Majuro, Marshall Islands – February 24, 2025 – Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine delivered the keynote remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Education Week at the Majuro Track and Field, Tur Weto, Jenrok.
The theme for this year’s Education Week, “Ain Bartak Ju Ae Maronron,” emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in shaping the future of education in the Marshall Islands. In her speech, President Heine underscored that education is the foundation for building a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation, one that requires the efforts of every citizen.
“The future of our children, our communities, and our nation depends on the strength and inclusivity of the education system we create. Education is not just a matter of policy, but a collective responsibility,” President Heine stated. President Heine called upon educators, students, parents, community leaders, and policymakers to unite and work together to ensure that every child receives the education they deserve.
President Heine recognized the tireless dedication of teachers, emphasizing their role as the backbone of the education system. She also stressed the importance of supporting educators with the resources, respect, and recognition they need to succeed. Furthermore, President Heine reaffirmed her government’s commitment to investing in education and creating an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of their background.
Education Week serves as a reminder that the responsibility of building a more inclusive and equitable education system lies with all of us. Together, as a nation, we must ensure that education remains a tool of empowerment, bringing all citizens closer to a brighter, more equitable future.
—
H.E. Hilda C. Heine
Keynote Address for Education Week 2025
Monday, February 24, 2025
Unin Tel/Theme: Ain Bar Tak Ju Ae Maronron – To unite and work collaboratively as a team. Together, we can build a better education.
Kile im nebar Anij Jemed ilan̄
Irooj ro ad ilo Ṃanit
Cabinet members
Speaker, vice speaker im ro uaan Nitijela eo
Judiciary eo
Diplomatic corps eo
Local governments ko
Armej ro mōttad, rūkaki ro, rijikuul ro, ro jinen im jemen, ritōl ro an jukjuk in pād ko, im ro rar itok
El̗ap an uteej buruō kōn kūr in n̄an aō bok konao rainin kōn unin kōnono eo eaorōk kōn jelalokjen — juōn unin kōnono eo im ilo ao watōke ej kii eo n̄an ilju im jekļaj eo an laļ in ad. Jel̗ālokjen ej pedped eo nan kalōk juōn ilju im jekl̗aj eo em̗m̗anl̗o̗k im polel. Jelāl̗okjen ej l̗omme mour ko an kajjojo armej im barāinwōt jukjukin pād ko ad. Ilo ad pukwōt wōnm̗aanl̗ok, jej aikuj kile ke ej e iiep in jel̗āl̗o̗kjen eo epolel im jokkin wōt juōn ejjab kaman ilo kakien wōt ako ej ad jim̗or eddo ilo an ijino ilo kabijuknen iben baamle.
Ilo ad kobatok rainin, jej kakemejmej kōj wōj jim̗or ke ajri rein nejid rej ilju im jekl̗aj eo ad, jukjuk in bed ko ad, im ilju eo an lal in ad ej bedbed wōt ilo jon̄an ad kōkajoor im ilo ad kakobaik aolep ilo jel̗āl̗o̗kjen rainin. Kajojo iaad, Rikaki, rijikuul, m̗am̗a im baba ro, ritel ro ad ilo m̗anit, kien, im kabun̄ barainwōt ritel ro ad ilo jukjuk in bed ko ad ewōr adwōj eddo. Eddo in kalōk juōn jikin jel̗āl̗o̗kjen eo em̗m̗anl̗o̗k ejjab bed wōt ibben juōn im juōn ak ej adwōj aolep eddo. Iben doon, jemaron̄ l̗ome im kalōk juōn ilju eo im emaron̄ l̗ōn̄aj jokun mour n̄an aolep armij in M̗ajōl̗. Wunin tel ne an rainin ej, “Ae in bartak ju ae Maronron” ak “Kajoor wōt wōr ñan kalōk jel̗āl̗o̗kjen eo epolemen”, ak jemaron̄ bar ba “jerbal in jel̗āl̗o̗kjen ej an aolep eddo.” Wunin tel im mel̗el̗e kein rej rooj kōl̗owad im kūr n̄an ad wōj koba maron̄. Ej kibel kōj bwe jen juōn wōt bōro im koba maron̄ im kōkm̗anm̗an jel̗āl̗o̗kjen bwe ej ad ial̗an jeram̗m̗an. Ej kūr n̄an ad kōkaal bujen jemjerā ikōtaan aolep ra ko kajojo ilo m̗anit, kien, kabun̄, im ko jōt ilo jukjuk in bed ko ad, el̗aptata ro m̗ōttad ilikin Aelōn̄ Kein Ad. Jerbal ibben doon n̄an kōkm̗anm̗an jel̗āl̗o̗kjen bwe ej adwōj joor tok lik n̄an ilju eo ebolamen.
