COM-FSM Receives $26,350 From U.S. Embassy To Offer A NGO Course

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (December 13, 2012) – U.S. Ambassador Doria Rosen presented a check from the U.S. Embassy for $26,350 to the College of Micronesia-FSM to begin offering a 100 level college course in NGO Management at the college.

The Ambassador made the presentation during her visit to the college on December 6, 2012.

The need for the non-governmental organization (NGO) management course was identified after a meeting between former U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Peter Prahar and representatives of FSM NGOs.

In May 2012, at a roundtable meeting with local NGO leaders, Ambassador Prahar noted a high level of excitement and enthusiasm for continued engagement with the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia. The Ambassador was impressed, and noted that the meeting was one of the best meetings he had participated in during his tour of duty in the Federated States of Micronesia.

The course will target NGO staff and volunteers and will become a required COM-FSM course for students studying in the health, agriculture, and social science fields. The program will be available as a for-credit and non-credit course.

Individuals completing the course will have increased skills and understanding of how NGOs make an impact and create change. It is hoped that the course will increase the talent and the human resources available, and thus increase the capacity of NGOs to engage with the local community, and government sector.  

As a partner with the U.S. Embassy, the college is providing both in–kind and monetary matching financial commitment in the amount of $15,000, and long-term responsibility for offering the course. The U.S. Embassy is funding the initial cost of establishing this program.

Other partners include the Micronesian Conservation Trust, and Unitec (Auckland, New Zealand) who will serve in an advisory role.  Unitec will also offer students who complete the College of Micronesia-FSM program opportunities to receive further training through the Unitec NGO Management Certificate program.

The course will be offered during the Fall 2013 Semester at all college campuses.