Yap, Federated States of Micronesia – The Yap Day Care Center celebrated its official handover on November 26, 2024, marking a significant achievement in the commitment to early childhood education and the empowerment of women in the Yap community. The event was attended by Takiko Ifamilik, Digital Gender Coordinator, who represented the FSM Department of Health on behalf of Secretary Samo and coordinated the event.
In her remarks, Ms. Ifamilik highlighted the fundamental obligation of any government to create an environment where children can learn and thrive. “The Simina-Palik Administration strives to find every opportunity to ensure this vision is realized,” she stated. She recalled President Simina’s last visit to the facility, during which the Yap Women’s Association, represented by Maria Law, requested assistance, leading to the Department of Health and Social Affairs fulfilling this request.
The handover celebration signifies a significant milestone for the Yap Day Care Center—a place that embodies the community’s commitment to nurturing children while empowering women. “This center is not just a building; it is a symbol of hope, support, and progress in our community,” Ms. Ifamilik added.
She reiterated the importance of ongoing collaboration: “We will be working with the Yap State Government and the Yap Women’s Association to ensure our support and assistance do not stop here. As long as there is demand and we have the means, we will deliver.”
During the ceremony, Director Alex Gilfiley delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of the Yap State Governor, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that made the Day Care Center possible.
Mr. Kevin J. Petrini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager for the Pacific Office in FSM, joined the ceremony along with several of his staff members and representatives from the Yap State Government, including Maria Law, President of the Yap Women’s Association, and her officers.
President Maria Law expressed her gratitude for the establishment of a safe space for children. She emphasized that the center will not only ensure a secure environment for the children but also provide hope for working mothers, knowing that their children are safe.
The Yap Day Care Center represents not only an investment in the well-being of children but also a commitment to providing opportunities for women in the community. The Department of Health & Social Affairs will continue to collaborate with the Yap State Government to fulfill the needs of the Yap Women’s Association in establishing an online business to market and sell beautiful, locally made crafts aimed at achieving self-reliance. Additionally, we aim to create a counseling or crisis center for women, children, and other vulnerable groups, working together to promote gender equality and champion the principles of inclusivity, safety, and empowerment.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Republic of India for the financial support through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund-South-South Cooperation under the FSM Strengthening Gender Machinery Project. Their contributions have made the renovation of the Yap Day Care possible. We commend their commitment to fostering partnerships that promote development.
May the Yap Day Care Center serve as a beacon of hope and a model for other initiatives in our pursuit of a brighter, more equitable future.
Original article: https://hsa.gov.fm/handover-of-yap-day-care-center/
