FSM President Mori speaks to visiting high schoolers at the President's Office

FSMIS (May 20, 2014): Today, the Federated States of Micronesia President Manny Mori received a visiting group of forty-six high school students representing schools throughout the FSM. The students spent time today familiarizing themselves with Leaders and Officials at the FSM National Government as part of the FSM Close Up Program for high schools.

In the morning, the students observed at the proceedings of the Congress session and had the opportunity to interact with the law-makers of the country.

This afternoon, they engaged in very lively interaction with the President who seemed to be just as delighted as the students themselves.

The students probed into President Mori's view on what would happen to the FSM after 2023 when financial assistance under the Compact of Free Association with the United States are terminated.

The Students also asked about motivating factors that led President Mori to where he is now, and about what he intends to do after he retires from office.

 

President Mori told the students that he does not know what would happen to the FSM in 2024 onward. However, he said that the FSM must build its economy in specific ways that will assist in filling expected financial gaps when Compact funding ends and work on lowering its dependence on foreign assistance. He also said the governments (State and National) need a "healthy and well educated workforce" that must build upon current endeavors.  

In terms of his retirement intentions, the President said he would like to remain in the country and assist, especially in financial matters, given his banking background.

President Mori also asked all the students to move on to college and stay focus on completing higher education before choosing to "settle down".  

The students, along with chaperons, came from all of the four states in the FSM. They will be in Pohnpei the entire week, under supervision from staff of the FSM Department of Education.

The National Close up program is funded by the FSM Government to provide hands-on learning and interaction opportunities between Government Leaders and students. The 2014 Close up experience is facilitated under the theme: "Education in the Digital Era".

 

For further information, contact the Department at 320-2609 or email fsmpio@mail.fm.