Ayden Sean Yumul
THE 19th Youth Congress in its last session on Aug. 17, 2024, unanimously passed Youth Congress Bill 19-1, requiring all public schools in the CNMI to teach at least one full year of Chamorro/Carolinian languages.
Authored by Youth Sen. Ayden Sean C. Yumul, the bill would also require the Public School System to hire qualified Chamorro/Carolinian language teachers.
PSS, however, “should not set instructor requirements in such a way that no classes can be offered in an operational school year.” Rather, PSS “shall set such instructor or teacher qualification in such a way that classes can begin immediately.”
A similar bill was introduced in the 18th Youth Congress by former Speaker Cielo G. Long of Tinian and was passed.
“A little less than 50 years ago,” Yumul said, “our founding fathers recognized the importance of keeping our languages and cultures alive as indigenous peoples through education and exposure of our cultural traditions. Today, we, the youth leaders, stand committed to provide access to cultural education throughout the whole pipeline. I humbly ask for your support to pass this bill, which will significantly impact the youth by providing education of indigenous language and cultures. Because it promotes pride in our heritage, [and] fosters a strong sense of identity and empowerment.”
The bill was supported by PSS and by the Indigenous and Carolinian Affairs office.
Youth Congress bills, when passed, are forwarded to the governor and the presiding officers of the Legislature “for disposition.”
