The annual training is one of the requirements that Head Start complies with.
According to Eydeline Ikeya, Head Start Director, “We do this every year in July before start of school year and when the new bus drivers and bus monitors are hired.”
Head Start operates four big buses — three in Koror and one in Airai — and eight small ones. “We have 11 drivers and three bus monitors, including those from other States,” Ikeya said.
“Today I am teaching them about proper rules in intersections because this new Koror Metroroad is quite confusing,” explained Eugene Uehara, Palau Community College Automotive Technology Teacher, in an interview. He facilitates the training every year.
Uehara brought the 26 bus drivers and bus monitors trainees in front of a major intersection in Koror on Wednesday afternoon to observe the traffic.
“People don’t follow the rules, and the bus drivers get confused,” Uehara explained. “That’s why we’re here to observe what the motorists are doing wrong so we don’t commit the same mistakes because we are transporting students to and from the Head Start centers.”
“We are very fortunate to have Mr. Uehara to facilitate the training,” Ikeya stated. “We also want to thank Tachur Rengulbai, Director of Public Works, for referring us to Uehara.
Head Start school opens on September 1. Ikeya is inviting parents who are interested to enroll their kids to Head Start to call 488-2469 for information.
