LOCAL BRIEFS

History exhibit

The 1999 Commonwealth Commemorative Committee for Afro-American is inviting the public to an exhibit and program entitled the “Commonwealth Historical Salute to Afro-American History Month” in celebration of national Black History Month observed annually during February.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has officially proclaimed the month of February 1999 as the African-American History Month in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

The exhibit is a collection of historical photographs, books and other memorabilia depicting the contributions of many Afro-Americans and unsung heroes who contributed to America’s development.

This year’s program will also recognize some of the Afro-Americans who have made historical contributions to the creation and development of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The basic exhibit comes from the personal collection of Professor Marilyn Jackson, Ph.D., University of Guam, augmented by individual contribution from Committee members and supporters.

The exhibit opens on February 19, Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. up to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.

School-to-work funding

The Public School System will use the School to Work funding to launch its Health Academy and Hotel 2000 program that will be introduced at the Marianas High School.

According to acting Associate Commissioner for Instruction Rita Sablan, PSS has requested for extension from the U.S. Department of Labor and Education to give them time to gather the additional documents earlier asked from their proposal.

Both programs are envisioned to provide high school students with hands-on training leading to professions in health and tourism. Currently, MHS has the Teachers Academy program which had encouraged students to pursue teaching.

Lately, the school to work funding of the federal government which appointed the PSS as its lead agency in the CNMI is attracting attention from allied agencies.

In a letter sent to Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos late last year, Rep. Rosiky Camacho inquired about the status of the CNMI State Plan for the School to Work of 1994.

Past reports had alleged that the CNMI missed this funding because PSS failed to submit the local state plan.

Camacho also emphasized in his letter to include inputs from the Northern Marianas College, Job Training Partnership Act and the Nutrition Assistance Program in this future proposal.

“We did submit a proposal but we were asked to provide additional information,” Sablan said, denying reports of PSS remiss to endorse one.

Acting Fiscal and Budget Officer William Matson said PSS is pursuing the School to Work funding specifically identified for high schools which would run from $100,000 and up.