Center for Entrepreneurship - Com-Fsm

🌱 Building a Stronger First Line of Defense Against Invasive Species in Kosrae 🌱

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the College of Micronesia-FSM recently completed a series of community-based Invasive Alien Species (IAS) training events in Kosrae State under the FSM GEF-6 IAS Project. The trainings brought together farmers, youth, women, and government stakeholders to increase awareness and strengthen local capacity to prevent and manage invasive species.

A total of 71 participants attended the trainings, representing seven groups across Kosrae: Utwe Youth Farmers, Utwe Farmers, Tafunsak Farmers, Malem Farmers, DREA, Women in Farming, and Lelu Farmers.

The training sessions focused on the identification of invasive alien species, pathways of introduction and spread, reporting procedures, and the impacts invasive species can have on agriculture, food security, native ecosystems, and local livelihoods. Participants also learned about the important role communities play as the first line of defense in protecting Kosrae's unique environment.

Community engagement is a critical component of the FSM GEF-6 IAS Project. While quarantine officers and border agencies help prevent invasive species from entering the country, informed community members and farmers are often the first to detect new pests, diseases, and invasive plants before they become widespread.

Through these trainings, participants gained practical knowledge that will help strengthen early detection efforts and support the long-term protection of Kosrae's biodiversity, agricultural resources, and food systems.

CFE extends its appreciation to all participants, community leaders, and partner organizations whose support contributed to the successful implementation of these training events. The project team is continuing preparations for additional community outreach activities as the FSM GEF-6 IAS Project works to build stronger biosecurity awareness and invasive species management capacity throughout the Federated States of Micronesia.

💧 From Testing to Transformation: Ablul Families Receive Safe Water Solutions Through CFE and UNICEF Partnership

Access to safe drinking water starts with knowledge and action.

On May 7, the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the College of Micronesia-FSM, through its Families and Youth Program and in partnership with UNICEF, visited the Ablul community in Yap to conduct water safety training and distribute Sawyer water filtration systems under the New Zealand-funded WASH Project.

The activity followed a household water quality survey conducted by COM-FSM student interns two months earlier. Testing of drinking water from approximately 20 households revealed that nearly all samples indicated unsafe drinking water conditions, highlighting the need for immediate intervention.

During the visit, UNICEF Chief of Mission Mr. Cromwell Bacarreza, CFE staff, and student interns shared the survey results with community members and conducted two hands-on training sessions. The first taught families how to test their own water before and after filtration, allowing them to see the effectiveness of the filters firsthand. The second focused on the proper installation, use, and maintenance of Sawyer water filters.

Following the training, nearly 20 households received water filtration systems to help provide safer drinking water for their families.

This activity also showcased the power of experiential learning, with COM-FSM student interns playing a key role in collecting data, presenting findings, and supporting community education efforts.

CFE and UNICEF remain committed to improving access to safe drinking water across Yap and look forward to bringing these services to additional communities in the coming months.

💧 Ending the School Year with Stronger WASH Awareness Across Pohnpei 💧

As the school year comes to a close, the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) is proud to recognize the successful completion of WASH training activities conducted across seven elementary schools in Pohnpei through its partnership with UNICEF and support from the Government of New Zealand.

Throughout the school year, students participated in training sessions focused on water security, sanitation, hygiene awareness, and the importance of safe drinking water in schools and communities. These activities helped students better understand healthy hygiene practices and the importance of protecting their drinking water sources.

The training activities were facilitated by Mercedes Olter and Melissa Esau, whose dedication and hard work helped bring important WASH education directly to students and school communities across Pohnpei.

These activities are part of CFE’s continuing efforts to improve school health and water security through both education and infrastructure support, including the installation of Sawyer water filtration systems and drinking water stations for participating schools.

CFE extends its sincere appreciation to all participating schools, administrators, teachers, students, and partners for supporting this important initiative throughout the school year. We look forward to continuing these efforts and building healthier and safer learning environments for schools across the FSM.

💧 Students Leading the Way: Rohi Elementary WASH Club Trains for Safe Drinking Water Testing

Today, the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) of the College of Micronesia-FSM, through its UNICEF-supported WASH Project, continued its commitment to improving access to safe drinking water in schools by conducting a water testing training at Rohi Elementary School in Kitti Municipality.

