From a student learning computer skills for the first time in Chuuk to teachers gaining new classroom tools in Pohnpei and schools receiving educational resources in Yap, access to technology is opening doors to new opportunities across Micronesia.
Through humanitarian partnerships with schools, educators, and community leaders, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is helping expand access to computers and educational resources throughout the Federated States of Micronesia. These initiatives are strengthening digital literacy, supporting classroom instruction, and helping students and adult learners gain skills needed for an increasingly technology-driven world.
"A computer is more than a piece of technology," said Brett Child, Guam and Micronesia Humanitarian Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "It is a tool that connects people to knowledge, opportunity, and hope. We are grateful to work with educators and community leaders across Micronesia to help expand access to resources that empower individuals and strengthen communities."
While each project addresses different local needs, they all share a common purpose: providing access to education and creating opportunities for future growth.
Building Digital Skills in Chuuk
One of the most innovative efforts is taking place through the Accelerated Learning Center (ALC), co-founded by Douglas Gilmore and David Rupper in 2025 to provide free education, leadership development, and employment-focused training opportunities.
For Rupper, computer literacy is about expanding opportunities for individuals and communities across the region. "Computer literacy empowers youth and young adults in Micronesia by bridging geographic isolation, unlocking access to remote education, higher-paying career opportunities, and global markets," he said.
The center's first computer literacy course in Chuuk brought together participants ranging in age from 17 to 55. During the twenty-week program, students learned computer fundamentals, internet research, communication skills, and Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Twelve students completed the inaugural course and became the center's first graduates. Their success quickly sparked interest from additional communities, highlighting a growing demand for digital literacy training and workforce development opportunities.
To support the program's expansion, the Church funded 30 laptops, software, charging cabinets, and related equipment. These resources are helping establish and grow computer literacy programs in Chuuk, allowing more participants to develop practical skills that can improve educational outcomes, employment opportunities, and self-reliance. By increasing access to technology and training, the program is helping learners overcome barriers created by distance and limited educational resources, opening doors to greater opportunities both locally and abroad.
Expanding Technology Access Across Pohnpei
Across Pohnpei, educators identified technology as one of their most pressing needs, noting that limited access to modern equipment often makes lesson preparation and classroom instruction more challenging. Early efforts in 2025 focused on strengthening technology education at Madolenihmw High School and Nanpei Memorial High School, where computer labs were equipped with desktop and laptop computers to improve student access to digital learning resources.
Building on the success of those projects, the Church later partnered with the Pohnpei Department of Education to provide laptops, desktop computers, projectors, copiers, air-conditioning units, power supplies, and related technology equipment benefiting approximately 2,200 students across 13 public schools, including support for Pohnpei Island Central School (PICS) High School.
Additional partnerships with Nanpei Memorial Elementary School and Sokehs Pah RSP Elementary School provided 30 laptop computers for teachers and school staff, benefiting approximately 30 educators and 230 students. Through these combined efforts, all three public high schools on Pohnpei, along with numerous elementary schools, have gained increased access to modern technology resources that support teacher training, enhance classroom instruction, and help students develop essential digital skills for future education and employment.
Strengthening Learning Environments in Yap
Educational support efforts have also extended to Yap, where Church humanitarian leaders partnered with local educators in 2025 to identify resources that would have the greatest impact on students and teachers. Tamilang Elementary School and Bael Elementary School, which together serve more than 100 students and employ 15 teachers, received computers, educational materials, library books, school supplies, sports equipment, and other resources tailored to local needs.
According to Sylvester En, principal of Tamilang Elementary School, the support has transformed learning opportunities for students. "When I first stepped into the role of principal, our students faced a severe shortage of essential technology," he said. "Due to budget constraints, we simply could not afford to outfit our computer labs. The donation of desktop computers and laptops has completely bridged that gap, opening up a world of digital learning for our students."
Investing in the Future
Though these projects span different islands and communities, they share a common purpose: expanding educational opportunities and helping individuals build brighter futures.
From computer literacy training in Chuuk to enhanced classroom technology in Pohnpei and educational resources for schools in Yap, these initiatives are helping individuals gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
For many, a computer is more than a tool. It is a gateway to knowledge, confidence, and new possibilities. Through partnerships with educators and community leaders, communities across Micronesia are gaining resources that strengthen education, foster self-reliance, and create opportunities for generations to come.