Admin Literacy, Robotics, Scholarships, School Support, Weaving

Habele Report Looks Back on Work in 2024

Student in Micronesia with a Habele tuition scholarship
A Habele Scholarship student proudly displays her school report card.

Habele is a US nonprofit, created by former Peace Corps Volunteers who lived and worked in Micronesia, and who wanted to remain engaged with the communities they served after their Peace Corps service.

The word Habele is a Ulithian word. Ulithian is one of the many languages used in Micronesia. It means “to be” but it also has a symbolic meaning. In that way it means to “make it be” or to accomplish a plan, or a dream. Habele was established in 2006. To this day, nearly all those who donate to, or volunteer for, Habele in the US are either former Peace Corps Volunteers, or other Americans who lived and worked in Micronesia.

In lateJanuary, Habele published its annual report to donors and volunteers. The document provides a review of Habele’s activities over the course of 2024. Among the highlights:

-151 scholarships were awarded, sending low- and middle-income students to top performing private elementary and high schools across all four Micronesian States.

-7,102 books were sent directly to children under five years of age through the Young Island Readers book-a-month program.

-69 boxes of books were provided to libraries, schools, and community health centers.

-12 boxes, tools & equipment were sent, for school and club-based robotics, 3D printing, and traditional vocational skills programs and mentorships.

-$36,000 in local capacity grants were awarded, funding on-island collaborations at schools and libraries, including the first of two grants for Micronesian Seminar’s reopening.

“So many Americans with a love for Micronesia help out,” explained Neil Mellen, the Founder and sole full-time employee of Habele. “This report gives them a chance to see the scope and depth of our work and I hope also solicits some pride in them for the work.”

As detailed in the report, Habele neither sought nor received any financial support from the US or FSM Governments in 2024. As such, Habele funded its operation entirely from donations generously made one hundred and thirteen individuals in the United States, as well as funds from an endowment established by such individual Americans.

The report can be found online at www.habele.org.

habele Scholarships

High Marks as Habele Scholars Report on Academic Progress

PHOTO: Second grader Jesebel-Marie B. Fanechigiy attends Saint Mary’s School on Yap with the help of a Habele Scholarship. She lives in Luwech, Rull and earned all “A’s” in her first quarter academic progress report

The US nonprofit Habele, founded by former Peace Corps Volunteers, awards elementary and high school scholarships to students across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The students provide Habele with copies of their report cards throughout the year and other indicators of their academic progress.

There are 152 Habele scholars for the 2024-25 school year, representing a diverse collection of students from the four Micronesian States including a range of Main, Lagoon, and Outer Islanders. As of October 28th, Habele has already received 63 of these student’s first quarter report cards.

“The grades these students are earning are tremendous,” explained Neil Mellen, Habele’s founder. He served as teacher in the Outer Islands of Yap in the early 2000’s. “It is clear that these students, their families, and the teachers are strongly invested in academic achievement and student success. Habele is proud we can play a small role, through targeted financial assistance, to help prepare these children to take up -and even create- their social, civic, political, and business roles in their island communities.”

Habele’s tuition scholarships ensure bright, hardworking students have access to the best elementary and secondary education possible. Based on need and merit, each Habele tuition scholarships is set at a level that maintains family ownership in student achievement while lightening the financial burden. Habele scholars this year are attending fifteen different schools across the FSM.

The scholarships cover roughly 75 percent of tuition and fees. Students must maintain and report high levels of academic achievement every term, applying each year for continued support. Since 2006, more than 300 students in Micronesia have benefited from the program, which started with a single student seventeen years ago.

Habele Scholarships

151 students across FSM awarded Habele Tuition Scholarships

(Colonia, Yap) A US nonprofit, established by former Peace Corps Volunteers, is awarding tuition scholarships to 151 students across the Federated States of Micronesia. Funded entirely by the donations of individual Americans, Habele scholarships help cover tuition costs at high performing independent elementary and high schools within the FSM.

Habele’s tuition scholarships ensure bright, hardworking students have access to the best elementary and secondary education possible. Based on need and merit, each Habele tuition scholarships is set at a level that maintains family ownership in student achievement while lightening the financial burden. Habele scholars this year will be attending fifteen different schools across the FSM.

The scholarships cover roughly 75 percent of tuition and fees. Students must maintain and report high levels of academic achievement every term, applying each year for continued support. Since 2006, more than 300 students in Micronesia have benefited from the program, which started with a single student seventeen years ago.

