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MTEC continuing outreach highlights sailing at GES
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- Emma Perez, president of 500 Sails, shares the non-profit organization’s vision with students of Garapan Elementary on Feb. 15, 2017, during the presentation of the Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority at school. (MTEC)
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- Student prizes winners pose with presenters from the Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority at Garapan Elementary School on Feb. 15, 2017. Pictured with the students are MTEC chair Vicky Benavente, far left, and 500 Sails president Emma Perez, third from left. (MTEC)
The Marianas Tourism Education Council turned student attention to the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian tradition of sailing during their presentation at Garapan Elementary last Feb. 14.
500 Sails president Emma Perez shared the non-profit’s vision and ongoing work to restore the maritime tradition of sailing in the Marianas by building 500 proas (sailing canoes). Perez’s presentation reinforced the MTEC message that tourists are eager to learn about and experience local culture when they visit.
“It was a pleasure to have Emma join us and share the vision of 500 Sails with the students, to plant the seed of them having the opportunity to build, sail, or even own their canoes someday,” said MTEC chair Vicky Benavente. “We are always looking for new ways of connecting everyday life with tourism for the students, and this is one way they will be able to share local culture with visitors.”
Last year MTEC visited 17 schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota in partnership with the Marianas Visitors Authority.
“MTEC is a strong partner of the MVA, reaching hundreds of students each year with our message that ‘Tourism is Everybody’s Business,’” said MVA Acting managing director Judy Torres. “Our school presentations are helping to raise a new generation of young community members who understand the importance of industry and how they can become active participants in it, even at a young age.”
Schools interested in having an MTEC presentation may contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ryan Calvo at rcalvo@mymarianas.com or MVA Community Projects assistant Jennalyd Babauta at jbabauta@mymarianas.com or 664-3210 to schedule a date. Private schools may also have a presentation upon request. (MTEC)
