According to Esther Koshiba, the school’s director, Yochieng first opened its doors on September 06, 1966 and since then has graduated more than four thousand students – many of whom are now provide indispensable services to the country.
“The school, despite its struggles with strained budgets each year, has managed over the years to serve the children of Palau,” Koshiba said. “I believe Yochieng instilled a sense of caring and service for others in the children who walked through its doors.”Koshiba said that currently the school could only cater to so many children due to the size of its facilities. In addition, the school’s operating costs has increased dramatically.“Power, water, communication, and transportation costs have sky-rocketed and so has a whole lot of things,” she said. “However, as a service entity, we are inclined not to pass on the costs to the people we are called to serve.”According to Koshiba, she had solicited for help from alumni of the school; and they began a series of fundraising activities, which to date have garnered more than $3,000.The fundraising activities began in late April and are expected to continue until a goal of $28,000 is reached.Koshiba said the money raised will be used to construct an extension of the main school facility to provide for ample space for classrooms, day care center, and library.“I am very grateful for each and every individual who has contributed to the fundraising activities,” Koshiba said. “The willingness of people to give a little of the little they have exemplifies the spirit that we hope to bestow on our children.”Koshiba said that construction will commence as soon as there enough funds to purchase materials. Furthermore, she said that the alumni and school personnel will continue to solicit for support; and they are working industriously to make sure that the school’s services for children persist for the next 50 years.
