I AM writing to express my extreme disappointment and disgust as a Refaluwasch community member regarding the recent developments in the Chamorro Carolinian (Refaluwasch) Language Heritage Studies or CCLHS certification program. Despite the participants’ sacrifices, the program has been postponed again until August 5-7, with face-to-face sessions at Hopwood Middle School. This will only give teachers three days to prepare their classrooms for the new school year, impacting the quality of education.
I find it curious that Dr. Clare attributed the schedule change to the lack of devices and internet access among participants, despite their efforts to procure necessary resources. This is a pattern of behavior that demonstrates a lack of respect and support for the Refaluwasch language and culture.
Furthermore, I am disappointed that Commissioner Camacho and Senior Director Quitugua took business-related trips during the break, leaving no one available to address our concerns. This lack of accountability and transparency is unacceptable.
I demand immediate action to address this situation and ensure the certification program is implemented as scheduled. The CCLHS Teachers and Refaluwasch community deserve better.
Sincerely,
GREGORIE MICHAEL ÉIPÉRANG TOWAI
Saipan, CNMI
***
Asked for comment, the PSS-Office of Instructional Services said:
There is misinterpretation of facts here.
To be clear, the CCLHS certification is being administered by the University of Guam. The university complied with procurement regulations by responding suitably to the request for proposal issued by the Public School System. Neither UOG nor any of its employees should be involved in this.
As part of our commitment to assisting our students’ learning by providing them with appropriate and required learning support, PSS works to support our CCLHS Program in particular. One of the main initiatives before the new school year begins is the CCLHS certification program.
The asynchronous work of CCLHS certification participants is permitted and enabled by the program design, which included access to a UOG instructor. To accommodate the Chamorro and Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies certification participants with their teach back, the August 5-7 schedule was devised.
