COLONIA, Yap – The Yap Day Care Center recently celebrated its official handover on November 26, 2024, marking a milestone in advancing early childhood education and empowering women in the Yap community. The event, coordinated by Ms. Takiko Ifamilik, Digital Gender Coordinator from the FSM Department of Health, represented a collaborative effort to address the needs of Yap’s children and working mothers. Ms. Ifamilik attended on behalf of Secretary Marcus Samo and facilitated the handover ceremony.
In her remarks, Ms. Ifamilik emphasized the government’s role in creating a nurturing environment for children. “The Simina-Palik Administration strives to seize every opportunity to ensure children can learn, thrive, and reach their potential,” she stated. She recalled President Simina’s visit to the facility earlier this year when the Yap Women’s Association, represented by its President, Ms. Maria Law, requested assistance. That visit set in motion the collaboration that culminated in the center’s successful handover.
The ceremony underscored the center’s broader significance for the community. “This center is not just a building; it stands as a symbol of hope, progress, and empowerment for our community,” Ms. Ifamilik said. She also reaffirmed the commitment to ongoing collaboration: “We will continue working with the Yap State Government and the Yap Women’s Association to ensure our support does not stop here. Where there is demand and we have the means, we will deliver.”
Director Alex Gilfiley delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of the Yap State Governor, commending the collaborative efforts that brought the day care center to life. Joining the celebration were Mr. Kevin J. Petrini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager for the Pacific Office in FSM, along with his team, Yap State Government representatives, and the officers of the Yap Women’s Association.
Ms. Maria Law, President of the Yap Women’s Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the establishment of the center, noting its dual role as a safe space for children and a source of hope for working mothers. “Knowing their children are safe gives mothers the confidence to pursue opportunities for their families and themselves,” she remarked.
The handover of the Yap Day Care Center represents a significant investment in the future of Yap’s children and women. The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Yap State Government, is also supporting the Yap Women’s Association in creating an online business to market locally made crafts and achieve self-reliance. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a counseling or crisis center for women, children, and other vulnerable groups, underscoring the collective commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, and empowerment.
This initiative would not have been possible without the generous financial support of the Government of the Republic of India through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund-South-South Cooperation under the FSM Strengthening Gender Machinery Project. Their contributions enabled the renovation of the Yap Day Care Center, and the FSM government commends their dedication to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable development.
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