Overview:
Palau’s Ministry of Education has refuted a false social media post claiming that kindergarten through third-grade students would attend half-day classes due to budget issues. Officials warned that the spread of such misinformation poses risks to public trust and urged the public to verify information through official sources.
By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau — A viral Facebook post falsely claiming that kindergarten through third-grade students would begin attending half-day classes due to budget issues has prompted government officials to issue strong denials and warnings about the rise of misinformation in Palau.
The post, made under the name “Concerned Mother 680,” alleged that the Ministry of Education (MOE) had shortened school hours for younger students because the national education budget had not been passed. The anonymous user urged parents to pressure senators to approve the budget, suggesting that the delay was affecting classroom operations.
The claim quickly drew attention online, with some commenters expressing confusion and concern. Others questioned its validity, including a user who wrote, “We work in the Ministry of Education but there has not been a memo or anything announcing this to the staff.”
Dr. Dale Jenkins, Director of Education, swiftly refuted the claim in an email to MOE officials and staff.
“It has been brought to my attention that a message has been posted on Palau Forum that grades K–3 will be holding half-day classes due to the failure of passage of the budget,” Jenkins wrote. “I contacted the President to ensure the MOE position and he asked me to let all of you know to disregard the posted message… All MOE schools and grades will be in operation as usual.”
Jenkins explained that although the national budget has yet to be finalized, the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) has approved a temporary continuing resolution that allows the Ministry of Education to maintain normal operations.
“All of our staffing positions are funded by that resolution,” he said, assuring that no disruption to class schedules would occur.
This latest incident adds to a growing pattern of false and misleading information spreading through social media and online forums in Palau. In September, a fabricated message allegedly from the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) circulated online, falsely claiming that schools were closed due to severe weather. Both the Ministry of Education and the Office of the President confirmed that the post was fake and that schools remained open.
Officials have raised concerns that the increasing spread of such misinformation — or “malinformation,” deliberately crafted to mislead the public — threatens public trust and disrupts essential services. When false information spreads quickly online, it can cause unnecessary fear, confusion, and public pressure on government institutions.
The government continues to urge citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing it online.
As Palau becomes increasingly connected through social media, officials warn that critical thinking and responsible information-sharing are key to preventing future disruptions and maintaining public confidence in national institutions.