Kosrae SDA School is located on the island of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia. The school has been receiving vital support to enhance its educational mission. The Kosrae Seventh-day Adventist School is a place of knowledge and character development. The school serves as a beacon of hope for the local community, offering quality education in a nurturing and spiritual environment. One student said, “If it weren’t for this school, my faith and belief in God would be this much at all.” This sentiment was evident and serves as a great testimony to the importance of our schools. Its unique blend of academic rigor and faith-based principles has garnered respect not only among students and parents but also within the broader educational community. Lake Union Conference has played a key role in giving support and reinforcing academics and Christian support. This collaborative effort between the NAD SDA Education Office, the Lake Union Conference, and local administrators and teachers exemplifies the global network of Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions, where knowledge and experience are shared to enhance education's quality.

It was a blessing to engage with the dedicated educators of the Majuro Seventh-day Adventist School District. In the community of Majuro, the school has a reputation for educational excellence. There are two schools in the district: Delap Seventh-day Adventist School (PK-12) and Laura Seventh-day Adventist School (PK-8). Wherever the NAD traveled on the island they met parents and students who were proud to say they attended the SDA school. The team's primary objective was to conduct a follow-up on the school's previous accreditation visit. This process involved thorough discussions aimed at identifying areas of progress and opportunities. By sharing available resources, the North American Division team aimed to support their colleagues in Majuro. The visit not only strengthened the bonds between educational colleagues but also underscored the shared vision of ministering to island residents through education. It was clear that our schools serve as evangelistic centers for the SDA Church.

Palau, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, boasts two Seventh-day Adventist Schools that are integral parts of the local educational landscape. Recognized by everyone in Palau for their commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, these schools serve as pillars of the community. These schools, recognized throughout Palau for their academic excellence, welcomed the team for a follow-up accreditation visit. Partnered with the North Pacific Union, the schools benefit from a robust educational network. Notably, Palau hosts the highest number of student missionaries among the islands visited, emphasizing the community's dedication to volunteerism. The visit aimed to ensure continued alignment with accreditation standards.

If you think of stone money, think of the island of Yap! With its rich, cultural history, an Adventist School was founded on the island in 1987 and continues to serve as a light for its community today. The principal and team of teachers are paving the way for their students to serve others through redemptive education. With a campus of two wings of classrooms, surrounded by vast open spaces for recreation along with their school gym and administrative building, students' lives are enriched with activities in each learning environment. Opportunities for exploration around fields surrounding the campus allow students to grow in God’s first book of nature. The Columbia Union is committed to partnering with Yap Adventist School in executive coaching for the school leader and professional development for the educators as they continue their journey to excellence in leading their students to a lifelong encounter with Christ.

The Island of Pohnpei has about 133 square miles with about 36,000 people, rugged mountains, dense jungles, beautiful waterfalls, WWII relics, awesome deep-sea fishing, several SDA churches, and wonderful people. The principal at Pohnpei SDA School has done a great job in leading the school of about 350 students with about 15 student missionaries, and he is a testament to the importance of long-term, stable leadership at a school. The visit to this school was designed to show support and share resources, rather than a full accreditation.

Ebeye has far less than one square mile of land with about 10,000 people living there. The highest elevation point is 10 feet. Green spaces are nonexistent on Ebeye; however, some outer islands are less inhabited. Nine educators are teaching 360 students--the school is run in two shifts with most of the teachers teaching in both the morning and afternoon sessions. The Southern Union Conference Office of Education Team is committed to reaching out to an island 7,500 miles away to grow and develop the school over time. Ebeye SDA School is held in high esteem by the Marshallese as the school has had students and graduates who go on to leadership in local and national government. There is a need to build a new school building, so plans are being made for big changes. Even though the school building is in disrepair, the Principal and staff have a “passion and a mission heart for these children.” There is a tremendous need to have more student missionaries serve there as the number one goal of the local folks is to have their children learn English from US/Canadian student missionaries.

Saipan is growing and rebuilding. During COVID, the school program and enrollment decreased, but now the lower grades are at full capacity, and the upper elementary is growing too. The school administration and board are actively planning for a secondary program. The new staff housing and many updates to the classrooms and school facilities are in place. A new playground is coming soon as well. The school’s reputation and participation in local grants have meant an increase in school programs and a larger influence in the community.

The NAD team was given a warm welcome by community members, educators, and Guam-Micronesia Mission officers. The Guam Adventist Academy visit consisted of an impressive tour that gave the team a clear picture that good things were happening on that campus. It was great to see the teachers in action and visit with the students in their beautiful facility. Even though it was not an accreditation-based visit, the NAD Team was able to share some resources and conduct a professional development session. We loved hearing the enthusiastic stories of the successful academic programs and the eagerness to keep improving the school.