The early rain Saturday morning held off and brought sun, for the official opening and ribbon cutting of Guam's first intergenerational daycare center, the Giving Tree.

Owner Maelonie “Lani” Tamondong says this has been a vision of her for a very long time recalling what has been the inspiration.

“I was raised by grandparents and there is so much that i've learned, just by sitting on the floor of her bedroom,” said Tamondong. 

Truly understanding the value, Tamondong added, “What we're doing here is more than just opening a business, we're building a bridge between generations. We're creating a space where our youngest and our eldest in our community can come together and learn from each other.”

Saturday's celebration reaffirmed the strength of Guam lies in our families, in our culture and in caring for one another. 

Among family, friends, and island leaders, Sen. Tina Rose Muna Barnes was also in attendance and was instrumental in bringing to fruition the Giving Tree with Bill 95 which made you rethink childcare, and that intergenerational daycare centers are the future.

“The giving tree is such a meaningful name because it reflects the reciprocity at the heart of our culture. Our manamko- they give us roots through care, guidance, and tradition, while our children give back the new energy through curiosity and continuity of our culture. Each generation sustains the other, and together they keep the fruits of our culture- inafamaolek, respectu, yan i kurason alive and thriving,” said Muna Barnes. 

Acting Governor Josh Tenorio, taking the stage to say a few words.

“This program is very innovative and it's going to allow us to get back to what I think is the strength of our island- it has always been our families. and the connection between our generations,” said Tenorio. 

Nicole and Tobias Alejandro, whose daughter Arabella is a former student at the Giving Tree, had to come out and show support to Lani and her family.

“She was really educated and the staff was so great. It was just a really good time for her to be a part of that daycare setting,” said Nicole. “Its a great opportunity and you know not many of our daycares on this island provide this type of service and getting the elderly involved help our children strive for here on Guam.”

The students of the Giving Tree make such a connection by placing a lei on manamko in attendance. 

“May the giving tree continue to grow strong, may you continue to stay rooted and fruitful for generations to come,” said Muna Barnes. 

“I just wanted to say thank you all, there is so many of you in this room that have championed this idea from the very beginning and i'm just so happy that the day is now,” said Tamondong

For more information about enrollment, you can give them a call at (671)638-2273.