CNMI urged to update school curricula By ALDWIN R. FAJARDO

There may be a need to update existing school curricula in order to eventually halt criticisms hurled by the federal government against the Northern Marianas’ heavy dependence on foreign workers.

Experts said the new curricula must be focused at building up local force to gradually replace guest workers, thereby, reducing the islands’ reliance on foreign labor.

A report obtained from Capitol Hill disclosed that the labor and immigration department has issued only about 26,379 work permits in 1998, lower by 22.7 percent from the previous year’s 34,111.

The sharp decline in the total number of nonresident workers in the Northern Marianas, the first in CNMI history, has been attributed to the effective labor reform programs initiated by the government.

Aside from the aggressive and effective enforcement of the law, officials also stemmed down the gradual reduction in the number of guest workers to the dramatic decline in economic activity in the CNMI.

Changes in the educational thrust should also be looked at seriously to prepare local residents, especially the youth, for the proposed shift in business activities considering the commonwealth’s plan to diversify the local economy.

Economic experts who have conducted a research on the existing curricula offered in both public high schools and the Northern Marianas College (NMC) recommend the setting up of a program that focuses more directly to career preparedness.

At present, school subjects tend to dwell more on the liberal arts format.

If the Commonwealth is determined at expanding its economic base, basic skill development initiatives should be among the top priority in educational programs.

Regardless of the ultimate level of educational attainment or career placement, basic skill development initiatives would simultaneously prepare a greater proportion of students for trade occupations and instill greater private sector orientation among young people, according to government studies.

Less labor-intensive, high technology-driven line of investments, which the Commonwealth government wishes to pursue, require major considerations that include strong university system, good infrastructure and good educational institutions.

Economists said the insufficient supply of skilled manpower in the Northern Marianas is a major factor that should be considered by the local government when it talks about diversification.