Be the change you want to see in this world

"Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve."
-Joaquin Nangauta Naputi

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Sisters are blessings!

It's always nice to be able to spend time with sisters who are there for you through thick and thin!  God bless all sisters for all that you are and all that you do to make a difference!

Sisters Gathering:  Pictured from L-R:  Mae M.C. Mendiola, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Rosanne Lastimoza, and Charlene Gumataotao.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Happy 72nd Liberation Day, Guam!


Tomorrow marks Guam's 72nd Liberation Day! The island's annual liberation parade on July 21 is traditionally packed with crowds to celebrate Guam's freedom from Japan's cruel occupation. As part of our patriotism, we continue to celebrate and thank those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces to fight for the freedom that we enjoy today!

Happy 72nd Liberation Day, Guahan! Biba Guahan!

Aloha from the Guam IRA Team!

Here we are taking one more picture in Honolulu, Hawaii before heading back to Guam!  Aloha!


Sunday, July 17, 2016

Boston Snapshots

Boston is always bustling no matter what time of the day. It is historical, inspirational, fast-paced, and the list goes on. Here are just a few of the snapshots taken during our ILA trip.

Guam IRA Receives Honor Council Award in Boston, MA

Congratulations to the Guam Council IRA for receiving the ILA Honor Council Award!  Guam IRA has been instrumental in promoting literacy on Guam since 1968, and it will continue in its efforts to do so for many years to come.  Our mission is to develop an awareness of the powerful impact of reading, and we aim to make connections to the island's community through various literacy projects and events including our Annual Read-A-Thon, Author Visits, educator grants, Annual Language Arts Conference sponsorship, literacy workshops/presentations, professional development credit opportunities, local book donations and International book donations to our neighboring islands, affordable and resourceful books, tools, supplies, and engaging projects that promote literacy on the island of Guam and Micronesia at large.

Guam IRA Receives ILA Honor Council Award for 2015-2016 at the ILA Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.  Guam IRA was recognized as an HONOR COUNCIL of the International Literacy Association for its achievements in programs, membership, promotion, and community service.  Pictured L-R:  April Cordova, Guam IRA Board Member; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, 2016-2017 Guam IRA President; Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Guam IRA Board Member; Evangeline P. Chaco, 2015-2016 Guam IRA President; Dylan Orot, Guam IRA Board Member; and Annette Raguindin, Guam IRA Board Member.


Visiting Familia!

Memories shared with our familia last a lifetime.  I had the opportunity to visit my familia in San Diego, Arizona, and San Francisco this summer.  Si Yu'os Ma'ase', mi familia, for making my trip an unforgettable one!  Here are just a few snapshots taken during my visit.