Reflecting on our Mes CHamoru Festivities
March 27, 2024
We had an eventful and fulfilling Mes CHamoru here at GSC, doing our part to raise awareness of food security and food sovereignty here on Guåhan.
One of the highlights of our month was our participation in the CHamoru Pop Up Market hosted at Tomhom Grill and Bar as part of their Mes CHamoru festivities. At this event, we proudly showcased our locally crafted products while immersing ourselves in the beautiful rhythms of live music and captivating CHamoru dance performances. Notably, we featured the newly published Kantan CHamoru Children's Book Series from UOG Press, a collection centered on essential CHamoru language songs, complete with English translations and beautiful illustrations.
Additionally, we had the privilege of hosting a special tour for Harry S. Truman's pre-K to 5th-grade students at our Sagan Kotturan CHamoru Community Garden. We featured the fresh, local produce that has sustained the people of Guåhan for generations, as well as our solar-powered aquaculture system, where we raise tilapia for fertilizer. Throughout their field trip, the students had the opportunity to explore each of the guma’ and witness the rich CHamoru cultural arts displayed within them, further deepening their connection to Guåhan.
This month, our educational outreach extended to St. John’s School as part of their Mes CHamoru festivities. We engaged pre-K to 12th-grade students, introducing our organization and our food sovereignty and security mission for Guåhan. Activities included an exciting 'Friend or Foe' game, where students classified bugs as pests or helpful, along with a garden tool matching game. Students had a blast while also increasing their knowledge of gardening!
As Mes CHamoru draws to a close, we reflect on the richness of our cultural heritage and the vibrant community spirit that binds us together. Let's continue to embrace and cherish the beauty and strength of the CHamoru heritage. Biba Mes CHamoru!
Students from St. John's enjoy a presentation about GSC from our Educations Program Manager Miranda Duenas.
Students from Harry S. Truman observe seedlings, the tilapia in our aquaculture tank, and pigeon peas at our Sagan Kotturan CHamoru Community Garden with GSC staff member Devin Santos and Garden Supervisor George Hollingsworth.