AIMELIIK, Palau — Returning to school after two decades is no easy feat — especially while juggling jobs, family responsibilities and personal hardships. But for eight adults from Aimeliik State, that challenge turned into triumph as they graduated last week with Track II high school diplomas from the Palau Community College (PCC) Adult Education Program.
The graduates—Christine Nakamura, Berline Ngirameked, Sylvia Nakamura, Moriah Fred, Demoree Mongami, Sammi Kailang, Franson Oiterong and Keola Ngirturong—completed the two-year program that allows adult learners to meet high school graduation requirements and pursue higher education if they choose.
Their success was attributed to strong community support and a shared commitment to helping one another stay the course.
Community Effort Behind Success
“The success was due to the whole community effort,” said instructor Herson Ngirairikl Soaladaob during an interview on May 18 at Kamosang Dock in Aimeliik. “Employers, the state government, the elementary school staff and especially the students themselves—everyone played a role.”
Instructor Vanessa “Bane” Mobel echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the students’ solidarity. “They reminded each other about classwork, offered rides, and helped with babysitting,” she said. “We were not just students—we were family.”
Indeed, the group’s journey included significant personal obstacles. One student lost a parent, another gave birth at the start of the program and brought her baby to class when no babysitter was available. Classmates pitched in to help.
Aimeliik Elementary School staff were also instrumental, often staying late to prepare classrooms and support the adult learners.
Stories of Perseverance
Many of the graduates had left school years ago to raise families or due to personal challenges. Christine Nakamura, who left high school in 2005, said she returned to earn her diploma to inspire her children.
“My motivation is my children. I want to be a great role model for them,” said Nakamura, who also received the program’s highest honor award, Academic Excellence Award.
For Berline Ngirameked, the diploma was necessary to keep her job. She had previously tried and failed two other education tracks and experienced back-to-back family losses. This time, she succeeded—and was joined by her daughter, Sylvia Nakamura, in a rare mother-daughter graduation.
Sammi Kailang struggled in traditional high school settings but found his path through vocational training with the Seabees and the adult education program. He earned his diploma while pursuing hands-on learning in mechanics and heavy equipment operation.
Keola Ngirturong, who received Exemplary Student Award, did not miss a single class day.
“These kids are smart,” said Mobel. “But they all learn differently.” She and Soaladaob adapted lessons to accommodate varied English skills and academic levels, often going beyond the curriculum to meet each student’s needs.
Flexible Program, Expanding Opportunity
Soaladaob credited the PCC Adult Education Program’s flexibility for the students’ ability to complete their education. The program allows instruction within local states, reducing the burden of travel for working adults with families.
The program began with 15 students. Over two years, some relocated, leaving eight to complete the course. But interest is growing, and both teachers are optimistic about the program’s future.
“This program is really youth-driven,” said Soaladaob, who also serves as president of Ngerbuns Club, a local youth organization. “It was the youth who identified the need and helped bring this opportunity to the community.”
As these eight graduates move forward with their diplomas, their stories serve as powerful reminders that education is always within reach—with determination, support, and a willingness to try again.