Eto ad likiti l̗ōmn̗ak in ke jel̗āl̗o̗kjen ej bed wōt ion aeran kajojo rikaki. M̗ool rikaki rein el̗ap ijo kwōn̗aer n̄an jel̗āl̗o̗kjen, im kijejeto in jerbal ko aer m̗aantak emōj an tōbar elōn̄ rijikuul̗. Ijoke, kōj wōj aikuj mel̗el̗e reban make kin jerbal in. Jel̗āl̗o̗kjen ej am̗ im ej aō im ej adwōj jiṃor eddo. Ej juōn jerbal eo aolep raikwij ninnim-kokoi’ki. Ibben doon jej aikuj dijo im ukwōj bwe ajri ro nejid im jibwid ren jeram̗m̗an ilo aer maron̄ bōk katakinko rijim̗we im jejjōt.
Aō naan in kam̗m̗oolol ñan aolep rikaki ro kajojo ibel̗aakin Aelon Kein Ad. Kom̗ wōj aolep ej dilepin ra eo an Jel̗āl̗o̗kjen. Jerbal ko ami rej l̗ome ilju eo an Aelōn̄ Kein Ad. Kien in ami ej die kōtōbar kein n̄an bōktok kein jerbal ko, kaminene ko, im jiban̄ ko nan kōkm̗anm̗an kilen im wawein katakin n̄an aolep rijikuul̗ ro.
Aō naan in kabilok non kom̗ rijikuul̗ ran̗, “kom̗in kate kom bwe lal in ami ej kojatdrikdrik ke komwij joor tok lik eo ad. Ejelḷok joñak nan joñan ko kom̗ marọn̄ tōbar i im ej amwōj eddo ñan kōkm̗anm̗an im kepelḷọk ial̗ in ami ñan ami tōbar mejen kajik eo. Mene kwoj kap jinoe jikuul ak kwoj bōjak in kadiwojḷọk, jej aikuj loloorjake bwe en l̗apl̗o̗k ial̗ in jiban̄ im diie kōtōbar kein ami. Jikuul ejab jikin wot ebok melele; ej nan bar kadrebakbaklok kolmenlokijen im kapeel ko an armij nan na mejḷan aban ko ilo mour in – wawein kein renaj jiban yuk im bareinwot jiban lal in am.
Nan mama im baba ro, aurok bwe kom en bok ijo koṇaami ñan loloorjake rijikuul̗ ro nejid. Komij rikaki ro im̗aantata im rauroktata. Ilo ami jutak ilikier, kaketak er, im kwaḷak ami tōmak im kojtadrikdrik ke renaaj tobrak, ej juon wawein eo enaj jiban̄ tel er ñan ilju eo epol̗emen. Ijoke ilo ad jiban ajiri rein nejid, jej aikuj in kōm̗m̗ane ial eo ebiroro bwe aolep baamle ko, jekdon ia eo rej itok jen e, ren maroñ in bōk koņaer ikijien bukot jelalokijen. Enin unin ad aikuj kōmman bwe katak ko nan jelalokijen en laplok im emmonlok nan aolep baam̗le, jen aolep kona ko emen.
Ñan ri-kōmman kakien ro im ri-tōl ro an kien, jej aikuj in beran ilo kallimur ko ad ikijien Jel̗āl̗o̗kjen nan aolep armij. Kakien ko jej kōmmani rainin renaj lome wawein bukot jel̗āl̗o̗kjen nan armij ro ad ilo epepen ko rej itok. Jej aikuj in lale bwe kajjojo ajiri, jekdon ia, maan ak kōrā, ro ewōr m̗ōjn̗o̗ ippaer, ren maroñ in bōk juōn jel̗āl̗o̗kjen eo etōnkwadik. Jej aikuj rupe menin bōbrae ko rej kōm̗m̗an bwe en wōr likjab im ejaake juōn jekjek in ekatak eo ej jerbal ñan aikuj ko an aolep armij ro ad, im jaab jejo wōt.
