(Hagatna, Guam) Turn to Channel 12 when you’re done watching local news this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 30 students from the island’s high schools will tell us what they believe are values important to Guam and their future. At three forums this week, the students, divided into three groups, will discuss and debate:
- Wed., Dec. 2: Their notion of culture and the role it will play in their future
- Thurs., Dec. 3: What, or if, balance should exist between development and the environment
- Fri., Dec. 4: Their definition of ‘family’ and whether they value family
These forums will be aired live on PBS Channel 12 from the PBS studios in Mangilao. They will be moderated by University of Guam professors Dr. Ron McNinch and Dr. John Rivera. Two students from 15 public and private high schools were chosen by the schools to participate. They will appear in groups of 10.
The purpose of the forums, besides the high educational value to the students and the community, is to provide student input to the Imagine Guam Policy Team. The Policy Team is considering a draft statement of community values that was written by a separate group of educators and thinkers. Once this statement of community values is finalized, it will be handed over to 17 teams (called imagination teams), who will develop Guam’s strategic vision for the next 50 years.
Much thought, debate, and public input has been given to this statement of community values. Public input and participation is a cornerstone principle of the program. Input and participation from students is key and critical to a better understanding of Guam’s future. After all, it is these students and those who follow them who will end up implementing the strategic vision and master plan that is developed through Imagine Guam.
Therefore, the Imagine Guam program will seek student input and participation every step of the way, from the development of community values to the formulation of the strategic vision and through the master planning process.
Please call Oyal Ngirairikl at 475-9379 or 475-9304 for more information.