Linda Mori Hartmann, a member of the Board of Directors, has donated part of the waterfront Bayview building for use as the site of the Fanapi Center. The new location includes several large rooms for offices, conference room, clinic, a large balcony overlooking the Chuuk lagoon, docking place on the water for outrigger canoe demonstrations, and an outdoor place for an uut.

“I am delighted to offer this space to Fanapi Center to help in my dream to keep our traditional culture alive,” said Mrs. Hartmann. She continued to share her dream that her family complex is, “to have a Life Museum here where we can demonstrate our traditional cultures and customs.”

In a recent tour of the great location, Mrs. Hartmann confided in Vid Raatior, founder of the Fanapi Foundation, “I’ve been more confident and relaxing my poor head, knowing that if I drop dead tomorrow, you’ll make it come true and will continue (her legacy).”

Linda need not worry as the space will make it possible for the outer islanders to perpetuate the last remaining traditional cultures of Chuuk.

Bridging Local Needs with Global Resources!

Since the Compact of Free Association went into effect, there has been a steady exodus of outer islanders in search of better life for themselves and their families. Many of our outer islanders living overseas in Guam, Hawaii, and the mainland have established their own base of resources. We need to organize each of these associations of outer islanders into a strong body to help the islands in terms of educational resources, financial remittances, economic development opportunities, medical care, and other social programs.

Programs:

• Create a safe and efficient electronic way for outer islanders living overseas to send money back to their relatives in the islands.
• Establish partnerships with businesses on Weno whereby outer islanders overseas can electronically pay for goods and services to be picked up by designated relatives on Weno.
• Establish a way for outer islanders living and working overseas to return to the outer islands to volunteer as teachers in the respective schools.
• Seek global partnerships with corporations and humanitarian organizations to fund programs or send volunteers to provide direct services.