SAIPAN — Students and educators across Saipan are calling recent school visits by the Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority engaging and eye-opening, as the two organizations continue their annual outreach to 5th, 7th and 10th graders.
The initiative uses interactive presentations to show students how the visitor industry supports jobs, local businesses and community programs, and to encourage young residents to see themselves as future contributors to the Marianas’ tourism economy.
The outreach also supports MYWAVE Clubs in local schools. MYWAVE, which stands for Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically, gives students hands-on opportunities to participate in tourism-related community activities, explore careers in hospitality and develop leadership skills.
Rose Sharon Taimanao, a Chamorro teacher at Chacha Oceanview Middle School and MYWAVE Club advisor, attended a presentation with her 7th grade class on March 26.
“Today’s presentation was amazing. All the examples in the presentation were an eye-opener for the students,” Taimanao said. “It affects them, because tourism is everybody’s business.”
The outreach team visited Kagman High School and Saipan Southern High School on March 27. SSHS MYWAVE Club member Benedicto Vintero said the presentations were clear and well-received.
“The presenters spoke to all the students and got their opinions. Getting the points across was really clear and straightforward,” Vintero said.
Vintero said he originally joined the club to spend time with friends but grew more invested over time.
“After I started being in the club, I realized I wanted to be more engaged with it, so I actually became an officer,” he said. “I want to help the community.”
Presentation topics include the MVA’s role as the destination marketing office, the Marianas’ Far From Ordinary brand, community partnerships, destination enhancement and the importance of hospitality.
