The Rota students made an effort in making this trip a reality, complying with all the necessary medical requirements, filing of application, making their teachers and principal sign and, most of all, the fees were paid to the office of the mayor of Saipan.
The granddaughter of the mayor, Ms Jema Tenorio, told one of the Rota parents that they needed to make payment now and assured that the child would be eligible for the trip and she would be informing the parent’s regarding the itinerary for the students.
The three students from Rota did not receive any information about the status of the trip and parents did follow up. They even e-mailed Ms Jema Tenorio but still no word from the mayor’s office.
After doing all the requirements needed, the parents of these students had to read in the newspaper that only Saipan students were included for this trip.
The question remains unanswered: “Why invite students from Rota and then leave them hanging as if they’re not important?”
Our students should be given the opportunity to better enhance their education, but I guess not.
So Mayor Tudela, we thank you very much for inviting our kids to be involved with this exchange program and not giving them the opportunity of a lifetime to experience a new culture and share their culture as well.
Mayor Tudela, you should be ashamed of yourself for doing this to our students here on Rota.
Stop giving hope to our students because we, the parents, want to see our kids succeed in life instead of being downgraded.
So, pay back the money that the students paid for, and next time give proper directions to your staff because wrong information can mislead parents.
Your administration should be more professional because you are the eye of the community.
CECILE B. TAIMANAO
Concerned Rota Parent
