Guam - Thirty students from American Samoa arrived over the weekend and have begun a six-month construction training program. The students are staying at the Ukudu Workforce Village. 

Center for Micronesian Empowerment Acting Executive Director Jay Merill says the initiative started several months ago when representatives from American Samoa came to the island seeking help in rebuilding their community after the devastating tsunami in 2009. "We connected with them and it became clear that if there could be a way that we could cooperate that not only can we provide the skills required for workers. but also assist them in getting the work experience that they will be needing to be productive back home," he said.

The program was funded through the American Samoa National Emergency Grants and invites local hires to prepare for the buildup construction.  Merill adds the training is made possible through a public-private partnership and with support from the Ukudu Workforce Housing.