NMC's adult ed ready to receive NAP recipients

The Adult Basic Education of the Northern Marinas College is ready to establish partnership with the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation and the Nutritional Assistance Program in the implementation of the welfare to work grant.

According to ABE Director Fe Calixterio, both NMHC and NAP are preparing a grant proposal to finance the local welfare to work program.

However, Calixterio emphasized that with or without the grant, NMC’s adult school is ready to accommodate students who are under the federal welfare program.

“The ABE is ready anytime. We don’t have to wait for the grant. All they need to do is send us the students,” she said.

At present, a lone NAP recipient has enrolled at NMC’s adult school. Based on the recent count of NAP recipients, the number of individuals availing the welfare program has increased. However, only one has sought educational help.

“Well, this is the beginning but I want more,” she said.

Calixterio is looking at offering two education programs for the welfare recipients. In preparation for the General Education Development diploma, students will first need to hurdle the ABE curriculum. A family literacy program for mothers with young children is also being considered.

“I would suspect, without going through their records, that some of their clients are high school graduates but will need additional skills. While a number are non-high school graduates,” she said.

Completing the ABE program, she believes that graduates will gain the skills appropriate for entry level work. They can perform clerical tasks, sales clerk, cashier and other entry level positions.

The curriculum carries computer literacy load where students are trained to do the Word Perfect in typing letters and memos. While the spreadsheet program is also available for interested students.

In addition to these skills, ABE will explore to prepare students to join the garment industry after school.