Five student interns from the COM-FSM Public Health Program visited the school to train members of the school’s WASH Club on proper water testing procedures and the importance of monitoring drinking water quality. The activity is part of a larger effort to prepare students and schools for the completion of new drinking stations that will soon provide safer drinking water for students and faculty.

For many years, Rohi Elementary School, like several other schools in Kitti, has struggled with limited access to clean drinking water on campus. To help address this challenge, CFE provided Sawyer water filtration kits along with piping systems and sinks that will allow students to collect clean drinking water directly from the new stations once installation is completed.

Today’s training is an important first step in helping students understand how to test and monitor their own water supply. Once the drinking stations are operational, the students themselves will help test whether the filtration systems are effectively making the water safe for drinking. Through this approach, students are not only beneficiaries of the project but also active participants in protecting the health of their school community.

The activity also provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities for the COM-FSM Public Health student interns, allowing them to apply health and water safety concepts learned in the classroom into real-life community settings while serving local schools.

CFE is currently implementing similar WASH activities in schools throughout Kitti Municipality, with the long-term goal of expanding support to other municipalities and states that face similar challenges, as funding becomes available.

This project is implemented by the Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with UNICEF as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen water safety, health awareness, and community resilience across the Federated States of Micronesia.

CFE Expands UNICEF WASH Initiative to Yap Through Student-Led Community Engagement

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the College of Micronesia–FSM (COM-FSM), in partnership with UNICEF, continues to advance its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiative through a learning-through-immersion approach, this time reaching communities in Yap.

As part of the project, COM-FSM Yap Campus students took the lead in conducting water testing and community surveys across three communities in Yap. These activities aim to develop a situation analysis of current drinking water sources, helping identify key challenges and opportunities to improve water quality and access.

Through this hands-on experience, students applied their classroom knowledge in real-world settings—learning how to properly collect water samples, conduct basic water quality tests, and engage with communities to understand their current practices and needs. At the same time, the activity directly contributes to improving public health by assessing the safety of community water sources.

This initiative reflects CFE’s commitment to building local capacity while delivering immediate community benefits. By involving students as frontline implementers, the program not only strengthens technical skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and service among future public health professionals.

Following the completion of the assessments, CFE is preparing for a distribution and training event at the end of May, where communities will be trained on how to properly install and maintain Sawyer water filtration systems. These filters provide a practical and sustainable solution for improving access to safe drinking water by removing harmful contaminants and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Through its partnership with UNICEF, CFE continues to bridge education and community impact—empowering students while supporting healthier, more resilient communities across the Federated States of Micronesia.

CFE and FSM R&D Launch Community Trainings on Invasive Species in Kosrae

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the College of Micronesia–FSM (COM-FSM), in partnership with FSM Research and Development (FSM R&D), has officially launched community-level training activities under the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Project supported by the GEF-6 program.

The initiative kicked off in Kosrae, where two training events were successfully conducted for local farmers. These sessions focused on invasive species identification, management, and reporting, equipping participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to protect local agriculture and ecosystems.

The IAS project recognizes farmers as frontliners in the fight against invasive species, as they are often the first to observe unusual pests, plant diseases, or environmental changes in their fields. By strengthening farmers’ capacity to identify and respond to these threats early, the project aims to reduce the spread and impact of invasive species across the Federated States of Micronesia.

During the trainings, participants were introduced to common invasive species affecting the region, practical control and management strategies, and proper reporting channels to ensure timely response from relevant authorities. This proactive approach supports both food security and environmental protection, which are critical to the resilience of island communities.

Following the successful launch in Kosrae, training activities will continue within the state and will soon expand to Pohnpei, Yap, and Chuuk, ensuring that farmers across all four states benefit from this important initiative.

CFE remains committed to working alongside national and state partners to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard their livelihoods and natural resources.

CFE Advances WASH Education Through Student-Led Training in Kitti Schools

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the College of Micronesia–FSM (COM-FSM), in partnership with the Department of Education (DOE) and supported by UNICEF, continues to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives in Pohnpei through hands-on, student-led learning activities.

As part of a learning-through-immersion approach, CFE recently trained 20 Public Health students on proper water quality testing procedures. These students are now applying their knowledge in real-world settings, demonstrating both technical skills and community leadership.

Building on this training, the students conducted a follow-up session with the Seinwar WASH Club, passing on essential knowledge on how to test water quality within their school. During the activity, students learned how to properly collect water samples, use testing kits, and interpret results to determine whether water is safe for consumption.

