Previous Story
Grant opens adult education to private provider
|
Posted on Mar 03 1999
The federal government opens the delivery of adult education and family literacy programs to a community-based provider in addition to the courses offered at the Northern Marianas College.
In an interview with Fe Y. Calixterio, director of Adult Education program at the Northern Marianas College, a formal invitation will be published to call on community organizations and interested individuals submit their proposals for both educational undertakings.
A committee will be convened to review these proposals but only a single entry is scheduled to receive the federal grant. The program will start this July, she said.
According to Calixterio, NMC has a standing Memorandum of Understanding with Karidat for adult education programs held at the Manhoben Center in Chalan Kanoa. The college also maintains the same agreement with the Island Beauty for programs held in San Antonio.
As the State Education Agency for this federal grant, NMC is also required to submit its own proposal outlining the key points on how the college is going to conduct adult education and family literacy.
She said work skills will be given emphasis starting this July and her office will work closely with the Department of Labor and Immigration and the Job Training Partnership Act office.
“We are looking at computer skills and we are working with the Vocational Education Center of NMC for students who are interested with the construction trade,” she said.
The Business Development Center will also help the program introduce courses on small business establishment. Same with NMC’s Home Economics Center for skills on food and nutrition, sewing and parenting skills.
“I think we have the capability in the college to develop curriculum on work skills,” she added.
This future program will also incorporate work ethics with the hard skills curriculum. Regular attendance and punctuality will be required while students are attending these courses.
“One might know how to run the computer very well but what if he is constantly absent, so this would be a good training for the students,” she said.
Regular workshops will be held to give employers the time to discuss their expectations to future employees.
