Two years of getting newspapers into the hands of students

Centuries have passed since the advent of newspapers, yet these regular publications of reports on current events have kept its important role of keeping the public informed. Despite readily available information in Web-based alternatives, newspapers continue to educate the public about critical issues.

Tan Siu Lin Foundation is resolute in its belief that the newspaper is the most current textbook for students, which is why it created a program to make newspapers accessible to young learners.

“Partners in Education” was launched in 2009 through the collaborative efforts of the TSL Foundation and the Saipan Tribune to engage teachers and students in comprehensible and meaningful discussions of issues about the government, economy, health, and environment, using the newspaper as an educational tool through school projects and reports.

Foundation manager Ed Arriola said the program was launched two years ago at Dandan Elementary School, which was selected because of its already recurring donations of newspapers. He said the initial donation was 10 copies per class on staggered days throughout the week.

Arriola disclosed that the program, the brainchild of TSL Foundation president Jerry Tan, is anchored on a similar program run by Gannet/Pacific Daily News.

After the program’s initial year, Arriola said they surveyed the students and talked to them about having a newspaper in their classrooms and found out how they became more familiar with local and national events.

“Ultimately, the children are able to have the most up-to-date textbook in their hands every morning and the teachers are better able to talk to them about the ups and downs of life. There is more interaction and life lessons that our teachers are able to extend to the children by explaining current events to them in a language suitable for their age group,” he said.

Three years since its launch, “Partners in Education” has benefited several public and private schools on Saipan through its partnership with individuals and companies that immediately signed up for the program. They include Mobil, Brabu Pharmacy, Pacific Historic Parks, IT&E, Richard and Marian Aldan-Pierce, D&Q, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Century Hotel, Century Insurance Co. Ltd., Fiesta Resort & Spa, and Saipan Grand Hotel.

These individuals and companies, Arriola said, buy the newspapers at cost and pays for the cost of the print as well as a minimal fee for delivery. Sponsors are regularly acknowledged in ads that also list the schools they support. “Partners in Education would like to thank these fine sponsors who, through their support, are helping educate the future of the CNMI,” added Arriola.

With another school year about to commence, “Partners in Education” is once again inviting companies and individuals to sponsor newspaper subscriptions for any school in the CNMI to ensure continued learning among students. Arriola said there are ongoing talks with representatives of Tinian and Rota schools, which are also available for sponsorship.

“Our main goal is to try and get newspapers in the hands of every student every morning,” he told Saipan Tribune.

“Partners in Education,” Arriola said, believes that among these students lie future entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, engineers, and other professionals that could be nurtured through the perpetuation of this vital program. “We hope that our newspaper, or any newspaper in general, gets in the hands of more children,” he added.

To participate in the program or for more information, contact Mirasol Dayao or Celia Pillarina at 235-2440.