FESTPAC Guam Delegation

It was wonderful to meet my fellow Guam Delegation members for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture 2024!  FESTPAC presents a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Pacific Island cultures. The festival promises an exciting showcase of traditional and contemporary arts, offering a window into the diverse practices, languages, and expressions of Pacific communities. It is a chance to learn from artists, performers, and cultural practitioners, broadening our understanding and appreciation of the Pacific's heritage and its vibrant contemporary cultural life.  We are certainly looking forward to representing our beautiful island of Guam during FESTPAC 2024!  Biba Guam!  Biba FESTPAC!  Below are a few of the snapshots taken during our meeting.

Diversity & Inclusion Check-In Meeting - April 14

Hafa Adai!  It was a pleasure to meet with a few of my fellow Diversity & Inclusion Officers this afternoon!  There's no doubt that Diversity and Inclusion transcends mere acknowledgment of differences. It demands proactive adaptation of practices to create an environment where myriad skills, perspectives, and backgrounds are not just acknowledged but celebrated. It compels us to delve deeper into comprehending the nuances of individual distinctions stemming from a vast spectrum of backgrounds and lifestyles. By doing so, we harness the power of diverse perspectives, catalyzing the enhancement and enrichment of our mission's quality and outcomes.  BIBA, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION!  🎉

Diversity & Inclusion Team for the USCG Auxiliary

April Diversity Highlights

April is Celebrate Diversity Month, National Autism Awareness Month, Poetry Month, and more!  It is a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the diversity surrounding us and the beauty of poetry that exists. It's an opportunity to embrace and learn from differences in gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, and more, enriching our understanding and acceptance of the vast tapestry of human experience. Celebrate Diversity Month encourages actions such as being considerate to everyone, listening to people from diverse cultures, and learning more about different cultures and lifestyles. This initiative highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and respected, pushing us out of our comfort zones to explore new perspectives and celebrate the unique contributions of all.  

Check out our Diversity Calendar for other April celebrations, such as World Health Day, National Library Week, Volunteer Recognition Day, World Creativity And Innovation Day, Earth Day, and more!  Also, don’t forget to join us for the D204 Lions International Easter Story Time Literacy Partnership event to hear meaningful and relevant stories and a special message from Coastie!

Guam Delegation at the 53rd NABE Conference

The Guam Delegation takes a pose at the Hilton Riverside, New Orleans, Louisiana during the 53rd Annual National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Conference.  The theme of the conference is Celebrating Heritage Language and Its Role in Promoting Multilingualism, Multiliteracy, and Multiculturalism!  The conference was held March 26-30, 2024.  Pictured L-R:  Karen Alvia, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera,  NABE President Evelyn De Jesus, Bert Yamasta, Elmer Alves, and Barbara Tainatongo.

API SIG.  Pictured L-R:  Eddie Park, Newly-elected API-SIG Chair; Bert Yamasta; Barbara Tainatongo; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Newly-elected API-SIG Co-Chair; and Mary Khris Fleur.

Dr. Rivera shared her presentation titled Fostering Language and History through Storytelling.

Jimmy Santos Teria, CHamoru Studies Administrator, shared his presentation via Zoom titled, The CHamoru Language & Culture Program's (CLCP) Role in Promoting Multilingualism, Multiliteracy and Multicuralism.

Edward Park shared his presentation titled, Wong Avery Global Languages for Elementary Students.

You Have the Power Presentation with Dr. ET.  Pictured L-R:  Barbara Tainatongo, Bert Yamasta, Dr. ET, and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and the NABE Conference Steering Committee.

Dr. Rivera and Judith take a pose.

The National Association for Bilingual Education is the only nationwide network of professionals dedicated to serving English language learners in the United States via education programs and legislative advocacy. For the past four decades, NABE has been committed to excellence in bilingual and biliteracy education for all students through enriched educational programs and intensive professional development for teachers, administrators, professors, policymakers and parents. Additionally, NABE provides extensive research in the field via its Bilingual Research Journal, NABE Perspectives, NABE Journal of Research and Practice and the NABE eNews. NABE is committed to promoting programs and innovations that prepare our nation's students to be fluently bilingual, technologically creative, globally competitive and well-rounded world citizens by advancing legislation and policies at both the state and national levels that best serve language minority students.

Source:  NABE.org

Special Olympics Memorable!

Si Yu'os Ma'ase' to our GIFLC members who participated in the 2024 Special Olympics at Okkodu High School on March 23, 2024!  Our very own Leo Joaquin Rivera was one of the athletes representing Southern High School.  He received the silver in running and bronze in softball.  Kudos, Kinny & GIFLC!  Continue to make a difference!

GIFLC Leo receives the silver medal in running

GIFLC at the 2024 Special Olympics

Leo Kinny is ready for the 2024 Special Olympics

The Lions are in the house!

Leo Kinny shows off his medals.

D204 Lions Clubs Easter Saturday Story Time - April 6

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs Easter Story Time on Saturday, April 6, 2024.  Register at https://bit.ly/lionsclubreading We look forward to seeing you there! 🦁 🐇📚😀

Calling All Youth Musicians on Saturdays @ the Micro Mall

Attention all young musicians! Join the 2026 Youth Orchestra Tumon Bay on Saturdays starting March 2 from 3-5 p.m.at the Micronesian Mall for a musical gathering like no other. No audition necessary - all instruments are welcome!

Quality of Life Expo Meaningful!

The Quality of Life Expo held February 24, 2024 at the UOG Field House was a success!  Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ & kudos to all! 

Our USO familia takes a pose!

Tatuha Cultural Dancers share the island spirit!

721st Army band performs live at the Expo.