The need and relevance of ESD in the local context

Question 1: What does the notion of ESD symbolize to you?

Reply: Palau is developing in a rapid pace. Construction of homes, government building and business are increasing. There is a need for skilled laborers in construction field. Construction includes carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electricity, and other related field. For Palau to be able to sustain this development it must train its manpower force to handle this need. At present, Palau is hiring more foreign workers to do these jobs. Foreign workers send money outside side of Palau and this does not help our nation economy. Palau needs to educate and train its young people to take over these jobs and to decrease or minimize the importation of foreign workers. This will help economy grow and sustainable because the money will circulate within Palau.

Emmaus High school is one of the private schools in Palau. Its mission is to train young people to become self-sufficient, good citizen, respecting and contributing member of the community. The school would like to start a program that would-include vocational education into its curriculum. Students who are interested in vocational areas will be able to take training in carpentry, masonry, mechanics, engine repair and others. The school hopes that when students graduate from this school they have some basic knowledge in the vocational areas and academic background that would enable them to pursue their careers to go to college or to further their vocational training at Palau Community College.

Achieving ESD-Goals

Question 2: How would you plan to empower the targeted individuals and communities to help create a more sustainable future beyond addressing immediate needs and challenges of the beneficiary?

Reply: The demand for services in the area of small repairs and maintenance of the buildings is ever increasing. The country’s economy is growing and businesses are building huge buildings every year. The government is also expanding to meet the growing need of community and more government buildings are being constructed. This has doubled the demand for maintenance. This has doubled the demand for companies that can provide continuous maintenance and upkeep of the facilities and appliances used therein. Between the public facilities and the residential houses, there are not enough companies and individuals to do minor repairs, maintenance and other necessary services. Knowledge and skills acquired by these students will help them find jobs after graduation and in the future. Furthermore the more community hires local residents the less we rely on foreign laborers. This is good for our economy and for our society.