By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

A TEACHER at San Vicente Elementary School is seeking the community’s support for the improvement of the school’s aquaculture project.
In 1997, Valrich Welch, a 5th grade teacher at SVES, was recognized for excellence in science and mathematics instruction by the National Science Foundation and, as a result of this recognition, SVES was awarded $7,500 to improve its science instruction.
The money was combined with a Christa McAuliffe fellowship and a $5,000 donation from a local bank to build two tilapia tanks and a hydroponics vegetable growing facility.
The aquaculture project became operational in April 1999.
Welch, in an e-mail to Variety, said the project is a great way to teach science and is also used for fundraising purposes.
However, she said, it was not designed to withstand a typhoon.
It was damaged by one typhoon and taken out of commission by a second typhoon, Welch said.
Due to lack of resources, the project’s pumps, electrical wiring and plumbing have not been repaired, she said.
According to Welch, SVES has applied for an ANA grant to restore the two aquaculture tanks and add two more tanks for shrimp and eel farming.
ANA is the Administration for Native Americans, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Welch said in order for the grant to be approved, she needs to show that the local community needs and wants this project.
“The feds are also looking at how many partnerships will be formed with this project,” she said. “I need to show that the local community is committed to this project — I need a letter of commitment to prove the commitment.”