Majuro, Marshall Islands – October 9, 2024 – Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine received a courtesy visit from Theresa M. Kreif, Director of Pacific Partnerships & Workforce Development Initiatives at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

During the visit, Kreif shared details about an upcoming collaboration between the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health and the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI). This partnership aims to establish online pathways for individuals in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to earn Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees. The program is also intended to enhance access to higher education and contribute to the development of social workers in the RMI, addressing the unique needs of local communities.

The President warmly welcomed the initiative and shared words of thanks and encouragement to Ms. Kreif for the assistance rendered to the Marshall Islands, noting that the need for social work professionals has greatly increased in the islands.