Reflections on Micronesia: Collected Papers of Father Francis X. Hezel, S.J

From Habele Institute

Hezel, Francis X. (1982). Reflections on Micronesia: Collected Papers of Father Francis X. Hezel, S.J. University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Abstract: “Reflections on Micronesia: Collected Papers of Father Francis X. Hezel, S.J” is a compilation of 18 papers written by Father Francis X. Hezel, reflecting on social, economic, educational, and cultural issues in Micronesia. These papers include observations and thoughtful reflections on events in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, especially as the American administration of the islands appeared to be nearing its end.

The papers address various topics, such as the challenges faced by educational systems, the tensions between traditional values and modern expectations, and the difficulties of achieving economic self-reliance amidst dependency on external aid. Some profound discussions include the paradox of economic aid, the dynamics of education in a changing society, and long-term social and economic implications for the islands.

Father Hezel discusses the importance of self-reliance and the need for Micronesians to control their developmental decisions. He also explores how educational systems impact individual and societal roles, often creating tension between traditional expectations and modern educational outcomes. Additionally, the collection critically examines the repeated cycles of dependency introduced by foreign aid and suggests the necessity of addressing long-term developmental goals, rather than focusing solely on immediate gains.

Overall, this collection aims to provide insights into the evolving landscape of Micronesia as it navigates its future beyond the trust territory status while highlighting the complexity of integrating traditional values with modern education and economic practices.

Index: Agriculture 4, 14, 41, 65, 81 – 82, 97, 147 Art 16, 121 Canoes 24, 48, 85 Catholic Iv, 23, 91 Church 23, 25 – 26, 28 – 29 Congress 3, 18, 79, 94, 96, 106, 113 – 114, 116 – 118, 121 – 122, 128, 143 Congress Of Micronesia 18, 79, 96, 106, 113 – 114, 116 – 118, 121 – 122, 128, 143 Constitution 79 – 80, 117, 121 Ebeye 6, 13, 44, 80, 86 – 87, 107 Economic 1 – 11, 15, 17, 21, 31, 33, 36 – 43, 57 – 62, 79 – 82, 94 – 95, 97, 99 – 100, 110 – 111, 114 – 115, 117 – 120, 135 – 137, 144, 146 – 148, 153 – 159 Education Iv – Xi, 5, 7 – 8, 15, 18 – 23, 25, 28, 33, 43, 53 – 76, 78, 82, 98, 100, 104, 110 – 111, 123 – 130, 133, 136 – 137, 142 – 144, 151 – 153, 158 Jaluit 27, 44 Japan 55, 88, 97, 109 – 110 Japanese 2, 18, 54, 79, 87, 115 Kosrae 116, 121 Kwajalein 80, 114 Majuro 13, 27, 44, 86 Marshall Islands 114 Migration 37 – 40, 44, 107 Outer Islands 91, 101 Outer Islands Of Yap 91 Palau 10, 44, 47, 79 – 80, 87, 114 – 116, 121, 147, 153 – 154 Peace Corps 134, 144, 150 – 151 Political Status 18, 25, 72, 83, 113, 115 – 117, 154 Ponape (Pohnpei) 13, 38, 40, 42, 44, 47, 87, 93, 121, 124 Solomon 3, 58 Spanish 79, 87 Suicide V, 84 – 91, 93, 109 – 110, 150, 155 Tourism 10, 45 – 46, 82, 145, 147 Truk (Chuuk) Iii – Vi, Vi, 44, 47, 84, 86 – 87, 91, 93, 104, 106 – 107, 109, 116, 123 – 126, 129 – 133, 135 – 139, 142 – 143, 152 Typhoon 90, 98, 125 United Nations 5, 16, 18, 110, 114, 118 World War 2, 81, 124, 151 Yap 27, 47, 87, 91, 106, 116