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“Educators: Shaping Palau’s Future Citizens”
By Marissa Dilmeang Spires
Principal Alan Marbou said Minzenti High School is a private school known for its small, close-knit student body, which focuses on instilling moral values as well as academics.
In an interview with Island Times intern Marissa Spears, Mr. Mabu stressed the school’s core values: “family, Christian principles, and educating young people to be good students and good citizens.” The curriculum reflects this focus and includes English, math, science, physical education, history, social studies, religion, and more recently, traditional Palauan arts and crafts. The school also offers a college preparatory program, with plans to expand it to the lower grades.
In addition to academics, Mindszenty emphasizes community involvement. Students are required to participate in service projects, volunteer work, and fundraisers. This focus on social responsibility is designed to connect them to the broader Palau community.
Mr Mab acknowledged the challenges facing today’s young people, including peer pressure, substance abuse and the influence of social media. He advocated for a compassionate approach that prioritised understanding the root causes of students’ difficulties.
“Why is a student falling behind academically? Why does a student’s behavior suddenly change?” Mr. Mab said, outlining key questions that can help identify potential issues. He shared a personal story of successfully communicating with a troubled student, demonstrating his commitment to building trust and addressing students’ needs holistically.
Looking ahead, Mindszenty plans to integrate technology into its curriculum, moving from a textbook-based teaching method to a combination of traditional and online learning. Although aware of the potential risks that come with the ubiquity of the Internet, Mr. Marbou sees this as an opportunity to expand educational and professional networks, especially for students interested in business.
Schools also work hard to attract alumni to come back and share their experiences with current students. In addition, staff retention is also a challenge, with wage fluctuations and diverse job opportunities creating a competitive market for educators. Mr. Marbou stressed the importance of dedication among educators, saying, “There should be more emphasis on ‘give to give, not just to get.'”
Mr. Mabu wanted to tell parents to stay closely involved. He encouraged them to stay informed about their children’s interests, friendships, activities and role models. He acknowledged the challenges of adolescence but stressed the importance of ongoing guidance and support. In closing, Mr. Mabu stressed the critical role that educators, mentors and leaders play in shaping Palau’s future through the success of young people.
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