Seeking Opportunities Beyond Paradise
By: Marissa Dilmeang Spires
Koror, Palau – Graduation season brings familiar questions for Palauan youth: What paths lie ahead? College? Careers? Military service? These are just some of the possibilities for the roughly 2,300 Palauans between the ages of 12 and 24, a demographic representing 13% of the island nation’s population.
Traditionally, Palauan youth have pursued various paths: higher education, immediate employment, or military service. However, a recent trend has emerged – a growing number are seeking educational and professional opportunities abroad. This phenomenon, with an estimated 25-40% of Palauans living outside the country, begs the question: Why are young people leaving their island paradise?
Island Talent, Global Aspirations
Driven by this very question, Island Times intern Marisssa Spires interviewed Sylvester Francis Alonz, the Chief of Youth Division and Career Development at the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, & Development (MHRCD). Alonz plays a key role in guiding youth with career development and identifying data gaps concerning Palau’s young population.
He is currently involved in the implementation of the Palau National Youth Policy, a five-year plan (2023-2027) that outlines a “common vision and objectives for youth development, along with strategies” to achieve them.
The policy focuses on six key objectives:
- Workforce Development: Building a skilled workforce to contribute to Palau’s economic sustainability.
- Healthy Generation: Fostering a strong and healthy generation prepared for future challenges.
- Community Engagement: Instilling social values and promoting community service to cultivate national ownership.
- Civic Participation: Encouraging youth participation and civic engagement at all levels of governance.
- Equity and Inclusion: Creating equitable opportunities for all youth, with particular focus on supporting at-risk and marginalized groups.
- Collaboration: Establishing a platform for collaboration among youth-serving organizations while strengthening their capacity.
Alonz’s Journey: Duty and Development
Alonz, one of the youngest, if not the youngest, Chiefs in the MHRCD, brings a unique perspective. Prior to his current role, he worked with youth through NGOs like the Red Cross and served as a career guidance counselor at Palau High School and Mindszenty High School.
Alonz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Loyola University and a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action earned during his studies in Paris. When asked about his decision to return to Palau, he expressed a sense of duty – a desire to contribute his acquired knowledge and skills to enrich his community.
He emphasizes his own connection to Palau’s youth, stating, “I myself am not much younger than the Republic of Palau.” In his role, he believes he can significantly impact Palauan society. Using an analogy, Alonz asks, “Would you rather be the tail of an elephant or the head of an ant?”
Challenges and Opportunities
Alonz highlights two major concerns based on his work with youth and personal experiences: the diaspora of Palauans and the phenomenon of reverse culture shock. Reverse culture shock occurs when individuals returning from studying or living abroad struggle to readjust to their home culture.
A growing number of Palauan youth raised abroad may not be fluent in the language, understand traditional customs, or be familiar with cultural hierarchies. The current Youth Policy doesn’t specifically address this population, potentially leading to challenges when they visit or return to Palau. Additionally, their educational backgrounds might differ significantly, creating feelings of intimidation.
Alonz emphasizes the untapped potential within this group. He observes that many students struggle with career direction. During his time as a counselor, he found that only a minority actively planned for college.
However, Alonz remains optimistic about the resilience and cultural appreciation of Palauan youth. He believes that traditional leaders and chiefs, driven by genuine care and commitment, are most effective in working with youth. “Your title is an action,” he emphasizes.
Just as crucial is the need for youth to unite and address these evolving challenges as Palauan society grows. As President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. states in the Youth Policy’s foreword:
“The adults of today will not be here forever. It will be you, the youth of today, who will lead our government, courts, schools, businesses, and communities. You will be responsible for protecting our heritage and culture, and propelling our Republic forward. This is why we must invest in our children for the Republic of Palau.”