In parallel, CFE has been working closely with DOE to support schools in Kitti Municipality in improving access to safe drinking water through the installation of Sawyer water filtration systems. These filters are designed to remove harmful bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants, providing a reliable and low-maintenance solution for clean drinking water in school settings. By improving water quality at the source, the filters help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and promote healthier learning environments for students.

This initiative not only improves access to safe water but also builds local capacity by empowering students and schools to take an active role in monitoring and maintaining their own water systems.

CFE aims to complete the installation of water stations across all schools in Kitti by this summer, marking a significant step toward ensuring safe and sustainable water access for students and communities.

Through strong partnerships and experiential learning, CFE continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing practical solutions that improve lives and build resilient communities across the Federated States of Micronesia.

CFE Launches SIFWAP Training and Counseling Sessions in Pohnpei

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the College of Micronesia–FSM (COM-FSM) and FSM R and D has officially kicked off its training and counseling sessions under the Small
Islands Food Water Project (SIFWAP) in Pohnpei.

The initiative began with community engagement sessions in Kapingamarangi and Sokesh, where CFE worked closely with participants to introduce the SIFWAP program, guide them through the application process, and provide one-on-one counseling to help shape viable and impactful project proposals.

SIFWAP is designed to support communities by providing access to funding and technical assistance for small-scale projects focused on sustainable agriculture, waste management, and income-generating activities. The program empowers individuals and groups to turn practical ideas into funded projects that improve livelihoods while promoting environmental sustainability.

Through these sessions, participants are guided step-by-step—from understanding the purpose of each section of the application form to developing clear, realistic, and fundable proposals. This hands-on approach ensures that even first-time applicants can confidently participate in the program.

The benefits of SIFWAP extend beyond funding. Participants gain valuable skills in planning, budgeting, and project implementation, while communities benefit from increased local food production, better waste practices, and new economic opportunities. The program also encourages community collaboration and long-term sustainability of projects.

Following the successful launch in Pohnpei, similar training and counseling activities will soon begin in Yap, followed by Chuuk, expanding access to the program across the Federated States of Micronesia. Meanwhile, proposals from Kosrae have already been submitted, marking strong early participation from the state.

CFE remains committed to supporting communities through programs like SIFWAP that build capacity, strengthen local economies, and promote sustainable development across FSM.

CFE and COM-FSM CTEC Celebrate 9 New OSHA-Certified Trainees

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the College of Micronesia–FSM (COM-FSM), in collaboration with the COM-FSM CTEC Campus Telecommunication Program, is proud to announce the successful completion of the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Course by nine participants.

Through this joint training initiative, participants underwent intensive instruction focused on workplace safety, hazard recognition, and industry best practices. All nine trainees successfully passed the course and are now officially OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certified, marking an important milestone in their professional development.

This certification equips participants with essential knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to workplace hazards. It also strengthens their employability by demonstrating a commitment to safety, responsibility, and adherence to industry standards—qualities highly valued by employers both locally and internationally.

For students in the Telecommunication Program, this achievement is especially significant, as safety awareness is critical when working with technical equipment, electrical systems, and field installations. The training ensures that graduates are not only technically competent but also prepared to maintain safe working environments.

CFE also extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Nelchor Permitez for his dedication and hard work in preparing the participants for this training. His commitment played a key role in ensuring the success of all nine trainees.

CFE remains committed to providing practical, industry-relevant training opportunities that empower students and community members with skills that translate directly into the workforce. This collaboration with CTEC highlights the importance of integrating safety certification into technical education programs.

Congratulations to all nine participants for their dedication and achievement. CFE and COM-FSM look forward to continuing partnerships that build safer, more skilled communities across the Federated States of Micronesia.

🌿 Learning Beyond the Classroom! 🌱

On February 17, 2026, the SC/SS 115 Ethnobotany class took their learning outdoors with a visit to the hydroponic greenhouse and demo garden at the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE).

During the visit, students explored how traditional plant knowledge connects with modern growing techniques. They were introduced to hydroponics systems, observed a variety of crops in the demo garden, and gained a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture practices.

This hands-on experience allowed students to see firsthand how food can be grown using both innovative and locally relevant methods—bridging culture, science, and sustainability 🌏💚

We’re always excited to support experiential learning and inspire the next generation to appreciate and engage in agriculture! 🌿✨