Of the students awarded scholarships this year, 90 are from Outer Islands of Yap and Chuuk States, 31 are Yapese, 21 are Pohnpeian, and 8 come from families within Chuuk Lagoon. The 2024 cohort consists of 94 females and 57 males. There were 102 scholarships issued to incumbent students, and 49 awarded to new applicants, with more than 150 new, complete on-time applications being received by Habele this year ahead of the June 30th deadline.

Owing to the spike in new applications this year, next year Habele will only accept renewal applications and re-applications from those who applied in 2024-25.

All funding for Habele’s tuition scholarships is provided by individual donations made by private American citizens. All administrative costs are covered by Habele’s endowment, also entirely funded by individual Americans.

Among the 151 scholarships were several Memorial Scholarships, a special type of Habele K12 tuition grant. Memorial Scholarships honor the legacy of Americans whose life or work demonstrated exceptional commitment to the people of Micronesia, and embodied the best of the longstanding US-Micronesian partnership. These include the Jim Stovall, Hon. Martin Yinug, Lee Huddleston, Dr. Marshall Wees, and Leona Peterson Memorial Scholarships.

“Everyone -parents, teachers, and community members- want young people who are prepared to meet the challenges of the future” explained Neil Mellen, a former Peace Corps Volunteer and Habele’s Founder. “These targeted privately funded scholarships provide support to engaged families who are making sacrifices to provide educational opportunities for their children. The individual Americans who comprise Habele want to ensure these ambitious hardworking students are prepared to sustain and improve quality of life for their islands.”
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Habele Scholarships

Scholarship established to honor legacy of Jim Stovall


Habele, a US nonprofit established by former Peace Corps Volunteers, has announced the establishment of a memorial scholarship that honors the life and legacy of the late Jim Stovall.

James T. Stovall, III provided the people of Micronesia with expert legal counsel for more than 50 years, beginning his service before the establishment of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and then serving that new nation’s National Government tirelessly.

Jim, as he was called by friends in the Islands, served the Micronesian Committee on Future Political Status and Transition (CFPST) in the early 1970s, and then as legal adviser for negotiations on the original Compact of Free Association agreement concluded in 1986, the Amended Compact concluded in 2003, and through to refinement of US-FSM partnership in 2023. Mr. Stovall was instrumental in securing the FSM’s membership in the United Nations in 1991 and was a key member of the FSM delegation to the UN and affiliated conferences and negotiations.

Mr. Stovall was a steadfast advocate for climate justice and served as representative of the FSM to, and co-chair of, the working group on adaptation of the International Negotiating Committee for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change prior to its signature in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Mr. Stovall continued to provide climate-related advice and counsel to the FSM on climate issues ever since.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1937, Mr. Stovall earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Alabama. He served in the U.S. military in Korea and Germany as member of the JAG Corps (Judge Advocate General’s Corps). After his service he joined the influential Washington, DC law firm of Clifford & Warnke. He was designated by the firm to provide legal advice to the Micronesian Status Negotiations beginning in 1972 through signing of the Compact in 1986. Mr. Stovall continued to serve as chief legal advisor to the FSM during negotiations on the Amended Compact, which concluded in 2003, and continued as an adviser to the JCRP in its current discussions with the United States on extension of expiring provisions of the Compact beyond 2023. Mr. Stovall also served as trusted adviser to all nine FSM Presidents, from first FSM President Tosiwo Nakayama in 1979 through President David Panuelo until 2023.

“Jim touched the lives of people of Micronesia through his unwavering dedication to helping FSM gain recognition on the world stage. He earned the respect and trust of leaders of my country through his more than 50 years of professional counseling,” explained senior Micronesian diplomat Asterio Takesy. “Mr. Stovall walked away from a Washington, DC-based prestigious law firm to help a tiny newborn state, the Federated States of Micronesia, grow into what it is today; he cared deeply for the people and fell in love with Micronesia.”

Without exception, those who knew Mr. Stovall often found him to be the epitome of the stereotypical southern gentleman lawyer. He could be thorny in his defense of the FSM and its positions, when needed, but most will remember him as a kind, gentle man whose heartfelt love for his family and friends, the FSM, the Micronesian people, and the planet never wavered.

