ClaroCom and the Tax Service Sponsor ENOCIS/FVSU Arizona Native American Youth Conference Presentation
19-20 October 2006 Arizona State University-West Campus
Educating the Underserved Peoples of the World: ENOCIS
Macon, Georgia October 24, 2006: The annual Native American Youth Conference sponsored by the Arizona Indian Education Association; the Arizona Department of Education; and the National Indian Educational Association was held this year on the West Campus of Arizona State University.
Although Arizona State University (ASU), had the home team advantage and as host a dominate and controlling presence the Enoch Olinga College of Intercultural Studies, Inc (ENOCIS) http://continue.to/enocis together with one of their affiliated US accredited universities, Fort Valley State University (FVSU) made a formidable impression during their first public outing together. James Rhodes, a trustee of ENOCIS and Native American Indian conducted a series of public workshops on higher education; test scores; and scholarships for the more than 400 attending youth and their parents.
Other presenters included Dr. Luoluo Hong-Dean of Student Affairs, ASU; Theresa Price, Miss Navajo Nation, and Dr. Peterson Zah, former Navajo Tribal President. They along with Rhodes formed the foundation and direction of the conference.
As well as the public program, Rhodes had an opportunity to give private presentations to approximately 450 youth attendees and positively impacted upon about 200 of them. Most were from the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona.
During these presentations Rhodes discussed: Extension Programs/Distance Education-Dr. Curtis Borne, FVSU, Agriculture Education also by Borne; Aquaculture, Fish/Shrimp Research, Dr. Patricia Duncan; and Specialty Plants Biotechnology, Plant Research, Dr. Nirmal Joshee, Internet Programs, Potential Native Scholarships and Programs by ENOCIS and finally Research on Raising National Test Scores via Chess Clubs by Chuck Lovingood.
Rhodes had an opportunity to explain to his audience how the ClaroCom telecommunication platform www.clarocom.com permits students to begin attending classes at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) without the necessity of leaving the Reservation and then once they do leave, call home for money, cheap!!! and everyone laughed.
Since many questions were coming from the floor about Scholarships and Financing, Rhodes explained that one of the Enoch Olinga College, Inc sponsors was the “Tax Service” who could inexpensively assist parents and students prepare their tax forms and other documents needed to apply for scholarships and financial aid at ENOCIS.
During the breaks, Rhodes was able to seek out parents and teachers to speak with them on a one-on-one basis. This set the stage for a night meeting on the Maricopa Pima Reservation, near Phoenix, where Rhodes was able to present some of the materials from the conference.
Early next month, Rhodes will make a similar presentation to some of the ranking state education officials in Phoenix.
Two for the price of one: Because of their organizational structures, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) and the American Indian Education Association (AIEA) have numerous joint members and individuals who hold offices in both organizations so those who attended the NIEA conference today will carry the ENOCIS/FVSU information to the AIEA conferences also.
Editor’s Note: Mr. Rhodes holds a B.S. from California State University and a M.A. from Webster University. Mr. Rhodes has received the Sisters of Loreto Award for Social Justice; the National Points of Light Award for volunteerism; and the Washington Times Foundation award for reporting on relevant social issues of the day.
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