Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs (E&CA)

The Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs plays a fundamental role in shaping Kosrae’s future by addressing two deeply interconnected areas: the education of its citizens and the preservation of its unique cultural identity.

On the education front, the committee reviews and deliberates on legislation affecting all levels of schooling in Kosrae State, from elementary education through secondary schools and vocational training programs. This includes oversight of educational standards, curriculum development, teacher qualifications, school infrastructure, and educational budgets. The committee works to ensure that Kosraean students receive quality education that prepares them for both local opportunities and engagement in the broader Micronesian and global context.

The cultural affairs mandate reflects the critical importance of preserving and promoting Kosraean language, traditions, and cultural practices in an increasingly globalized world. The committee examines legislation related to cultural heritage protection, traditional knowledge systems, language preservation programs, and cultural education initiatives. This includes supporting efforts to maintain the Kosraean language in daily use, documenting traditional practices, and ensuring that cultural values are integrated into formal education systems.

The committee serves as guardian of the balance between educational advancement and cultural continuity, recognizing that strong educational foundations and vibrant cultural identity are both essential to Kosrae’s development. Through its work, the committee helps ensure that progress and modernization occur in ways that strengthen rather than diminish the unique cultural heritage that defines Kosraean society.