The Stovall Memorial Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to a young woman in either elementary or high school high school attending an independent school in anywhere within the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

“I am particularly grateful to Mrs. LouAnn Stovall, who along with her two daughters, has extended the family’s support for the establishing this memorial scholarship,” explained Neil Mellen, Executive Director of Habele. “In my own dealings with Jim, I was consistently amazed at his brilliant mind, sharp memory for details, and the way in which he retained both a sense of optimism as well as practical sense for working through tough details. His love for the FSM and its peoples was palpable, and his decades of service speak to that.”

Habele Carving, Literacy, Robotics, Scholarships, Weaving

Report highlights Habele’s expanded support for Micronesian Students and Schools

Habele, a US nonprofit that serves students and schools across Micronesia, has released its annual report for 2023.

The report details another year of expanded service across the Federated States.

Among the highlights:

  • 126 Tuition Scholarships were awarded to elementary and high school students across Micronesia for the 2023-24 school year;
  • 95 boxes of books were provided to schools and libraries;
  • 3,628 books were sent directly to children under five years of age through the “Young Island Readers” program;
  • 25 boxes of tools and supplies provided to weavers and carvers through Habele’s support for extracurricular traditional skills mentorships; and
  • 38 Boxes of robotics and 3d printing equipment, materials and supplies provided to high school based clubs across the four FSM States.

The Habele Outer Island Education Fund is a US-based, IRS-recognized, not-for-profit organization with the stated mission of advancing educational access and opportunities across Micronesia. Established in 2006 by three former Peace Corps Volunteers who lived and taught in Micronesia, Habele believes that each island child, no matter how isolated, deserves the chance to reach their full potential. In the rapidly changing world that stretches far beyond the shores of their beautiful islands and atolls, these students are true underdogs.

Habele Scholarships

125 Micronesian Students Awarded Habele Scholarships

A US nonprofit, established by former Peace Corps Volunteers, is awarding tuition scholarships to 125 students across the Federated States of Micronesia. Funded entirely by the annual donations of individual Americans, the scholarships help cover tuition costs at independent elementary and high schools within the FSM.

Habele’s tuition scholarships ensure bright, hardworking students have access to the best elementary and secondary education possible. Based on need and merit, each Habele tuition scholarships is set at a level that maintains family ownership in student achievement while lightening the financial burden.

The scholarships cover between 50 and 75 percent of tuition and fees. Students must maintain and report high levels of academic achievement every term, applying each year for continued support.

Since 2006, more than 230 students in Micronesia have benefited from the program, which started with a single student seventeen years ago.

Of the 125 Habele Scholars for 2023-24, roughly 60 percent are female; two thirds are in elementary school, and three-in-five are from neighboring islands. Among the incumbents the average student is entering their third year as a scholarship recipient. Of the 56 students awarded scholarship last year, 52 were awarded renewals for 2023-24, one migrated to the US, two graduated high school and departed for higher education, and only one failed to report or reapply.

“Everyone -parents, teachers, and community members- want young people who are prepared to meet the challenges of the future” explained Neil Mellen, Habele’s Founder. “These targeted scholarships provide support to engaged families who are making sacrifices to provide educational opportunities for their children. Habele wants to help ensure these ambitious hardworking students are prepared to sustain and improve quality of life for their islands.”

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Established by former Peace Corps Volunteers, Habele is a 501(3) nonprofit supporting Micronesian students and schools.

Habele Scholarships

125 Micronesian Students Awarded Habele Tuition Scholarships

A US nonprofit, established by former Peace Corps Volunteers, is awarding tuition scholarships to 125 students across the Federated States of Micronesia. Funded entirely by the annual donations of individual Americans, the scholarships help cover tuition costs at independent elementary and high schools within the FSM.

Habele’s tuition scholarships ensure bright, hardworking students have access to the best elementary and secondary education possible. Based on need and merit, each Habele tuition scholarships is set at a level that maintains family ownership in student achievement while lightening the financial burden.

The scholarships cover between 50 and 75 percent of tuition and fees. Students must maintain and report high levels of academic achievement every term, applying each year for continued support.

Since 2006, more than 230 students in Micronesia have benefited from the program, which started with a single student seventeen years ago.

Of the 125 Habele Scholars for 2023-24, roughly 60 percent are female; two thirds are in elementary school, and three-in-five are from neighboring islands. Among the incumbents the average student is entering their third year as a scholarship recipient. Of the 56 students awarded scholarship last year, 52 were awarded renewals for 2023-24, one migrated to the US, two graduated high school and departed for higher education, and only one failed to report or reapply.

