Blue Bay Petroleum Incorporated presented $5,000 to Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) on Thursday last week.
This donation will sponsor the 2019 PICRC Summer Internship Program and support hands-on learning for Palau’s youth.
The Summer Internship Program is an intensive, six-week program, intended to build capacity in young Palauans pursuing the field of marine biology. During the program, each intern will be responsible for an individual research project, with guidance from a PICRC researcher.
Additionally, the interns will participate in a cultural immersion program to learn about traditional knowledge and conservation practices in Palau. Interns will also visit a number of conservation agencies to learn about career opportunities in Palau.
There are four Palauans for the intership program this year. Masasinge T. Hideos, Maikani O. Andres, and Mira Eyangel Mariur from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Tristen Isaac from Palau Community College.
Through this summer internship program, students will gain practical and employable skills that will help them pursue careers in marine conservation.
“We are grateful to Blue Bay Petroleum for supporting this internship program for the third year in a row”, shared PICRC CEO, Dr. Yimnang Golbuu.
“The students will gain valuable insights and hands on experience during these six weeks. We hope that this internship will stimulate their interest in science and management as they continue their college education.” Golbuu added.
Golubuu further expressed his hope that students will be able to understand about the opportunities available for them in Palau which might encourage them to return home to work in conservation upon graduating. (PR)