A ceremony was held for the participants of the Koror State Summer Youth Program on Friday, July 19, 2013.  Held at the Koror State Government (KSG) Assembly Hall, the ceremony commemorated each young Palauan for learning an aspect of their culture.  Young Palauans who participated in the summer program spent the summer participating in traditional practices such as basket-weaving and bamboo-raft building.

People who attended the ceremony in support of the youth were given a cultural presentation.  During the ceremony, the participants were divided into different groups.  Each group presented on a different traditional aspect: Omengaus’l Tet/Sualo (traditional weaving) instructed by Dilchur Ruluked, Sisbartol Nolan, Jury Kebekol, and Alfonsa Bintorio; Omengaus’l Bub (traditional fish trap) instructed by Felix Floriano; Omesakt’l Brer (bamboo-raft) instructed by Albert Soaladaob; Omengesols (traditional chanting) instructed by Dembert O. Sbal and Sariang Timulch; and Uchelel Belau (mythology/legend of Palau’s beginnings) instructed by Hermana Ramarui.

Koror State Governor Yositaka Adachi recognized the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Palau Community College (PCC) Continuing Education (CE) Department for continuing to support an exceptional program.  Governor Adachi stated that the culture of Palau, like all cultures, is best appreciated through hands-on experiences.  By continuing to support programs that intertwine culture practices and youth participation, Palau’s culture may continue to foster through the years.  He recognized the personal dedication and time sacrificed by the instructors commending them for their willingness to teach Palau’s culture to its youth.

In addition to the Cultural Youth Summer Program, the ceremony also recognized the achievement of young Palauans involved in the Solid Waste Program and the Building & Zoning Office (BZO) Program.  Like the summer culture program, the Solid Waste and BZO Program aimed to educate young Palauans about an important aspect of their community, such as recycling.  Participants of the two programs were also recognized for their summer achievements.