Ak ilo jemlokin, eddo eo ñan kalek juon jukjuk in Jel̗āl̗o̗kjen eo em̗m̗anl̗o̗k im ekitbuuj aolep armij ejjab an juōn wōt droulul eo emake iaan. Ak ej m̗weiōd wōj jim̗or. Einwõt juõn lal, jej aikwij koba iben droon ilo jerbal in. Ejjab an wōt ro ilo jikin jel̄āl̗o̗kjen eddo ñan lale bwe rijikuul ro ad ren maroñ in ello aer jerbal ilju im jeklaj; ej an kajjojo armij in Aelōn̄ Kein Ad eddo n̄an jipan̄ jerbal in katak ilo Jel̗āl̗o̗kjen. Mene kwōj juōn ritōl an jukjuk in pād, juon ri kan̄kotan̄, juon eo ej jokwe im mour ilo aelon kein, ak juōn rijerbal in kien, ewōr am jerbal ikijen jel̄āl̗o̗kjen n̄an jipan̄ jibadbad ko an laļ in ad.
Ilo ad jerbal ippān doon, jej aikuj lale bwe jel̗āl̗o̗kjen en juōn dreke in jemjem eo ej kōkajoorļo̧k koj, im ejab kōjepelok kijwoj. Jej aikuj kalek juōn jukjuk in bed eo im ejjab kalikjoklok im ej letok ial in jerammon. Jej aikuj in lale bwe aolep ajiri ro ren maroñ in le imaan, jekdon ia eo rej itok jen e.
Ij kajjitōk bwe kōjwōj, āinwōt juōn laļ, jen kobatok ippān doon ilo kōttōpar in n̄an kōkm̧anm̧anļo̧k jel̗āl̗o̗kjen eo an lal̗ in ad. Jen koba ippān doon ilo tõmak in ke jel̗āl̗o̗kjen ej jibadbad eo elaptata im kajoor tata nan makitkit ilo mour in, im ej juōn peped in juōn jukjuk in bed eo ewamourur im ej mour kin kien anemkwōj. Im jen kememej bwe jel̗āl̗o̗kjen ejjab ñan jejjo wōt, ak ñan aolep. Ej juōn jerbal im eddo an aolep.
N̄an lum tok jem̗l̗o̗k in naan in aō, ikōn̗an bar kalikar e kallimur eo aō, im kallimur eo an administration eo aō, n̄an un in. Jej wōnm̗aanl̗o̗k wot im bukot joortoklik nan jikuul ko, rikaki ro ad, im rijikuul ro. Kien eo ami ej wonmaanlok wot im loloorjake kakien ko im rej kōketak jimwe im nan lale aolep bwe jel̗āl̗o̗kjen en tobar aolep. Ijoke jerbal in ejab make lok iaan. Jej aikuji kom otemjej—aolep armij, aolep rikaki ak rikatakin, jinen im jemeñ ajiri ro, im aolep ri tel—ñan kobatok ibbed ilo kotobar in. Ippān doon, jemaroñ im jenaaj kalōk wawein bukot jel̗āl̗o̗kjen eo ejjab baj polel wōt ak ej kitibuuj aolep—juōn wawein eo ej kakajur aolep, jekdon ia eo rej itok jen e, im ej kōpel̗l̗o̗k aoor in maroñ ko an kajojo armij.
Kom̗m̗ol tata, im jen wōnmanlok wōt im jerbal ibben doon ñan juōn ilju im jekl̗aj eo emmon im polel ñan aolep.
—
H.E. Hilda C. Heine
Keynote Address for Education Week 2025
Monday, February 24, 2025
Unin Tel/Theme: Ain Bar Tak Ju Ae Maronron – To unite and work collaboratively as a team. Together, we can build a better education.
Acknowledgements:
Kile im nebar Anij Jemed ilan̄
Irooj ro ad ilo Ṃanit
Cabinet members
Speaker, vice speaker im ro uaan Nitijela eo
Judiciary eo
Diplomatic corps eo
Local governments ko
Fellow citizens, esteemed educators, students, parents, community leaders, and distinguished guests.