“Everyone -parents, teachers, and community members- want young people who are prepared to meet the challenges of the future” explained Neil Mellen, Habele’s Founder. “These targeted scholarships provide support to engaged families who are making sacrifices to provide educational opportunities for their children. Habele wants to help ensure these ambitious hardworking students are prepared to sustain and improve quality of life for their islands.

Habele Scholarships

125 Micronesian Students Awarded Habele Tuition Scholarships

A US nonprofit, established by former Peace Corps Volunteers, is awarding tuition scholarships to 125 students across the Federated States of Micronesia. Funded entirely by the annual donations of individual Americans, the scholarships help cover tuition costs at independent elementary and high schools within the FSM.

Habele’s tuition scholarships ensure bright, hardworking students have access to the best elementary and secondary education possible. Based on need and merit, each Habele tuition scholarships is set at a level that maintains family ownership in student achievement while lightening the financial burden.

The scholarships cover between 50 and 75 percent of tuition and fees. Students must maintain and report high levels of academic achievement every term, applying each year for continued support.

Since 2006, more than 230 students in Micronesia have benefited from the program, which started with a single student seventeen years ago.

Of the 125 Habele Scholars for 2023-24, roughly 60 percent are female; two thirds are in elementary school, and three-in-five are from neighboring islands. Among the incumbents the average student is entering their third year as a scholarship recipient. Of the 56 students awarded scholarship last year, 52 were awarded renewals for 2023-24, one migrated to the US, two graduated high school and departed for higher education, and only one failed to report or reapply.

“Everyone -parents, teachers, and community members- want young people who are prepared to meet the challenges of the future” explained Neil Mellen, Habele’s Founder. “These targeted scholarships provide support to engaged families who are making sacrifices to provide educational opportunities for their children. Habele wants to help ensure these ambitious hardworking students are prepared to sustain and improve quality of life for their islands.”

habele Scholarships

Habele launches 2023-24 Scholarship Fundraising

Banner Photo: Kahlea Yaromal and Rayona Bernardo, in 3rd and 4th grade respectively, are Habele scholars attending Pohnpei Catholic School.

Every spring Habele reasches out American citizens with some connection to Micronesia, asking for support to award it’s annual K12 tuition scholarships.

Promising students who need financial assistance to attend Micronesia’s top-rated elementary and high schools send Habele applications. The Fund writes checks to the school in the students’ names for fifty to seventy five percent of tuition owed. Their families pay the rest. Over the school year these students provide Habele report cards, photos and letters to report on their academic progress.

Photo: Slayton Igem is a junior at Yap Catholic High School.

Each year, the number of scholarships awarded depends on the response to this letter -Habele’s only annual fundrasing effort- and donations made at the end of the calendar year. Habele’s scholarship are entirely funded by individual donations, never grants. The bulk of Habele’s supporters are returned Peace Corps Volunteers, former State Department offocials, family of US serviceman or officials who served in the Islands, academics with regional expertise, and tourists who fell in love with Micronesia while visiting.

Photo: Shyaleen Ilawegimal of Ifaluk (Yap State) is a sixth grader attending Faith Christian Academy on Yap. In March she proudly sent a copy of her latest report card showing her 4.0 grade point average.

“I am very proud of all of Habele’s work. High school robotics, targeted book donations and cultural mentorships are all highly effective and efficient,” explained Neil Mellen, Habele’s Founder. “But our tuition scholarships -the direct investment in the future of a singular young Micronesian working to advance themselves- is what I take greatest pride in.””

Photo: Karishma Paul is a sophomore at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Pohnpei. Karishma won first place in the Pohnpei State Department of Education Science Competition in March.

In 2022-23 Habele awarded 56 tuition scholarships to students from across the four Micronesian States, attending eight different elementary and high schools. Habele hopes to award 60 scholarships for the 2023-24 school year.

habele Carving, Literacy, Robotics, Scholarships, Weaving

Report Highlights Service to Students & Schools Across Micronesia

It was a big year for Habele and the students and schools it serves across Micronesia.

The non-profit was established in 2006 by former Peace Corps Volunteers who lived and taught in these small, scattered islands. Each year since, Habele issues a report to volunteers and donors offering an overview of it’s work.

According to the report, in 2022 the charity:

Learn more about Habele work throughout 2022 in the annual report.