According to Doramae Ngiratregd, a 6th grade teacher, the trip was a learning experience not only for the students, but also for school personnel who accompanied the students.
“We, for the most part, know very little of the processes that take place in the Olbiil Er a Kelulau (OEK),” she said. “And trying to explain these processes to students can at times be a little confusing because our books do not convey the intricate details of the OEK.”The students and their teachers were able to tour the chambers of the House of Delegates and the Senate. They were allowed to meet and talk with Delegates and Senators.Ngiratregd said that the Delegates and Senators were courteous and hospitable – a far cry from the images seen on television.“Some of the students were a little apprehensive,” she said. “However, after hearing encouraging and inspiring words from the Delegates and the Senators; and being invited into their offices, the students relaxed.”Further, Ngiratregd commended Nangisa Mai and Lekelong Secharraimul for their exceptional effort into making the students’ tour of the OEK “enjoyably educational.”Moreover, Ngiratregd said that the students are grateful for the Senators, who allowed the students and teachers to be a part of the Senate for some time.Ngiratregd further added that the fieldtrip was culmination of what the students have learned – and are learning – in their social studies and science classes.“After the tour of the OEK, we visited the Ngerdok Conservation Area,” she said. “Students had an opportunity to see and experience how interrelated things are and the effects of human effort on the protection of our environment. Our guide, Mr. Edwin Polloi, detailed everything that led to the establishment of the Ngerdok Conservation Area.”The students returned to Ngarchelong after eating lunch at Imekang Dock, Ngiwal State.
