Secretary Salazar Announces $2.5 Million Grant Award for Expansion of Childhood Education Center in Yap

Date: March 23, 2010
Contact: Frank Quimby (202) 208-7291
Jennifer Feng (202) 208-6974

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced a $2,508,350 grant award to expand the capabilities of the Early Childhood Education Center on Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia. The two-story facility will feature new classrooms, offices spaces, and conference and training rooms for children in the Western Pacific island state affiliated with the United States.

“The first couple of years in any child’s life are critical and fundamental to their development and learning process,” Salazar said.  “The building of this much-needed new center in Yap will afford children on the island the opportunity and access to quality support all children deserve in order to succeed later in school.”

“Most importantly, overcrowding will be reduced and adequate space for the establishment of a safe, healthy developmental environment will be made,” said Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas Tony Babauta. “I am truly excited about the commencement of this project because it is vital that we establish a precedent of high quality, early childhood programs that provide children with the preparation they need to enter kindergarten ready for success.”

The site of the new building will be in the capital of Colonia on Yap. The new facility will expand the childcare capacity of the existing Early Childhood Education Center. States in the Federated States of Micronesia receive operation funding and health and education program assistance under a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. Government.

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