Palauan Community president Rufino Aguon talked briefly with the 16 youth delegates during a dinner at the Saipan Grand Hotel regarding the services their group and the Palau Consulate are extending to the Palauans in CNMI.
“You should set a good example to the community,” he told them.
In an interview, Aguon said the new generation is facing big and new challenges.
“This is because everything is now easy and more accessible,” he added.
He said the youth should choice wisely because they only have one life to live.
“Don’t be in a hurry to grow up,” he added.
The Palauan youth in the CNMI share similar challenges faced by their counterparts in the commonwealth, he said.
Palau Consul Eileen Kintol said their office continues to provide services to visiting Palauans while promoting unity, camaraderie and Palauan culture in the CNMI.
Kintol said the participation of the Palau youth delegates shows how eager and willing they are to address problems in the community.
The Palauan Community in Saipan and the consulate are always getting involved on the affairs of the youth to see what it can do to provide them a better future, Kintol said.
Those who participated in the youth summit were Kenny Reklai, Wilson Ngiraushi, Apol Adelbai, Ngelechel Etpison, Kumangai Maech, Gino Smau, Ivan Blesam, Elzeder Eledui, Exely Yaoch, Sweety Kalbesang, Vann Isaac, and Lamp Minor.
They represented the Koror State Youth Council, the Koror State Youth Division, and the Koror State Legislature.
Also in the group were Jennifer Anson, Micronesian Youth Services Network vice president; Koror State Treasury officer Joanne Nakamura; Koror State Youth Division chief Alan Marbou; Koror State Legislature committee assistant Vanessa Salii; Aimeliik Youth Association president Wridon Ngiralmau; and Koror State Youth Council Ngermid representative Violet Om Fernando.
The other officers of the Palauan Community in Saipan are Dennis Ngirchongor, vice president; Felisa Brel, secretary; Maria Kazuma, treasurer; and coordinators for fundraising activities, Jean F. Sablan and Marilyn Marron.
Reklai, who is a member of the MYSN board of directors, said the lack of resources, parental guidance and support from parents are factors why youth divert their attention to “illegitimate activities.”
The MYSN conference discussed strategies in addressing common problems among the youth in Micronesia — teen pregnancy, the use of alcohol and tobacco and other addictive substances.
Reklai said strengthening the networking among youth groups in Micronesia is very important.
“There should be more social activities for the youth,” he urged.
He acknowledged Koror Gov. Yoshitaka Adachi, the members of the 8th Koror State Legislature, Aimeliik Gov. Leilani Reklai and Sen. Regis Akitaya for supporting youth activities.
