In early 2025, leaders at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School reached out to Habele, a US-nonprofit established by former Peace Corps Volunteers who lived and taught in Micronesia.
The school sought assistance in addressing an urgent need caused by the ongoing, 28-days power-sharing measures announced by the Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC). These measures had significantly impacted teachers’ ability to deliver quality education, particularly as teachers and students heavily rely on technology for their daily lessons and activities.
The declared state of emergency by the Pohnpei State Governor underscored the critical nature of the power crisis residents of the Island have been facing. To mitigate the disruptions to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School (OLMCHS) instructional programs, the school requested Habele’s support to purchase a portable generator. This generator would ensure that the high school could continue to operate essential educational technology, including laptops, projectors, and online platforms crucial for our students’ success.
Habele immediately responded, issuing a grant for $2,000 to the school. This covered the cost of a portable generator; related electrical wires and circuit breakers; housing for the generator, and labor costs for installation and setup.
While the power-sharing measures were initially expected to last for 28 days, the portable generator will remain a valuable asset for the school well into the future. It will serve as a reliable backup power source during any future outages, ensuring comfort, security, and uninterrupted activities. This investment will also help maintain uninterrupted access to online College Prep sessions held twice a week with US-based College Counselor. Additionally, it will provide a reliable power source for our teachers who depend on technology to deliver interactive and engaging lessons.
“We are happy that Habele could make a very modest contribution to help the staff and students cope with the ongoing power crisis,” explained Habele’s Founder Neil Mellen.
Mellen went on to observe that schools on the main islands of Chuuk and Yap don’t face similar power interruptions. Public utilities in Chuuk and Yap are allowed to set user rates at a level that covers their operational and capital costs. This ensures the financial stability and sustainability of the utility, keeping the lights on for residents consistently over the long term.
