MTEC: Planting the seed

The Marianas Tourism Education Council recently wrapped up its annual school presentations with presentations at Marianas High, Hopwood Jr. High, and Chacha Oceanview Jr. High.

Along with the Marianas Visitors Authority, MTEC presented to Marianas High Hospitality and Tourism Class.

“Your team further opened our students’ eyes to the exciting H&T industry,” class instructor Tyce Mister shared with MTEC chair Vicky Benavente following the presentation. “There are a lot of opportunities now and in the future in this industry for friendly and hard-working people in our community.”

MTEC also presented to another Marianas High class, whose instructor, Jocelyn Itibus said, “Although many of us are familiar with tourism being ‘everyone’s business,’ not many are aware of just how important tourism is, the work behind it, or how they can play a part.”

Itibus added, “The MTEC presentation did all that and more and left my students with a valuable impression I’m sure they’ll take with them. Immediately after the presentation, I overheard a group of students talking about what new ideas they have in mind to make people want to visit…I believe it’s presentations like these that plant the seed for future leaders in the business.”

MTEC spoke with the AP Math class of Chacha Oceanview Middle School, sharing the importance of the tourism industry and dialoguing with students about their future career aspirations.

“We are fortunate to have MTEC and the MVA as partners in promoting tourism in our school and in the community,” said school principal Vince Dela Cruz. “The tourism industry has a lot to offer to our students, such as careers and recreation.”

MTEC also presented at Hopwood Jr. High, which has the largest MY WAVE (Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) Club in the Northern Mariana Islands.

“Kids at this age are so enthusiastic about new things!” said club adviser Jenn Castro. “We should capitalize on this energy and continue to educate them on the CNMI’s No. 1 industry. They can make a difference!”

This school year MTEC presented to 19 public schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

“I couldn’t have done this program without the support of the MVA team, our MTEC board of directors, and the numerous businessmen and women who contributed their time and expertise,” said MTEC chair Benavente. “We are confident our continued efforts will help get more young people thinking about working in the industry and—most importantly—just sharing our warm island hospitality with visitors.”

MTEC is a non-profit organization aimed at educating the Northern Marianas community about the importance of the tourism industry. For more information about joining or contributing to MTEC, contact MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas at mduenas@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3210. (MTEC)