Church Provides Facemasks to Students on Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

When schools resumed in the Fall, administrators from the Sokehs Municipality Schools on Pohnpei realized something was wrong. Even though the tropical island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia had not had a confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus, school administrators knew it was only a matter of time before the islands opened up and the virus was introduced. Home schooling was not an option since over 70% of the students in Pohnpei have no access to the internet or to any device, making virtual learning impossible. Therefore, they decided to take measures in advance to ensure the safety of the students by distancing desks and requiring students to come to school with face masks. That said, they found that 80 to 90% of the students were coming without masks, mostly because the students could not afford to purchase them. They soon asked The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for help.

On October 16, The Church donated 2,000 reusable face masks to the Sokehs Municipality Schools in Pohnpei. The following week, the masks were distributed to the 1000 students attending the schools. The face masks are intended to ensure the safety of the students and teachers and help them progress in their educational endeavors.

Panasang Pohnpei Stake Presidency First Counselor Fransisco W. Simram, Stake Clerk Diopulos D. Diopulos and Stake Communications Director Henter Lawrence presented the masks to Chief Magistrate for the Sokehs Municipal Government, the Honorable Micheal Liemen, and the School District during a receiving ceremony on October 16. During the ceremony, the Sokehs Powe School Principal expressed his appreciation for the donation, adding that "this is not the first time we have received assistance" from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "The church has always opened its doors for those who seek assistance." Mr. Diopulos said, “We realize that COVID-19 is a worldwide issue, not just an issue for those in Micronesia. But we are so happy that The Church is able to make a contribution that will help our neighbors and children here on Pohnpei.”