slabs and some was seasoned in the salt water right outside WAM. The trainees of the GEF program started with making their own wood mallets in preparation for their training in carving. They also did carpentry work for the WAM office giving it a much needed upgrade.

Large Lukwej tree being milled by Oliber Mack and Matson John. Photo: Sealend Laiden

Stacked Lukwej slabs in WAM’s Canoe House. Photo: Sealend Laiden

Lukwej slabs being cured in saltwater with the assistance of trainees Dickson Randy, Matson John and Trainer Gregory Jokray. Photo: Sealand Laiden

Carpentry skills being used by Abija Lometo & Rusty Riklon. Photo: Sealend Laiden

Lukwej slabs curing. Photo: Sealend Laiden

In the days ahead they will being given small business start-up training enabling them to be self-employed upon graduation.

After many  stormy day’s for weeks the sun came out and shined, as did the Vocational/Lifeskills 2016 Trainee Graduates! There was approximately 120 in attendance made up of family, friends and community leaders to see 14 young men and 4 young women receive their graduation certificates for completing the WAM program. The graduating Class of 2016 wore a t-shirt they personnel designed for just this day.

In just 6 months these trainees became more self-confident, improved their decision making, learned how to work together as a team and acquired many vocational skills. On display for family and community to see were the two sailing canoes built by the trainees as well as the many other woodworking crafts they had made. The trainees are provided with a Literacy course and they displayed their achievements in this area by presenting opening  and closing speeches both in English and Marshallese.  We are sure that these skills will help them in their future endeavors whether that be further education or employment.

After certificates of achievement were awarded all enjoyed a good lunch under the tree at the Marshall Islands Resort, and then some fun in the sun with the canoes. We congratulate them on their achievements at present and wish them many more to come in the future.

One of the two canoes built by the Class of 2016. Photo: J. Bowman

Trainee Scamyo Namdrik presents a welcoming speech to all in attendance. Photo: J. Bowman

Graduation t-shirt designed by the Class of 2016. Photo: J. Bowman

Trainees show off their woodworking skills. Photo: J. Bowman

Regina David presenting one of the closing speeches of appreciation. Photo: J. Bowman

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Group cleanup each day. Photo: Alson Kelen

Trainees Etri John and Maryann Kiluwe doing food prep. Photo: Alson Kelen

Trainee Scamyo Namdrik cooking fish caught. Photo: Alson Kelen

Trainee Roselina Kiluwe learns about net fishing from Trainer Binton Daniel. Photo: Alson Kelen

WAM trainees and staff had a great time at Eneko Island July 22-25th.  They shared responsibilities and the things learned made for a fun weekend.

Each day of the retreat began with trainees cleaning up the area before starting the daily activities. Trainees were taught about the importance of keeping the coral and fish alive.

They also were taught how to source local resources for there lunch and evening meals. In doing so they learned how to make coconut pudding, rice balls, ‘beru’ and different dishes that could be made from breadfruit. The trainees were also introduced to the cultural skills of throw net fishing. They enjoyed learning this skill and were able to use this new skill to catch and serve fish as a part of the evening meals.

The trainees also engaged in fun activities to help them build their decision making and team building skills. They participated in the egg throwing competition; tug – a – war competition; wet dress relay and a volley ball competition.

Here are quotes from the trainees about how they felt about the retreat:

‘Working together makes everything possible’

‘To learn about life’

‘Learn about what’s right and wrong’

‘Strengthen their skills and knowledge’

‘Learn about the culture’

‘Getting to know more of each other’

‘Making the right decision’

‘Learning how to cook traditional food’

‘Respecting each other’

All participants in Eneko Retreat weekend felt it was a huge success!

WAM Trainees Helenty and Naggie doing tool inventory. Photo: Tolina Tomeing

WAM Trainees Whitney, Erik, Etri and Trainer Sears. Photo: Tolina Tomeing

WAM Trainees Harris, Bilton, Antonio and Carvie doing inventory of tools. Photo: Tolina Tomeing

WAM Trainees Darlson, Ned and Scamyo doing tool inventory. Photo: Tolina Tomeing

WAM Trainee Tine doing cleanup. Photo: Tolina Tomeing

WAM trainees got off to a good start their first week. They were instructed on the proper use of tools, how to maintain them and safely use them. Both girls and boys worked together in maintenance and cleanup of the WAM site.

Saturday, February 21 was a beautiful day for sailing and it was wonderful to see so many colorful canoes competing in the Majuro Day Canoe Races. And the winners are:

Three canoes race to the rounding mark in the Majuro Day 2015 Canoe Race.

CLASS A – KORKOR

1st Place, Wola I Wola O, owned by Sandy Alfred, skippered by Aembi Snight
2nd Place, Di In Ek, owned by Acme River, skippered by Paul River
3rd Place, Rakjen Maan, owned by Randy Abot, skippered by Sammy Abija

First and Second Place Winners, Kibed and Bud Lite, Majuro Day 2015 Canoe Race

CLASS B – TIPNOL

1st Place, Kibed, owned by Sandy Alfred, skippered by Jebi Langineo
2nd Place, Bud Lite, owned by Albert Albertar, skippered by Reed Wonne
3rd Place, Bud, owned by Albert Albertar, skippered by Risen Aluka

Di In Ek, skippered by Paul River, heads for home after placing 2nd in the Majuro Day 2015 Canoe Race.

All photos: Bruce Masterson