It is both an honor and a privilege to address you today on the critical issue of education—an issue that holds the key to the future of our nation. Education is the foundation upon which we build a brighter, more prosperous future. It shapes not only the lives of individuals but the very fabric of our society. And in our quest for progress, we must recognize that building a better and more inclusive education system is not just a matter of policy; it is a collective responsibility.
As we gather today, we are reminded that the future of our children, our communities, and our nation depends on the strength and inclusivity of the education system we create. Every one of us—whether we are teachers, students, parents, policymakers, or community leaders—has a role to play. The responsibility of building a better education system lies not with one group alone, but with all of us. Together, we are the architects of a future that can empower every citizen, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our theme, “Education is a collective effort, and everyone’s responsibility,” is not just a call to action; it is a call to unity. It urges us to recognize that we must work together to ensure that education is a tool of empowerment, not division. It calls on us to forge partnerships across all sectors of society—to unite, collaborate, and invest in the promise of education.
For too long, the notion of responsibility has been placed squarely on the shoulders of educators alone. Teachers are the heart of our education system, and their tireless dedication has shaped generations of students. But we must acknowledge that they cannot do it alone. Education is not a one-way street. It is a partnership. It is a collaboration between educators, students, families, policymakers, and the larger community. Each of us has a part to play in making sure that every child receives the education they deserve.
To the educators across our nation, I offer my deepest gratitude. You are the backbone of our education system. Your work shapes the future. But to make your work truly impactful, we must ensure that you are supported—not just with resources and professional development, but with the respect and recognition you deserve. We must invest in education as a national priority, ensuring that our educators are equipped with the tools, training, and support necessary to foster the growth and development of every student.
To the students of this great nation, I say this: you are our greatest asset. Your potential is limitless, and our duty is to create an environment that enables you to reach that potential. Whether you are just starting your educational journey or nearing the end of your academic career, we must ensure that you have access to the resources, opportunities, and support you need to thrive. Education is not just about learning facts; it is about developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that will serve you—and our country—for a lifetime.
To the parents and guardians, your involvement is essential. You are the first and most important teachers in your children’s lives. Your support, your encouragement, and your belief in their potential are what guide them to success. But we also recognize that for you to fully support your children, we must create an environment that makes it possible for all families, regardless of their economic or social standing, to engage in the education process. This is why we must make education more accessible and equitable for every family, in every corner of our nation.
To the policymakers and government leaders, we must be bold in our commitment to inclusive education. The policies we enact today will shape the educational landscape for generations to come. We must ensure that every child, regardless of geography, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status, has access to a high-quality education. We must break down the barriers that perpetuate inequality and create an education system that serves the needs of all our citizens, not just the privileged few.
But ultimately, the responsibility of building a better, more inclusive education system does not belong to any one group alone. It belongs to all of us. As a nation, we must unite in this cause. It is not just the responsibility of those within the education sector to ensure that our students are equipped for the future; it is the responsibility of every individual in this nation to support the educational process. Whether you are a community leader, a business owner, a citizen, or a member of government, you have a role to play in supporting the educational endeavors of our nation.
Together, we must ensure that education is a tool of empowerment, not division. We must build a system that is not only inclusive in terms of access but also in terms of the opportunities it provides. We must make sure that every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background.
I ask that we all, as a nation, come together with a shared commitment to the betterment of our education system. Let us unite around the belief that education is the greatest equalizer, the most powerful tool for social mobility, and the foundation of a thriving, democratic society. And let us remember that education is not just for the few, but for the many. It is a collective effort, and it is everyone’s responsibility.
In closing, I want to reaffirm my commitment, and the commitment of my government, to this cause. We will continue to invest in our schools, in our teachers, and in our students. We will continue to advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind. But this work will not be done in isolation. We need each and every one of you—every citizen, every educator, every parent, and every leader—to join us in this mission. Together, we can and will build an education system that is not only better but truly inclusive—a system that empowers all, regardless of background, and unlocks the limitless potential of every individual.
Thank you, and may we continue to work together for a brighter future for all.
