This annual program brings students from the four states of FSM to the capital to experience firsthand a unique “close up” observation on how elected leaders perform within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government and their decision-making process on critical issues affecting the lives of FSM citizens. This year’s theme is “Nurturing Citizenship and Nationalism in a Democratic Society.”
On Tuesday, the students met with FSM President Manny Mori and had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with him.
Mori was asked by one student what his thoughts were regarding foreign investment in the FSM.
“Without foreign investment,” said Mori, “we’ll be running in circles chasing our tails.”
He explained that the country needs “good” foreign investment that will principally support the nation’s tourism industry and promote that industry without destroying the environment.
When asked by another student how the FSM could maximize the benefits of its fishing resources, Mori warned the students that while it is true the country has one of the world’s finest fish stock, the amount of that resource is limited.
“First, we have to ban dynamite fishing,” said Mori, “because we must preserve our corals.”
He emphasized that his goal is to balance the need to conserve and sustain fishing resources, while rehabilitating environmentally friendly processing plants which would allow for the creation of jobs domestically.
One student stated he felt there was a huge lack in FSM for training in certain skills such as construction, mechanics and engineering.
Mori said he agreed with the student and believed that the college-level education system in FSM needs to be re-designed.
He mentioned that this was an issue he had raised in his inaugural speech, and affirmed that FSM needs to establish four-year college degrees giving prominence to vocational and technical training.
